A City in a Park, Not Just a City with Parks 

Not long ago, Chattanooga was known as one of the most polluted cities in America—buried under smog and forgotten by fresh air. But today, we’re turning that history on its head. 

We’re now officially the first National Park City in North America—and only the third in the world. 

But this isn’t just another accolade. It’s a bold reminder that the line between “city” and “nature” doesn’t have to exist. That sidewalk and skyline don’t mean the wild is out of reach. In Chattanooga, nature is part of everyday life, not something you escape to on weekends. 

We don’t live near nature. We live within it. 

That’s what it means to be a National Park City—a place where nature flows through neighborhoods, shapes infrastructure, and redefines what urban living can look like. It means believing that clean air, green spaces, and outdoor adventure shouldn’t be luxuries—they should be the norm. 

It’s a movement that began in London in 2019, grew to Adelaide, Australia, and now finds a uniquely American voice in Chattanooga. And like any good movement, ours was powered by people—over 5,000 locals signed on to the National Park City Charter, declaring a shared commitment to healthier, greener living for all. 

 Where city meets soul  

It means knowing that nature isn’t “out there” it’s right here. 

In the wind that weaves in and out of the alleyways. 

The towering trees lining our busy streets. 

The hawk circling in the skies above Broad Street. 

Our National Park City status isn’t just about having scenic views—it’s about integrating natural systems into urban life in real, tangible ways. 

What Makes a National Park City?

To earn the title, Chattanooga had to meet dozens of criteria focused on sustainability, community engagement, access to nature, and long-term planning. Here’s how we’re walking the walk:

The Infrastructure Behind Identity

Urban Trees: Living Infrastructure. 

Chattanooga is home to over 200,000 public trees, and we’re serious about keeping (and growing) them. 

  • Tree Protection Ordinance (1990, updated in 2021): Protects trees during development and ensures replacements when removal is necessary. 

  • Take Root Initiative (2024): A $6 million federally backed plan to plant trees in underserved neighborhoods, improving health outcomes and cooling the urban heat. 

  • Urban Forestry Master Plan (in development): A long-term strategy to expand the urban canopy, clean the air, and connect people with green space. 

Greener Infrastructure 

We don’t just admire nature—we work with it. 

  • Green Infrastructure Program: From rain gardens to bioswales and permeable pavement, we’re creatively managing stormwater while making the city more beautiful.  

  • Climate Action Plan (2023): Our roadmap to reach net-zero carbon emissions and zero waste by 2050—with a focus on environmental equity and access to clean air, water, and nature in every neighborhood.

How to Explore North America’s First National Park City 

When you visit Chattanooga, you don’t have to choose between urban energy and outdoor escape. This is a city that lets you do it all—sometimes before lunch. 

Paddle the Tennessee River 

Rent a kayak or paddleboard from local outfitters like L2 Outside or River Canyon Adventure and float through the city’s heart. You’ll be paddling along the Tennessee River Blueway, a 46-mile national water trail with wild bluffs, riverwalk views, and plenty of access points. From rafting to kayaking to SUP, here are some more ways to get on the water in the Chattanooga area.

Cruise the Greenways 

Grab a Bike Chattanooga rental and hop on the 16-plus-mile Tennessee Riverwalk—a green ribbon weaving through neighborhoods, art districts, and riverfront parks. Ride all the way to Stringers Ridge for wooded trails and skyline views. If you're craving more ways to explore Chattanooga on two wheels, check out this inspiration.

Hike Lookout Mountain or Wander Coolidge and Renaissance Parks 

Get golden-hour views from Sunset Rock or take a peaceful stroll through Coolidge Park and Rennaissance Park under the historic Walnut Street and Market Street Bridges. Chattanooga’s trail access is unmatched for a mid-sized city, making it easy to blend nature into your day. 

Go Underground 

Explore hidden wonders at Raccoon Mountain Caverns or Ruby Falls, where caves and underground waterfalls remind us that nature’s story runs deep—literally. Did we mention that the underground escapes are just twelve- and eleven-minute drives from downtown, respectively?