Looking For An Outdoor Adventure? Chattanooga Has You Covered!
Learn why Chattanooga has become Tennessee’s hidden gem for fun in the great outdoors!
Tennessee is no stranger to outdoor adventure. After all, boasting such natural wonders as the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, the state is chock full of great places to explore.
But you may be surprised to find out that Chattanooga is one of the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee. Twice voted "Best Town Ever" by Outside Magazine, our scenic city offers a perfect blend of urban charm and natural wonders that will satisfy even the most adventurous of souls.
So what makes Chattanooga so special? And how can you start planning the ultimate outdoor adventure vacation here?
The Top Outdoor Adventures in Chattanooga
So, where do you begin building the ultimate outdoor exploration of Chattanooga and the surrounding region? Here are some of our top picks for the area – from hiking to mountain biking and more.
Hiking in Chattanooga
Did you know that there are over 50 trailheads within 30 minutes of downtown Chattanooga? Whether you’re a new hiker or have conquered the most intense trails, you’ll find a trail to fall in love with.
Some must-try Chattanooga trails include:
Lookout Mountain: Explore the historic Point Park and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Raccoon Mountain: Challenge yourself with the 12.5-mile Raccoon Mountain Loop Trail.
Cloudland Canyon State Park: Just a short drive away, this park offers spectacular waterfall hikes.
Cumberland Trail: For serious hikers, this 300-mile trail system offers sections near Chattanooga.
Rock Climbing in Chattanooga
If hiking isn’t quite your thing (or you want to hike to an adventure!), you’ll find world-class climbing destinations around Chattanooga. Trivia Fact: Did you know Chattanooga has more rock within 25 miles than Boulder, Colorado?
Stone Fort (Little Rock City): Part of the famous "Triple Crown" of bouldering, offering over 700 problems.
Tennessee Wall: A premier trad climbing area with over 600 routes.
Sunset Rock: Offers both top-rope and trad climbing with stunning views of the Tennessee Valley.
High Point Climbing Gym: For indoor climbing or rainy days, this downtown gym even has an outdoor wall!
Mountain Biking in Chattanooga
Pedal 100+ miles of singletrack within 15 miles of downtown. Some of our top spots overlap with our hiking trails, but there are a few new ones on the list as well:
Raccoon Mountain: 30+ miles of trails ranging from beginner to expert, with stunning views of the Tennessee River Gorge.
Enterprise South Nature Park: 35+ miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails suitable for all skill levels.
Stringers Ridge: A convenient in-town trail system with flowy singletrack and technical sections.
Paddling & Rafting In Chattanooga
Here’s one of our favorites! What beats a day on the river, enjoying the slow drift (...and occasional thrilling rapid?)
From lazy floats to heart-pumping rapids, Chattanooga has it:
Tennessee River: Paddle right through downtown, exploring the Tennessee Riverpark and Maclellan Island.
Chickamauga Creek: A gentle, scenic creek perfect for beginners and families.
Ocoee River: Just an hour away, experience Olympic-caliber rapids on the 1996 Atlanta Olympic whitewater course.
Unique Outdoor Experiences
For those true thrill seekers, you won’t be disappointed. Chattanooga is also home to some adrenaline-pumping outdoor fun – including hang gliding at Lookout Mountain Flight Park and cave exploring at Ruby Falls.
Hang Gliding: Soar at Lookout Mountain Flight Park
World’s busiest hang gliding school, trains more pilots than anywhere.
Tandem flights for beginners, no experience necessary.
2,000-foot views of the Tennessee Valley.
Learn about hang gliding history at the on-site museum.
Caving: Explore underground Chattanooga
Ruby Falls: America’s deepest commercial cave and tallest underground waterfall.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns: Walking tours and wild cave expeditions.
Lookout Mountain Cave: Historic cave with Civil War significance.
Fall and Winter Fun in Chattanooga
Just because the temps are dropping doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to stop. Here are some ways to get outdoors and enjoy the changing seasons – and stay active.
Take in the Chattanooga Fall Foliage
Nothing beats leaf peeping in and around the Appalachian Mountains during the fall.
Take a scenic drive on the Tennessee River Gorge Explorer or the Cherohala Skyway.
Ride the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain for a view of the valley.
Hike Stringers Ridge or Stringer’s Ridge for in-town leaf peeping.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
For a true holiday experience perfect for the family, Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is a must-visit.
A holiday spectacle with over a million lights located on scenic Lookout Mountain.
Nightly entertainment – including visits with Santa and seasonal treats.
Four fantastical realms to explore: Arctic Kingdom, Magic Forest, North Pole Village and Yule Town.
Cozy Indoor Activities
When it’s time to get inside and enjoy the warmth, there’s still plenty to do and see in Chattanooga. Here are a few of our top tips for warming up indoors during the holiday season:
Tennessee Aquarium: One of the world’s largest freshwater aquariums.
Hunter Museum of American Art: Stunning art and architecture overlooking the river.
Chattanooga Choo Choo: Explore this historic train station turned hotel and entertainment complex.
Whatever you’re looking for – adventure or coziness – Chattanooga has it. And with a Yellow Door rental as your home you’ll be in the middle of it all!
Plan Your Chattanooga Stay with Yellow Door
There’s plenty to see and do in the great Chattanooga outdoors – but unless you’re looking to camp out under the stars, you’ll need the perfect place to stay! At Yellow Door Vacation Rentals, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your visit with premier vacation rental experiences.
With our rentals, you can enjoy the comforts of home with rentals that include large living areas, a full kitchen, and separate bedrooms. And our local team is here to help with any needs – including tips and ideas for getting the most out of your stay year-round!
With properties located in the heart of the historic Northshore District, Yellow Door puts you right in the action of the city, with plenty of access to any of the outdoor adventures on our list.
Book Today & Save
Best of all, when you book directly with Yellow Door Vacation Rentals, you can avoid unnecessary fees and get the best rate possible (more money for those hang glider tickets!) Plus, use our special discount code Save50 when booking to get $50 off your total booking through the end of the year!
Are you ready to plan the ultimate Chattanooga outdoor adventure? Our team at Yellow Door Vacation Rentals is here to help you make the most of your next trip – so book today!
Book Your Chattanooga Adventure Now