Chattanooga, Tennessee

This outdoor mecca in south-eastern Tennessee won Outside Magazine's "Best Town Ever" in 2015. And with abundant hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and more...it's easy to see why.

Top Spots in and near Chattanooga

  • 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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  • Ellijay, Georgia

    Mountain Biking Bear Creek

    Bear Creek is a southern favorite amongst the mountain biking community. There are many variations and add-ons to make this ride more challenging, but the classic up and back from the parking lot at the base of Bear Creek is one of the most rewarding and adrenaline pumping runs you will find in ...
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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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  • Copperhill, Tennessee

    Explore Ocoee Whitewater Center

    This location showcases the Ocoee river and the area used in the 1996 Olympics. This area is beautiful and has some amazing views. The drive to the whitewater center is called the Ocoee Scenic Byway and is the first national forest byway. The drive is gorgeous and features some amazing mountain v...
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  • Turtletown, Tennessee

    Mountain Bike the Brush Creek Trail (Tanasi Trail System)

    14 mi / 709 ft gain
    Brush Creek Trail belongs to the popular Tanasi Trail System in Ocoee, Tennessee. The Brush Creek Trail Trailhead is found at Boyd's Gap Overlook off US Highway 64 two miles South from the Ocoee Whitewater Center. From the parking circle, locate a gate towards the left side of the overlook. There...
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