Explore Chattanooga's Outdoors This Summer

#1 on our top hits is the great outdoors! With the Scenic City located where the ridges and valleys of the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains “Meet in the Middle” and the Tennessee River winding right through downtown, we have all the outdoor activities your heart desires. Whether your outdoor genre is more laid-back relaxation or heart-pumping thrills, we have the perfect outdoor PLAYlists to explore your favorite summer spots in Chattanooga. 

For Your “TAKE IT EASY” PLAYLIST 

Be totally immersed in nature at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, a wildlife sanctuary located at the base of Lookout Mountain on more than 300 acres with hiking trails, canoeing, animal encounters, and unlimited nature experiences. Visit one or all of Chattanooga’s must-visit parks to unwind, admire local art, or sled down a hill on a cardboard box! Venture along Chattanooga’s Riverpark for a day full of fresh air and surprises around each corner. Add more to your PLAYlist with a stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge or picnic at Enterprise South Nature Park

For Your “WILD THING” PLAYLIST 

Soar 2,000 feet and get the best views of the Tennessee Valley at Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding Flight Park. Find the best places for outdoor rock climbing and visit High Point Climbing and Fitness. Go wild with Adventure Sports Innovation, offering 22 unique adventures like a hydrofoil surfboard, a tandem Swincar, evolve electric longboard, and more. Boost up your PLAYlist by taking the highest daily jump in the south from 18,000 feet with the Chattanooga Skydiving Company, or go white water rafting down the Class IV rapids on the Ocoee River

For Your “CRUISE” PLAYLIST  

Float the Tennessee River on a relaxing, sightseeing cruise aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat

Ride up the mountain on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, one of the nation’s steepest passenger railways at a 72.7 percent grade. Take a trip through history with the Tennessee Valley Railroad aboard a restored vintage train as it runs on one of Chattanooga’s original routes completed in 1858. To jazz up your PLAYlist, take a tour of the city and river on Chattanooga Ducks or rent a bike from Bike Chattanooga to ride through town. 

For Your “COOL FOR THE SUMMER” PLAYLIST 

Run, jump, slide, and bounce at NoogaSplash, an inflatable, on-the-water obstacle course coming to Chester Frost Park or try out the thrilling Winnie 500 racing slides at Lake Winnepesaukah’s SOAKya water park. Get on the water and go paddleboarding down the Tennessee River. Fill up your PLAYlist by cooling off in Chattanooga’s awesome swimming holes or splashing around in the interactive water fountains in Coolidge Park

 

Have time for more outdoors?

For all other experiences, discover more here!

 

Chattanooga Spotify

Sounds of the Scenic City

Featuring music from local artists, upcoming festivals, and playlists from unique Chattanooga attractions like the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Songbirds, Creative Discovery Museum, Rock City + More. We've come pretty dang close to capturing the songs of the Scenic City.

Listen Now

More Summer Suggestions

For You on the Blog

Chattanooga’s Most Interesting Museums to Visit Right Now

If you are looking for some off-the-beaten-path experiences, museums are fascinating places to visit. They are filled with...

Magazine | Read More

How Food Builds Community

Here are a few of our favorite locally owned and operated restaurants that are sharing their culture on a plate. 

Magazine | Read More

Explore Chattanooga’s Uniqueness Through Art

Chattanooga is home to incredibly talented artists that create visual experiences woven throughout the community. Explore unique...

Magazine | Read More

Cozy up with your Pooch at Chattanooga’s Top Pet-friendly Accommodations

Leaving your four-legged furry friends at home? No way – bring ‘em with you to Chattanooga! We get that pets are part...

Magazine | Read More