Chattanooga, Tennessee

Looking for the best hiking in Chattanooga? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Chattanooga. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Chattanooga

  • Chatsworth, Georgia

    Hike the West Overlook Trail and CCC Stone Tower Trail Loop

    4.7
    1 mi / 200 ft gain
    Fort Mountain State Park is filled with horse trails, biking trails, walking trails, camping sites, and a lake. Once you arrive at the park you pay a $5 entrance fee and will receive a park map. While visiting I walked the West Overlook Trail and came back down the CCC Tower Trail. This is a 1 mi...
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  • Benton, Tennessee

    Hike to Benton Falls

    5.0
    3.2 mi / 318 ft gain
    Start this hike from the parking lot of the Chilhowee Day Use Area (here you must remember to bring $3 cash to pay the day use fee). To begin, walk along the path to the left of the facilities until you come to the trailhead.  Start here continuing along the left-side of the lake. After passing t...
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  • Chatsworth, Georgia

    Hike the Gahuti Trail

    4.0
    8.1 mi / 1223 ft gain
    Fort Mountain rises prominently from the plateau to the West, serving as the start of the Blue Ridge Mountain range in Georgia. The Gahuti Backcountry Trail circumnavigates the mountain, with several overlooks with views in all directions.  At 8.1 miles, this hike is moderately difficult, but can...
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  • Copperhill, Tennessee

    Hike the Beech Bottom Trail to Jacks River Falls

    5.0
    9 mi / 315 ft gain
    Jacks River Falls is one of Georgia's most impressive waterfalls.  Containing several cascades that combine to an 80 foot waterfall, this destination provides spectacular views and refreshing pools to take a dip in.  You can approach the falls from either Jacks River Falls trail or the Beech Bott...
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  • Reliance, Tennessee

    Hike the Scenic Spur Trail

    5.0
    3.9 mi / 426 ft gain
    Very little elevation gain leads to an easy hike along a river right outside of the Ocoee river region. First .7 miles is very flat, then leads to some slight elevation gain but nothing too serious. This trail traverses through the lush forest for a short distance when you come across a small cre...
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  • Reliance, Tennessee

    Rainbow Falls, Cherokee National Forest

    4.8
    3.37 mi / 531 ft gain
    Starting at the parking lot, head up the trail (Clemmer #302/Scenic Spur #78) and it should say "1.7 miles to waterfalls". At the top of the hill in approximately 0.1 miles, veer to the right on trail #78. Continue for another 0.6 miles trail - #86 cuts across but continue straight on #78. From t...
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  • Chatsworth, Georgia

    Emery Creek Falls

    5.0
    5.9 mi / 833 ft gain
    The hike to the five waterfalls on the Emery Creek trail is one of the most spectacular hikes in Georgia. This trail is moderate in climb, yet secluded in the Cohutta Wilderness and challenging enough to keep crowds away. Two things to note about this trail: it is wet (there are 20 creek crossing...
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  • Sewanee, Tennessee

    Hike to Bridal Veil Falls in Sewanee, TN

    4.0
    1.5 mi / 387 ft gain
    Great short hike. Hard to find trail head, it is not marked at the parking area or where you leave the road.  Put in your gps the coordinate spot tagged above off Clara Point Rd. To get to the trailhead, you have to cross the road from small parking area and go back 20 - 30 yards, where you will ...
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  • Cowan, Tennessee

    Sewanee Perimeter Trail

    18.4 mi / 1483 ft gain
    An absolutely beautiful day-long hike around the perimeter of Monteagle Mountain, in the heart of Middle Tennessee. This perimeter trail completely circles the quaint community of Sewanee, Tennessee; as well as, the beautiful University of the South campus. While not easy, it presents a perfect...
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  • Mentone, Alabama

    Base of DeSoto Falls Trail

    4.8
    1.15 mi / 259 ft gain
    The main visitor entrance to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the upper rim of the falls. For a more private an intimate view, there is a pull off on the side of the road and trail access. Heading south on AL Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country Road 613. Afte...
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  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Fall Creek Falls

    4.7
    2.76 mi / 781 ft gain
    Fall Creek Falls State Park is sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. The 20,000-acre park is one of the most scenic parks in the country and is the largest recreation area in the state of Tennessee. It is home to a 256-foot waterfall, cascades, gorges, 5 other waterfal...
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  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Hike to Rockhouse and Cane Creek Falls

    5.0
    1 mi / 500 ft gain
    Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to multiple waterfalls. The main attraction and biggest waterfall, Fall Creek Falls, is often tourists' main destination, but I encourage you to visit the base of Rockhouse Falls and Cane Creek Falls to enjoy some quiet solitude and get away from the usual week...
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  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Hike to Fall Creek Falls Fire Tower

    4.5
    1 mi / 100 ft gain
    The tower is located in the far northeast corner of Fall Creek Falls state park. The road to get there can be rough especially if it has rained recently but any 2 wheel drive vehicle should be able to make it. When you get to the trailhead it is a small gravel pull off with a gate. From the gate ...
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  • Scenic Loop Road, Tennessee

    Base of Fall Creek Falls

    5.0
    0.86 mi / 194 ft gain
    Fall Creek Falls State Park hosts a variety of large waterfalls which can easily become confusing. The park's main attraction is the 256 foot waterfall dubbed "Fall Creek Falls." Fall Creek Falls is observable from a viewing platform less than a five minute walk from the Scenic Loop Road parking ...
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  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Photograph Buzzard's Roost Overlook

    5.0
    0.04 mi / 10 ft gain
    Located in the beautiful state park of Fall Creek Falls, you'll find this overlook along with Millikan's Overlook. Both overlooks showcase the views shown in my photos, however, Buzzard's Roost is a short walk down the side trail that gives a more solitude experience that you may be looking for. ...
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  • Summerville, Georgia

    Hike the Marble Mine Trail

    4.3
    1.7 mi / 200 ft gain
    This 1.7 mile loop is almost entirely on a wide pebbled road making this hike perfect for getting families and friends outdoors. Though there is some elevation gain, the Marble Mine Loop is quite an easy walk. Go during the Fall and the trees are boasting all the reds, oranges, and yellows of the...
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