Hiking guide for Chattanooga – NOOGAtoday

From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and mountains, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Chattanooga area with 25 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure.

Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and safest practices for the area.

Key: Easy = 🥾| Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾

Signal Mountain

Rainbow Falls, Signal Point Park

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 2.6-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

Located on Signal Mountain, this moderate hike leads to a waterfall that often showcases rainbows in its mist on sunny afternoons.
Signal Point Park, Signal Mountain

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 5.1-mile out + back
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This popular hike passes the historic Rainbow Lake on its way to Edwards Point + has panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge. A shorter alternative is a 3.6-mile round-trip hike to Edwards Point from the Rainbow Lake trailhead.

Rainbow Lake to Edwards Point, Prentice Cooper State Forest

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 4.5-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

Hike this trail that features a waterfall. The trail is popular for all moods of hiking, walking + running — note: It takes an average of ~two hours to complete.

Edwards Point Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 3.8-mile out + back
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

One of the more popular trails in Chattanooga, this hike features multiple rock fixtures and ends with a beautiful view. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Photo by Lula Lake Land Trust

Lookout Mountain, GA

River to Clouds Route, Cloudland Canyon State Park
Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 34-mile point to point
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This newer trail connects Rising Fawn, GA to our riverwalk in St. Elmo, offering space for hikers, runners, and bikers + offers scenic views as you travel through. Note: This route passes through Lula Lake Land Trust’s Core Preserve — plan ahead.

Lula Lake, Lula Lake Land Trust, 5000 Lula Lake Rd.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 4.6-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

Voted Chattanooga’s best hike by you, dear readers, Lula Lake has various trails to enjoy on its land. While Lula Lake’s Core Preserve — which includes Lula Falls + the lake itself — is only open on select dates, its other trail systems are open to the public daily.

Durham Mine Trails, Lula Lake Land Trust

Difficulty: Varying trails with varying difficulty levels

• Length: 15-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

Great for hiking and biking for all skill levels at the historic location of the former Durham Mines. This area is also one of the best places in Georgia to collect plant fossils — you might stumble across some during your hike or bike.
Note: While located in Lula Lake Land Trust, the parking lot is open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for trail access — reservations are not required.

Glen Falls Trail, Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military National Park

Difficulty: 🥾

• Length: 2.3-mile out + back
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This hike features a rock and water formation to enjoy on hot summer days. Parking can be found on the side of Ochs Highway, but is sometimes scarce on busy days.

Prentice Cooper State Forest

Snooper’s Rock Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 5.9-mile out + back
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

Enjoy a mostly shaded trail from Indian Rockhouse to Snooper’s Rock with a couple of small water crossings. At the end, folks can see a beautiful view of the Tennessee River Gorge — the best times to visit this trail are March through October.
Ritchie Hollow to Snooper’s Rock, 17805 River Canyon Rd.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 8-mile out + back
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This is another long hike with a mountain view that pays off and a 30-ft waterfall to tide you over on the way. For an easier access point, folks can begin at Snooper’s Rock.

Stringer’s Ridge

Stringer’s Ridge via Blue Trail, Spears Avenue

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 3.3-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This trail system — conveniently located in the middle of town — is well-marked with signs to keep you on track. Make sure to check out one of the best views of Chattanooga at the lookout. Pro tip: Watch out for mountain bikers while on the trail.

Cherokee and Strut Trail, Stringer’s Ridge Park

Difficulty: 🥾

• Length: 2.4-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

A good trail for beginners and popular for birding, hiking, running + biking. The best times to visit this trail are April through September.
White Oak Connector Trail, Stringer’s Ridge Park

Difficulty: 🥾

• Length: 2.9-mile out + back
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

An easy trail in the middle of Stringer’s Ridge Park that is typically secluded if folks want to enjoy some quiet hiking time. The trail is beautiful year-round.

Aetna Mountain

Green Loop, Aetna Mountain

Difficulty: 🥾

• Length: 1.1-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This beginner-friendly trail is great for those new at hiking, running, or mountain biking and takes less than 30 minutes to complete + this trail is open year-round.
Green and Blue Loop, Aetna Mountain

Difficulty: 🥾 🥾

• Length: 2.6-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

Try a more challenging hike, run, or mountain bike ride in this area with the longer loop that takes a little over an hour to complete.

Walden’s Ridge Park

Lower Lift, Upper Lift, Upper Traverse, and Escalator Loop, 4232 W. Rd., Signal Mountain

Difficulty: 🥾 🥾

• Length: 4.5-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

Take in the sights of this newer park that has been seven years in the making on this trail with a gradual incline that is good for hiking + mountain biking enthusiasts.

W Trail, 4232 W. Rd., Signal Mountain

Difficulty: 🥾 🥾

• Length: 1.5-mile out + back
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This one is for the hikers and walkers — take a ~43-minute stroll through the park, taking in the nearby woods, creeks, and more as you travel toward Walden Falls.

Enterprise South Nature Park

Enterprise Multi-Use Trail, 190 Still Hollow Loop

Difficulty: 🥾

• Length: 1.8-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes

This trail is fit for all ages and abilities, offering paved walkways for walkers, hikers, runners + bikers. Bonus: This trail also has connector points to the park’s other trails to keep your journey going.

Hawks Ridge Loop, 190 Still Hollow Loop
Difficulty: 🥾

• Length: 2.9-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

Expect a beautiful and solitary journey along this trail during the quieter times of the day, making it perfect for trail runners and those taking a leisurely stroll.

South Cumberland State Park

Foster Falls Climbers Loop Trail, 498 Foster Falls Rd.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 2-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This trail is great for hiking + rock climbing and will lead folks to the Fiery Gizzard Trail. Check it out all year long for beautiful views.
Fiery Gizzard Trail to Raven’s Point, South Cumberland State Park

Difficulty: 🥾🥾🥾

• Length: 11.4-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 1,459 ft
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This trail features a two-mile “boulder field” climb that’s sure to leave your legs burning. If you don’t feel like going the whole way but still want great views, start at Foster Falls + hike until you’re ready to turn back. The best times to visit this trail are April through November.
Grundy Day Trail, South Cumberland State Park

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 3-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: No

This trail is a great spot for birding, camping + fishing while seeing scenic river views. There are even many spots to take a dip in the water along the way.

Downtown Chattanooga

Tennessee Riverwalk, 201 Riverfront Pkwy.

Difficulty: 🥾

• Length: 16.1-mile out + back
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Also known as the Tennessee Riverpark, this concrete trail follows the south bank of the Tennessee River. You will see runners, walkers, and cyclists.

South Chickamauga Creek Greenway, Tennessee River Park

Difficulty: 🥾

• Length: 9.4-mile out + back
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes

This trail features boardwalks and pavement that is lightly traveled by cyclists and walkers. The clear and well-maintained trail makes it easy to view wildlife. Bonus: There is access to public restrooms and parking.

Booker T. Washington State Park

Booker T. Washington Trail, 5801 Champion Rd.

Difficulty: 🥾🥾

• Length: 7.4-mile loop
• Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes

This trail is known for offering a little something for everyone as it is suitable for birding, walking, hiking + biking as you travel alongside the Tennessee River. Bonus: The park now offers all-terrain wheelchairs to be checked out for kiddos and adults.

Get the right gear

Get the right gear

Get the most out of your trip with comfortable, handy, and helpful hiking gear:

• This extra roomy fanny pack — from Chattanooga, TN-based company Burlaep — can carry all the gadgets and accessories you need for your hike.
• For the best footwear, check out Nordstrom Rack’s sneaker edit for hiking.
• If your trail demands a proper hiking boot, we like Columbia’s collection on Amazon.
• For apparel that’s both flattering and functional, we turn to small business Aesthetic Built. We love the oversized scuba hoodies for women and the muscle scallop tees for men.
• Sweat sustainably with SEAAV. Their activewear is not only performance-driven but also planet-friendly.
• Travel light (but still have room for snacks) with lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag.
• Get a good bulk deal on Perfect Bars, Clif Bars, or Kind Bars at a warehouse store like Sam’s Club.
• Whether it’s the Active Essentials Kit or the Vegan Victory Set, Fuel Goods delivers the goods to keep you going.
• Don’t forget to bring a compact, portable phone charger (you’ll thank us later).
• Bringing along your 4-legged friend? Hike in style with a new collar and leash.
• We like this Teton hiking backpack.
• We like this lightweight water bottle.
• Sweat sustainably with SEAAV. Their activewear is not only performance-driven but also planet-friendly.
• Whether it’s the Active Essentials Kit or the Vegan Victory Set, Fuel Goods delivers the goods to keep you going.
• Psst — to be ultra-prepared, here are the 10 items you should never enter a national park without, according to the National Park Service.