There are many exciting things you can do with your friends and relatives in Chattanooga on your next trip to the area, including hiking through the ancient rocks of Rock City Gardens, exploring the leafy Tennessee Riverpark, and kayaking through the Ocoee River, among other tourist activities. This article offers you the 8 most exciting things to do in Chattanooga.
8 Fun Things to Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Located on the southeastern side of Tennessee, near its border with Georgia, Chattanooga sits in the foothills of the scenic Appalachian Mountains, along the Tennessee River. The magnificent surroundings make this city a major tourist attraction site in Tennessee and the larger United States of America.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a nice getaway that offers you a rare opportunity to explore nature, then Chattanooga is a great choice. The question that every traveler asks about Chattanooga is: What are the most exciting things to do in this scenic city? Here are the most exciting things you can do on your next trip to Chattanooga.
1. Exploring Nature at the Rock City Gardens
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If you love exploring nature, Chattanooga has a lot of places that you can explore. For example, Rock City Gardens presents some of the most scenic and jaw-dropping rock formations that were formed thousands of years ago. These formations are scattered all over the serene gardens.
Furthermore, the gardens host hundreds of remarkable plant species that complete the scenic view of the park. Here, you can enjoy hikes and adventure walks as you explore the various plant species available. You can also climb to the top of the park to catch the panoramic view of the gardens and the expansive city.
The park offers an observation point at the peak of the tallest hill formation known as the “See Seven States.” From this point, you’ll have a clear view of the gardens and the neighboring sights, including the High Falls and the Chattanooga city. Don’t forget to go for a walk along the Enchanted Trail through the woodlands, the Swing-A-Long Bridge, and into the dreamlike Fairyland Caverns.
2. Exploring the Blossoming Tennessee Riverpark
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After a long tour of the bustling Chattanooga city, find time to stroll through the tranquil, ever-blossoming Tennessee Riverpark. This park is the only green space in the city where you can relax and take a breath of fresh air. Taking a casual stroll in this park is one of the easiest and most effective ways to relax after a long day touring the expansive city.
Inside the park, you’ll come across different types of wild animals, including herons that come out early in the morning to catch fish for their breakfast. The park has a 10-mile waterfront where wild animals come to quench their thirst. So, apart from exploring the blossoming greenery and enjoying the calm ambiance, you’ll also get an opportunity to encounter wild animals, some of which you’ve never seen before.
Stroll through the piers inside the park to catch a perfect glimpse of the park and its wildlife. If you love exploring different species of birds, this park is a perfect place for your bird-watching endeavors. You can find a wide variety of local species in the marsh area.
Moreover, the park has plenty of remarkable outdoor urban artwork that you can admire as you walk around. There are dozens of picnic tables and benches scattered around the park for you and your friends to relax on after the walk.
3. Kayaking Through the Ocoee River
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Does the sound of water flowing and crashing onto huge rocks help your mind relax? If so, then you’ll enjoy kayaking through the Ocoee River. This river goes through the Cherokee National Forest and it’s one of the most popular kayaking sites in the U.S.A.
Kayaking through this river will definitely get your adrenaline pumping, especially when your raft plunges down the rip-roaring white water and rapids. The Blue Hole and Bush Gardens are the “icing on the cake.” You can’t fail to notice the beautiful scenery along the river as you enjoy your ride.
If you need to take a breather in the middle of your ride, you can pull over to the side of the river and enjoy a picnic lunch as you consume all the tranquility and amazing sights the area has to offer. Make sure you’re completely drenched at the end of your ride, otherwise, you won’t have enjoyed the expedition fully.
4. Watching Sharks at the Tennessee Aquarium
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The Tennessee Aquarium is one of the most popular aquariums in the U.S.A. It’s perfect for all visitors, including children. Here, you’ll encounter some of the rarest species of fish, including yellow snappers, southern stingrays, and sandbar sharks.
It’s also home to the illuminating flashlight fish. You’ll get a rare opportunity to see clearly some of the oddest creatures of the deep sea. This aquarium offers many other creatures, including poison dart frogs, lemurs, and otters.
Your kids will love them. At the end of your tour of the aquarium, watch an IMAX film that will take you to the remotest underwater world. The wonderful images of the deep sea will forever remain etched in your mind.
5. Exploring the Underground Cascade at Ruby Falls
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Discover the secrets hidden in the subterranean realm at the center of Lookout Mountain by touring the underground cascade at Ruby Falls. You’ll be taken on a hypnotic expedition deep inside the caves where you’ll be taken back thousands of years to the pre-historic era while traveling on a glass-fronted crane.
When you get to the bottom of the cave, you can follow the path that goes deeper into the rock. The rock features some amazing old-age rock creations. You’ll also be amazed by the highest underground waterfall in the U.S.A. Remember to carry your camera so that you can capture all the memorable moments.
Please note that all visits to this waterfall are done on a guided trip for safety and a better experience. But you don’t need to worry about getting a guide because tour guides to this iconic site are readily available in Chattanooga.
6. Visiting the Chattanooga Zoo at the Warner Park
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A visit to the Chattanooga Zoo gives you a rare opportunity to interact with some of the most popular wild animals. The zoo is home to over 200 species of animals. If you’ve never seen a cougar or capybara up close and personal, you can do so at this zoo.
Here, you’ll watch the chimpanzees as they forage for lunch and see a Komodo dragon swallowing a whole goat in seconds. Other wild animals you’re likely to come across include porcupines, alpacas, and giant insects among others.
7. Visiting the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
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Montague Park sits on a 33-acre piece of public land on the southern side of Chattanooga City. It’s a public park where city residents and visitors go to relax and enjoy the incredible pieces of art created by local and international artists.
You can enjoy the gigantic and magical sculptures dotted across the park as you stroll or jog around. The park is also perfect for picnics, kite flying, and yoga sessions. It features a 1.5-mile long trail where you can go for walks or jogging.
This trail has wonderful pieces of art on either side, giving you an opportunity to admire every tiny detail as you stretch your legs. This tour doesn’t need a guide but if you want to learn more about the sculptures, there are enough tour guides to tell you the whole story behind each piece of art.
8. Strolling Over the Walnut Street Bridge
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Don’t end your tour of Chattanooga before you walk over the illustrious Walnut Street Bridge. This bridge was constructed in 1891 and it’s the one of longest pedestrian bridges in the world. It’s known for its iconic engineering and design.
Remember to carry your camera so that you can capture the memorable walk on the bridge. You’ll also enjoy magnificent views of the city and the river while walking over the bridge, especially in the evening.
