The Tennessee River shaped Chattanooga long before the city had a name. It carved early trade routes, powered local industries, and eventually even dictated the city’s modern layout! Today, the Tennessee River continues to shape daily life in Chattanooga, winding through the city in ways that give it a unique sense of identity and plenty of things to see and do!
Riverwalk Sites
The Chattanooga Riverwalk runs for 16 miles along the Tennessee River, and it’s one of the best ways to get a feel for Chattanooga’s past. You’ll pass sculptures, murals, and plaques that share everything from Indigenous history to the rise of railroads.
One stretch you won’t want to skip is Ross’s Landing. Once a trading post and later a busy steamboat stop, the area is now a buzzing green space. It’s a waterfront area perfect for watching the river traffic with a playground, sprawling walkways, wading pools, and even an amphitheater that hosts live music events throughout the year.
You’ll also find easy access to the Tennessee Aquarium and markers that acknowledge the site’s past, including The Passage, a memorial that marks the start of the Trail of Tears and honors the thousands of Cherokee who were displaced in the 19th century.
Hop on a River Tour
If you’d like to see the river the way the explorers did, book a ride with the Chattanooga Ducks for a narrated cruise filled with tales of steamboat captains, Civil War skirmishes, and even a few sunken secrets! Legend has it, there’s still a barge full of Civil War-era whiskey hidden beneath the water near Maclellan Island. Some say it was sunk on purpose to keep Union troops from finding it. Or if you're more into sightseeing, leaf peeping, or having a nice drink or dinner on the water at sunset book a ticket aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat.
Or, if you’d prefer, you can paddle your way downriver yourself! Head to L2 Outside to rent paddleboards or kayaks and take on the Tennessee River on your own or book with Chattanooga Guided Adventures for a guided kayak tour to see sandhill cranes at the Hiawassee River, see the bats at Nickajack Cave, peep fall colors, or get up close and personal with the Chickamauga Dam and learn about the history of flooding in the area and TVA.
Riverfront Legends and Landmarks
You’ll get some of the best river views in town from the Bluff View Art District. Once a collection of historic buildings, today it’s an art-filled neighborhood with cozy restaurants and cafes.
From there, make your way across the Walnut Street Bridge. It’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world and an amazing spot for photos.
Keep going, and you’ll find yourself in Coolidge Park, where you can ride the 100-year-old carousel and enjoy amenities like a splash pad and rock climbing walls.
Riverfront Events and Festivals
During summer, Riverfront Nights fill Saturday evenings with free concerts at Ross’s Landing, complete with food trucks and lawn games. In fall, Wine Over Water turns the river into a tasting room, and the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival brings great music and barefoot dancing to the waterfront.
The riverfront also hosts pop-up art markets, free yoga sessions, and outdoor movies and concerts at Miller Plaza. There are so many things going on along the river. See what's going on this week by checking our event calendar.
Discover Chattanooga’s River Story
This is just a starting point! For more ideas on what to see and do along the Tennessee River, explore our curated guides and itineraries. You’ll find practical suggestions to help you plan your visit, organize your time, and experience Chattanooga through its landmarks, tours, and stories.
