Chattanooga, Tennessee is known as the Scenic City for good reason. Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau, Chattanooga is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of hikes and bouldering spots within an hour’s drive. Not to mention the gorgeous Tennessee River that runs through downtown, offering a variety of watersport activities. No matter what your outdoor interests are, you’re sure to find something to love in Chattanooga!

Things to do in Chattanooga

Tennessee Aquarium

Animal lovers will not want to miss the Tennessee Aquarium, the top-rated aquarium in the United States! Start off in the freshwater exhibits in the River Journey Building, which focuses on the freshwater ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Be sure to check out the river monsters exhibit, which feature some of the world’s largest fish from rivers. 

Once you’re done here, head to the Ocean Journey building, which focuses on the marine ecosystems of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Aside from sea life, you’ll always find some Lemurs hanging around. Don’t forget to stop by the butterfly garden, which is home to more than 1000 butterflies. 

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

This 317-acre nature center is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature. The arboretum features over 1,000 different types of trees and plants, including some rare and endangered species. Take a stroll on one of the 15 miles of trails which take you around the lake and through the property. Be sure to explore the treehouse built over the wetlands then head to the lake to explore by canoe. 

Things to do in Chattanooga- Hiking Trails

Foster Falls – Foster falls is just a short 45 minutes north west of Chattanooga. This 60 ft waterfall is an impressive one. Just a short walk from the parking lot is a view platform that offers a stunning view of the waterfall. If you’re up for a little longer of a hike, follow the trail 0.3 miles down to the base of the waterfall. Here you’ll have gorgeous views of this waterfall up close. This is a great hike year round, but in the summer I’d recommend going either in the morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. 

Julia Falls Overlook- Located at Signal Point park, this trail is a short 1 mile trip to Julia Falls Overlook! Taking you through the lush forest to a breathtaking view of the Tennessee river gorge, this trail is sure to be a favorite.

Falls Creek Falls- Only 1 hour from downtown, Fall Creek Falls is the famous waterfall located in Fall Creek Falls State Park. It a very impressive waterfall at 256 feet tall, it’s one of the largest waterfalls in the east! The view from the platform gives you a great idea of how tall the waterfall is, but to really experience it up close, I recommend hiking to the base of the falls!

Lookout Mountain

Rock City Garden– Just 6 miles from downtown, Rock City Garden is not to be missed! The foot path will take you through out the gardens including: Lover Leap, a dramatic cliff with views of seven states, Rainbow Falls, a 170 ft waterfall cascading down the mountainside, and Fairyland Caverns, a magical cave filled with life-size sculptures of nursery rhyme characters. If possible, visit on weekdays to miss the crowds and be sure to buy your tickets online. 

Sculpture Garden

Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is a 33-acre sculpture park located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is home to over 50 large-scale sculptures from a variety of artists. The park is free to visit and guests are welcome to wander around and explore the park at their own pace. This makes it a great place to get some steps in and fresh air while taking in some art.

Sunday Market

Located in the First Horizon Pavilion with over 150 vendors each weekend, the Sunday Market is a must visit! They have everything from food trucks and fresh produce, to jewelry and local art. The market is open every Sunday April- November from 11:00am- 4:00pm.

There is soo much to do in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas, this is only the beginning! Let me know your favorite thing to do in the area below!