Chattanooga is a great city to explore all year long, but there’s something special about the Scenic City during the autumn months. With spectacular views of fall foliage on the surrounding mountains, Chattanooga transforms into an Instagrammers dream. Next time you’re in Chattanooga, be sure to grab your camera and visit one of these spots for the perfect fall photograph!
1. Sunset Rock
Located on the western side of Lookout Mountain, Sunset Rock is an infamous area for hikers, climbers, and photographers to hang out as the sun goes down. With multiple trails and access points, Sunset Rock can be easily hiked to from other areas on the mountain. Grab your camera and a picnic blanket and enjoy the sunset views over the Chattanooga Valley.
2. Southern Belle Riverboat
Fall leaf cruises are a perfect way to capture Chattanooga’s autumn foliage from the Tennessee Grand Canyon. The Southern Belle Riverboat offers special leaf-peeping cruises in October and November. The photos you’ll snap as you cruise along the Tennessee River look so great that they won’t even need an Instagram filter.
3. Point Park
If you only have time to snap a photo of one of Chattanooga’s iconic views, Point Park is the place to be. Located on Lookout Mountain, Point Park overlooks the historic battlefield and offers views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River. While there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the 10-acre park, the most iconic spot is between the cannons where the mountain reaches a point. Snap your photo, sit back, and watch the likes roll in.
4. Rock City
You’ve seen the billboards and barns and now is the perfect time to see Rock City! Rock City is located high atop Lookout Mountain and features giant rock formations, peaceful gardens, and spectacular views of the fall colors. Stroll across the Swing-A-Long Bridge or stand out at the Observation Point beneath Lover’s Leap to capture the stunning foliage from the mountain.
5. Stringer’s Ridge
You don’t have to venture far to find a great spot for a fall photo opportunity. Stringer’s Ridge is a 92-acre park with easy trails located just minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Climb or bike your way to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the Scenic City that’s hard to beat.
6. Lula Lake Land Trust
A short 0.1 mile hike on Lookout Mountain will take you to one of the best photo spots in the Chattanooga area: Lula Lake Falls. Located inside the Lula Lake Land Trust’s nearly 8,000 acre property, the falls are a must-see for photographers. The park is only open every first and last weekend of the month and requires advanced reservations, so make plans now to see it for yourself this fall.
7. Bluff View Art District and 8. Hunter Museum of American Art
You may not know it, but the Bluff View Art District is Chattanooga’s best-kept secret for scenic views. From the Walnut Street Bridge to the Hunter Museum of American Art to the Bluff View Inn, there are plenty of places to snap the perfect fall photo of the Tennessee River and the surrounding mountains. Grab a cup of coffee from Rembrandt’s and stroll down to the River Gallery Sculpture Garden to capture the moment this fall.
9. Coolidge Park
Where can you go to see the Tennessee River, Lookout Mountain, and all four of the bridges from one spot? Coolidge Park, of course! The North Shore park is one of the best places to enjoy a unique view of the iconic bridges from below and the nearby Lookout and Signal Mountains. Snap a photo from the riverbanks or walk across the Walnut Street Bridge for a classic Chattanooga photo op.