Visitors to Chattanooga have an abundance of options when it comes to exploring the outdoors around the city. With world-class hiking, mountain biking, trail running, climbing, and paddling all within minutes of the city, the toughest part may be deciding where to start? But a Chattanooga company created a platform that can help you find the answers. RootsRated sets out to curate detailed information about all forms of outdoor activities from local experts in Chattanooga, allowing people who are new to the city to easily access to the best way to enjoy area parks, trails, mountains, and waterways. The RootsRated website is essentially the online version of walking into an outdoor store and asking, "Where can I get outside around here?" It’s like having a conversation with a local, and saves you time better spent out there getting after it.

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A map of Chattanooga on RootsRated.com highlights outdoor activities. RootsRated.com

The website is easy-to-navigate and mobile-friendly, so you can search on the go. Head over to RootsRated.com and you’ll see two bars for you to fill in that read "I’m looking for ‘blank’ near ‘blank.’" Simply select the activity you want to do and the city you want to do it near. So for example, “I’m looking for ‘climbing’ near ‘Chattanooga.’” You’re immediately hit with 30 results within 100 miles of Chattanooga, from bouldering fields to crags to local climbing gyms.

Every destination has a detailed review: location, difficulty level, permit requirements, and distance from downtown. All the information is provided by RootsRated’s network of locals, so you’ll find a quality review from someone who knows what they’re talking about. Plus, being able to see all of your options in one place ensures that you make an informed decision about where to go.

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A view from Chattanooga from Stringers Ridge. Kathryn Crouch

This means that creating your perfect adventure in Chattanooga is now easier than ever. Maybe you want to complete some of Chattanooga’s most notable hikes. Check out RootsRated’s review of the iconic Rainbow Lake Trail. You can easily find out that the trailhead is on Signal Mountain, that no permit is required, and that it’s great for families. The article also includes a brief history of the trail and a difficulty recommendation from the author, who knows the area well.

Another classic Chattanooga adventure to be found on RootsRated is mountain biking on Raccoon Mountain. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown, the park atop Raccoon Mountain features more than 30 miles of multi-use trails. Because the trail network is so extensive, it never feels too crowded and you have plenty of route options. The author of RootsRated’s review recommends some of his favorite rides there and variations to make them harder or easier.

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You can find out details on the Raccoon Mountain mountain bike trails on RootsRated. Jeff Bartlett

How about a day of climbing in the Scenic City? While RootsRated has plenty of articles on all types of outdoor climbing, you’ll also find reviews of the local climbing gyms like High Point. Located right in downtown, this state-of-the-art gym is a favorite stop of visitors to Chattanooga. It has several rooms of bouldering and top roping walls, as well as a fantastic kids’ area.

These are just a few of the dozens of outdoor adventures to be had in and around Chattanooga, where there’s certainly something for everyone— whether you’re looking for a grueling all-day trail hike or a day in the woods with little ones. RootsRated will make planning your outdoor experience quick and simple by providing easy access to reliable information from people who live and play in the Scenic City.