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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

  • Ocoee, Tennessee

    Whitewater Raft the Middle Ocoee River

    5.0
    The middle Ocoee River offers Class III and Class IV rapids through the southern Appalachian Mountains. Those with their own vessels can put into the river just below the Ocoee #2 TVA Dam. For those who do not have a vessel, there are numerous river guide companies who offer guided adventures. Th...
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  • LaFayette, Georgia

    Hike to Keown Falls

    1.8 mi / 450 ft gain
    Keown Falls Trail is a moderate loop perfect for a Spring day (especially after those April showers).  The trailhead is located in the Keown Falls picnic area which is very spacious spotted with several picnic tables. This would be a great place for a family gathering and is spacious enough that ...
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  • Dayton, Tennessee

    Hike through the Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness

    5.0
    6 mi / 900 ft gain
    The Laurel-Snow Trail was the first National Recreation Trail designated in Tennessee and at just under 35 miles from downtown Chattanooga, it is perfect for a day hike, for a day of climbing, or for setting up basecamp for the weekend. The 2,000 acre area sits along the Walden Ridge of the Cumbe...
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  • Beersheba Springs, Tennessee

    Hike to Stone Door and Alum Gap Campground

    6.8 mi / 825 ft gain
    This is a fun and easy overnight trip that is good for all ages. Start at the Stone Door Ranger Station which has plenty of parking and public restrooms as well. Follow the signs to the Stone Door Trailhead and in a short 0.8 miles you'll arrive at the edge of the gulf (canyon) and the first sign...
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  • Benton, Tennessee

    Watch the Sunset from Sugarloaf Overlook

    The overlook is easily accessible from a parking circle located off Oswald Road. Follow U.S. Highway from Ocoee, Tennessee for 8 miles then turn left onto Oswald Road. Follow Oswald Road for 2.5 miles until you encounter the overlook on your left. The overlook will be clearly marked with signage....
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  • Altamont, Tennessee

    Hike the Falls Loop Trail in South Cumberland State Park

    4.5
    3.2 mi / 500 ft gain
    Nestled in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area, the popular Falls Loop Trail begins across from the Greeter Falls parking lot. At 0.4 miles into the hike you'll reach a fork in the trail, take the left route towards Boardtree Falls. Right before reaching the waterfall you'll come upon a suspension...
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  • Altamont, Tennessee

    Greeter Falls and Blue Hole

    4.9
    1.79 mi / 417 ft gain
    An easy, yet extremely beautiful and well marked drive leads to a pretty sizable parking lot at the trailhead. There are multiple trails to hike, depending on how much time you have or how long you want to hike. This particular trail makes for a perfect day trip from Nashville, Chattanooga or Kno...
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  • Benton, Tennessee

    Take in the View at Chilhowee Overlook

    5.0
    Catch the sunset, bring friends and a picnic, or gaze at the stars from this classic Tennessee overlook! To reach Chilhowee Overlook, follow U.S. Highway from Ocoee, Tennessee for 8 miles then turn left onto Oswald Road. Follow Oswald Road for 3.75 miles until you encounter the overlook on your r...
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  • 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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