Shawanna KendrickTell us about yourself: 

I’m the director of community engagement for the District Attorney General’s Office by day. By night, I’m the founder/owner of The H2O Life. It’s a business created for the purpose of providing guidance and resources to facilitate natural and spiritual healing in outdoor spaces. We offer a safe space for women of color to grow personally and professionally as they seek to find a sense of self. 

What are your favorite fall hikes? 

Booker T. Washington State Park, Craven’s House to Point Park on Lookout Mountain, Julia Falls Overlook on Signal Mountain, and Snooper’s Rock. These areas are just a few of the most beautiful views you can see in our area. It becomes very apparent why Chattanooga is often referred to as the Scenic City.

Do you like fall or winter better for the outdoors in Chattanooga? 

As much as I love to see the leaves change from one color to the next, I absolutely love winter hiking. The trails are less crowded, which means more time for pausing and exploring. I’ve found waterfalls to be even more majestic during the winter months. Every now and then, I’ve been met on the trails by beautiful clusters of brilliantly formed ice sculptures on rocks, trees, and boulders.

What else should people know about Chattanooga's outdoors? 

There are dozens of trails to explore in the Chattanooga area. The fresh air, the scenery, and the solace are all reasons we should spend time in outdoor spaces; so, get out there and get some fresh air!


The original version of this article first appeared in a previous edition of our Magazine.