That other mountain community gets all the love, but Signal Mountain is a dream for those seeking to get away from it all and deep into the natural beauty of the region while still staying close to the city and all it has to offer. Named one of the “best places to live in Tennessee,” the mountaintop community is also a great place to visit.
One word: trails. Just 20-minutes from downtown, Signal Mountain offers dazzling panoramas, streams, waterfalls and hikes that stretch for miles and miles. Start your adventure at the aptly named Signal Point. You don’t even have to hike to take in the gorgeous views of the Tennessee River Gorge. If you want to hit the trails, Signal Point is a great place to start. Likewise, Edward’s Point offers everything you could want — especially if you start from Rainbow Lake. Expect steep rocky climbs, a waterfall, several scenic overlooks and then a big reward of a view at the namesake point. Pack a snack an plenty of water. It’s worth the effort.
Not a hiker? The Scenic City’s most scenic drive is up HWY 1-27 and down into to Dunlap and beyond. You’ll see a house that looks like a spaceship, plenty of places to grab lunch like Southern Star and 517 Subs. A drive through the Walden community along the brow is a must for seekers of views.
Signal Mountain is also Tennessee’s epicenter of the annual World’s Longest Yard Sale each August. Vendors and shoppers from miles around visit the sale each year, which spans from Alabama to Michigan. Bring some cash and be ready to haggle. There is literally something for everybody at the sale.
