Channel Your Inner Explorer on a Guided Hiking Trip
Looking for a great adventure near Chattanooga but new to hiking? Check out Experience Chattanooga’s hiking package, “The Best of Tennessee,” a private guided hiking tour led by local husband-and-wife team Ryan & Hope. This exclusive experience includes professional photography, transportation, and visits to two stunning locations: a breathtaking waterfall and panoramic mountain overlooks. You will even explore a historic stone passageway once used by Native Americans! Perfect for road trip enthusiasts, this moderate-level hike ($185 per adult) takes you outside the city and deep into Tennessee’s natural beauty. Best of all, they give back a portion of all bookings to the parks and communities in which they lead tours!
Expand Your Heart with Theatre
According to psychological studies, attending live theatre can improve empathy, shift attitudes, and encourage pro-social behavior. Chattanooga boasts a vibrant theatre scene, so why not catch a show while you're in town? From independent gems like Barking Legs Theater and The Seed Theatre, to seasonal outdoor performances by Scenic City Shakespeare, and grand venues like the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, there’s something for everyone. For a more intimate experience, visit the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, where local talent shines. Check their schedules online and get ready to grow your heart two sizes while enjoying the magic of live theatre!
Race Through the Treetops at Ruby Falls
Get ready for a thrilling adventure at Ruby Falls with the High Point ZIP Adventure on Lookout Mountain! Soar over 700 feet on two exhilarating ziplines, taking in breathtaking views of the Tennessee Valley from four stories above the mountainside. The adventure also features a 40-foot climbing tower with multiple routes for all skill levels. First launched in 2010, Ruby Falls has partnered with High Point Climbing and Fitness to upgrade the zipline experience with an exciting new climbing wall.
Challenge Yourself to Go the Distance
The Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon is coming up this March and has options for every skill level. The Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon consists of a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5k, and kid’s fun run. Spring 2025 is the tenth anniversary of the marathon. Organized by Chattanooga Sports, a division of Chattanooga Tourism Co., in partnership with Erlanger Health Systems, and various community partners, the event is bursting with energy and packed with unforgettable moments and extraordinary achievements.
Connect with Nature while Catching Dinner
Looking to expand your horizons Learn to fly fish with Hatch Outfitters and experience the abundant angling opportunities in the Chattanooga region and East Tennessee. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned angler, Hatch offers guided trips tailored to your skill level. Choose from instructional wade trips for trout or adventurous float trips targeting musky, smallmouth, striped bass, and more. Explore beautiful, off-the-beaten-path locations while casting flies on seasonal streams. Half-day and full-day trips are available, customized to your fishing interests!
Paddle to New Horizons
Kick off the new year with Chattanooga Guided Adventures! This outdoor recreation guide service offers a variety of unique experiences water-based in the Tennessee, Alabama, and North Georgia regions. Try the Bat Cave Sunset Kayak Tour for a blend of history and adventure or embark on a thrilling kayak trip through the Chickamauga Dam, where you will paddle into a massive 120-foot lock and witness the incredible water release process. For a more localized outing, book a downstream stand-up paddleboard trip and float down to Coolidge Park. No matter what your adventure, CGA guarantees a memorable experience in Chattanooga’s stunning outdoor spaces!
Scale New Heights at Highpoint Climbing
Speaking of Highpoint Climbing - Discover one of the most unique climbing experiences in the country at High Point Climbing and Fitness in Chattanooga! With 30,000 square feet of climbing this facility was named “the country’s coolest gym” by Climbing Magazine. Conquer the outdoor wall – which is made from transparent climbing material, allowing you to scale the heights while overlooking the city’s downtown. Want to improve your climbing game or learn more about bouldering? You can join their guided tours to scenic locations like Foster Falls, one of the Southeast's premier climbing spots. Whether you're into traditional climbing, sport climbing, or bouldering, High Point is guaranteed to give you a fresh perspective in the new year!
Explore in the Skies
Looking for a thrilling new adventure in 2025? Just 20 minutes outside of Chattanooga is Lookout Mountain Flight Park (LMFP), where you can experience stunning views of Lookout Valley while soaring through the skies. LMFP offers a world-renowned launch ramp and over twenty miles of ridge, perfect for ridge and thermal soaring. Take the first step to becoming a pilot with the Introductory Hang-Gliding Experience—start with solo flights on the bunny hills, then soar to 1,500 or 3,000 feet with a tandem flight. It is an unforgettable way to start your year with an exhilarating adventure!
Tap into your Wild Side with White Water Rafting
Looking to amplify 2025 with a guaranteed adrenaline rush? Chattanooga is the perfect starting point for a whitewater rafting quest on the Ocoee River, America’s most popular whitewater destination. With over 250,000 rafters visiting each year, it is just a 40-minute to one-hour drive from Chattanooga to Ocoee Inn Rafting. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of mountains, lakes, and forest, rafting offers a customizable and unforgettable experience that is great for families, beginner-friendly, and a superb physical challenge. For a list of recommended rafting companies, click here!
