When it comes to outdoor adventures in the Southeast, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a hidden gem. Nestled between the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River, this vibrant city is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty — from towering cliffs and scenic riverbanks to dense forests and panoramic ridge lines in Hiking Places in Chattanooga.
Top Hiking Places in Chattanooga You Can’t Miss in 2025
Whether you’re a casual walker, a weekend trail explorer, or a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge, Chattanooga offers a diverse range of hiking experiences. The city’s surrounding trails showcase waterfalls, canyons, Civil War history, and wildlife, making every hike feel like a new discovery. 🌳🦅
In this ultimate 2025 guide, we’ve rounded up 52+ of the best hiking places in Chattanooga — including famous landmarks, quiet hidden gems, dog-friendly routes, and trails perfect for families. Ready to explore? Let’s hit the trail! 🥾✨
Iconic Hiking Places in Chattanooga
These are the must-visit trails that locals and tourists alike rave about.
1. Lookout Mountain Trails
Famous for its sweeping views, Civil War history, and epic scenery. Don’t miss Sunset Rock and Point Park. 🌅
2. Cravens House to Sunset Rock
A moderate, 3-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga.
3. Signal Point Trail (Cumberland Trail)
Part of the National Scenic Trail System — expect panoramic overlooks and peaceful paths.
4. Guild-Hardy Trail
A gentle incline and historical railroad remnants make this an engaging and scenic hike.
5. Snooper’s Rock Trail
One of the most Instagrammable spots around! Overlooks the Tennessee River Gorge.
Family-Friendly Hiking Trails 👨👩👧👦
Perfect for kids, beginners, and those looking for a relaxing day outdoors.
6. Greenway Farm Trails
Flat trails, wooded paths, and river access. Great for walking, biking, and picnics.
7. Chester Frost Park
Beautiful lake views and a variety of short trails for the whole family.
8. Enterprise South Nature Park
Well-marked, shaded trails of varying lengths. Offers paved and unpaved options.
9. Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
Wildflowers, wildlife, and learning opportunities. Ideal for families with small children.
10. Camp Jordan Trails
Easy, green space trails with playgrounds and open fields nearby.
Moderate to Challenging Hikes
Great for those wanting a little cardio and a lot of scenery.
11. Stringers Ridge Trail
Close to downtown with multiple loop options and city views. 🏙️
12. Edward’s Point Trail
A 5-mile roundtrip hike that ends with a stunning bluff overlooking the valley.
13. Blue Hole Trail
Known for its waterfall and swimming hole — moderately strenuous but rewarding. 💧
14. Cumberland Trail: North Chickamauga Segment
Rock formations, river crossings, and rugged beauty. Prepare for elevation!
15. Raccoon Mountain Reservoir Loop
12-mile loop around the top of the mountain with diverse terrain and lake views.
Instagrammable Hiking Places in Chattanooga 📷✨
Bring your camera! These trails are picture-perfect.
16. Sunset Rock
Golden hour from here is unforgettable. Short trail, big payoff.
17. Signal Mountain Overlook
Perfect backdrop for mountain selfies and panoramic shots.
18. Rainbow Lake Trail
Includes a swinging bridge, lush forest, and a beautiful creek.
19. Falling Water Falls
Short walk to an incredible 110-ft waterfall near Signal Mountain.
20. Julia Falls Overlook
Not well-known, but incredibly photogenic — especially in spring or fall.
Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Chattanooga 🐶
Bring your furry friend along for the adventure!
21. South Chickamauga Creek Greenway
A long, paved trail that’s perfect for a leashed stroll with your pup.
22. Lookout Mountain Battlefield Trails
Dogs are welcome on-leash, and the paths offer shade and scenery.
23. Stringers Ridge
A local dog-owner favorite with loops and soft dirt paths.
24. North Chick Creek Gorge
Challenging terrain but worth it if your dog loves adventure and water!
25. Reflection Riding
Leash up and explore boardwalks, woods, and wetlands with your pup.
Best Trails for Wildflowers & Springtime 🌼
Experience Chattanooga in bloom with these flower-filled hikes.
26. Reflection Riding Spring Loop
Flourishes with native wildflowers in March and April.
27. Enterprise South Wildflower Trail
Short, sweet, and colorful in spring.
28. Audubon Acres Trail
Historic and bursting with flora in the right season.
29. Middle Creek Trail
A hidden gem with ferns, flowers, and flowing water.
30. Mabbitt Springs Trail
Less-traveled and ideal for early spring hiking.
Sunrise & Sunset Hiking Spots 🌞🌄
Capture the magic of golden hour in these scenic spots.
31. Point Park at Dawn
Gorgeous views of the city waking up below.
32. Sunset Rock (again!)
It’s in the name — and the sunsets really are worth it.
33. Mullens Cove Loop at Sunset
A moderately difficult loop, great for evening hikers.
34. Edward’s Point at Sunrise
Early start, epic light — perfect for photographers.
35. Signal Crest Trail
Short climb with rewarding morning views.
Hidden Gem Hiking Places in Chattanooga
Off-the-beaten-path trails for peace and solitude.
36. South Cumberland State Park Trails
Near Chattanooga, offering backcountry hikes and waterfalls.
37. Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail
Boardwalks, boulders, and water crossings — super underrated.
38. Grundy Forest Day Loop
An hour from town, but worth the drive for mossy paths and cool temps.
39. Pot Point Loop
Part of the River Gorge — 11 miles of wildlife and solitude.
40. W Road Trail (unofficial)
Locals know it — fewer crowds, more charm.
Best Day Trip Hikes Near Chattanooga
Pack a lunch and make a day of it at these awesome spots.
41. Cloudland Canyon State Park
Just 30 minutes away. Waterfalls, canyons, and epic overlooks.
42. Savage Gulf Natural Area
Deep gorges, swinging bridges, and rugged backcountry beauty.
43. Rock Island State Park
A bit farther, but worth it for unique rock formations and falls.
44. Foster Falls
A fantastic swimming hole + climbing access + hiking trail.
45. Greeter Falls
Double waterfall magic and a short hike to get there.
Bonus Picks for 2025
New, renovated, or under-the-radar trails to check out this year.
46.Walnut Street Bridge + Coolidge Park Trails
Urban meets nature on this beautiful downtown river loop.
47. Tennessee Riverwalk
Now extended — 16 miles from the dam to downtown.
48. White Oak Mountain Trails
Newer system gaining popularity — near Collegedale.
49. Varnell Springs Trails
Restored trails with boardwalks and birdwatching.
50. Dallas Island Loop (Chester Frost Park)
A cool lakeside loop that feels like an island adventure.
51. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Trail Loop
Explore nature right near campus.
52. Booker T. Washington State Park
Shaded paths, waterfront views, and history.
Chattanooga’s Trails Are Calling
Chattanooga is more than just a city — it’s a natural playground waiting to be explored. With mountains, rivers, forests, and historic sites all around, the hiking places in Chattanooga offer something for everyone in 2025. Whether you’re catching a sunset at Sunset Rock, spotting wildflowers at Reflection Riding, or cooling off at Blue Hole, there’s no shortage of outdoor wonder here. 🌳💚
So pack your daypack, bring your camera, and experience the best of Tennessee’s trail magic — one step at a time.
I’m Lily Wilson, a traveler, storyteller, and soul-searcher from the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. At LilyOnTheGo.com, every journey begins with curiosity, courage, and a trusty carry-on. Travel, for me, has never been about ticking places off a bucket list. It’s about chasing sunrises in unfamiliar cities, sharing laughs with strangers who become friends.