Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee

To hit one of the best panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge, head into Prentice Cooper State Forest and head straight for Snoopers Rock. This 6,000+ acre protected park is home to over 35 miles of trails, campsites, and so much more.To access Snoopers Rock, you can drive through Prentice ...

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...

Middle Creek Falls, despite its proximity to the Cumberland Trail hikes, has no official designated trail. However, there is a pull-off on Suck Creek Road (informally marked by graffiti and bumper stickers adorning the guard rail) with room on either side of the street to park.  The trail begins ...

Most Rainbow Lake Trail hikers have seen or heard the majestic Rainbow Falls, but fewer have ventured down the treacherous path to the falls themselves. Albeit a bit daunting, especially if there has been recent rain, the path from Rainbow Lake Trail down to Rainbow Falls is a rewarding trek for ...

The Edwards Point Trail near Signal Mountain, Tennessee, is a 3.95-mile out-and-back trail that offers stunning views of the Tennessee River Gorge. Starting from Signal Point, the trail quickly descends into Middle Creek Gorge and winds through a scenic landscape that includes Rainbow Lake and ro...

The Signal Point to Edwards Points trail serves as the southernmost leg of the Cumberland Trail, winding through part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. From the initial Signal Point overlook, the path descends into Middle Creek Gorge, passes through the Rainbow Lake Wilde...

You park just west of the map waypoint on the wide shoulder (remember to lock your car, thefts have been reported in this area).  The trailhead is really just an opening on the side of the road. Follow this to the creek and start making your way along the rocks upstream.  The difficulty of the cl...

Lake Nickajack has an incredible stretch of 50' limestone that is only accessible by water. The beauty of this wall is that a majority is vertical to slightly overhung, so you can ascend and at any time and just drop into the deep waters below. The limestone is covered in tufas, so plenty of op...

Stripmine Falls is not the biggest waterfall in the area, but it is both beautiful and accessible with just a short and easy out-and-back (or loop) hike.  The additional attraction of cool swimming pools along Chickamauga creek make this an ideal destination for a day full of relaxation and adven...

After an easy 25 minute drive from Chattanooga you will reach North Chickamauga Gorge on Montlake Road in Soddy Daisy. Park any where in the gravel loop just make sure other cars can get through. From the Montlake Road Trailhead Kiosk the trail begins on an old mining road. Hogskin Upper Loop Tr...

Stone Fort sits atop the Cumberland Plateau just half an hour from downtown Chattanooga, and is one of the premiere bouldering locations in the Southeast. One of the three sites of the annual Triple Crown Bouldering competition, Stone Fort offers a wealth of climbing problems for any climber's a...

Take a leisurely 6.2-mile paddle along this stretch of the Tennessee River. River access via boat ramps at both ends makes this a beginner-level paddle with breathtaking views and plenty of wildlife along the way.  Be sure to have a shuttle car parked at the takeout. 

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...

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...

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 ...

Raccoon Mountain is an extensive, yet newer system of singletrack that circle the TVA Raccoon Mountain pumped storage facility, just 15 minutes east of downtown. The 30 miles of trails primarily span from intermediate to advanced levels, but a few beginner friendly routes can be found as well.Gra...