Explore Chattanooga Spring 2023

Spotlight | WHAT TO SEE

BREATHTAKING VIEWS THE AREA’S TOP OVERLOOKS

Lookout Mountain, Sunset Rock

Photo courtesty of Miles Partnership

I n a region as hilly as the area around Chattanooga, you’re guaranteed beautiful overlooks and expansive views. Chattanooga is, after all, officially nicknamed the “Scenic City,” so there are a variety of places to drive, walk, or hike to take in a picturesque view. Even Chattanooga’s downtown gives visitors plenty of opportunity to use the panoramic setting on their cameras. The Walnut Street Bridge , recently renovated and linking downtown with the North Shore, is a great place to start. One can look east or west along the Tennessee River for views of the skyline and the foliage by day and the city lights by night. The nearby Hunter Museum of American Art has another pretty view of the river and the surrounding area. On the north side of the river, Stringer’s Ridge Park is full of trails for both hiking and mountain biking and contains one of the most accessible overlooks in Chattanooga via Cherokee Trail. A great place to gaze out toward the mountains and the downtown area, there is a lot of history here. The first hostile shell fired against the Confederates holding Chattanooga during the Civil War was fired from this point. Some say the seasonal fireworks are best viewed at night from Stringer’s Ridge. The name “Chattanooga” is believed to be derived from the Creek Indian word Chat-to-to-noog-gee, meaning “rock rising to a point,” possibly referring to Lookout Mountain . True to its name, Lookout Mountain is an excellent stop for scenic views of jaw-dropping beauty. Tourist hotspot Rock City offers walking

paths and a famous overlook, and Sunset Rock is a perfect spot to take a steep but short hike for views of the surrounding valleys. The parking lot is small and on a clear evening you might have to park farther away, but locals know that the view is absolutely worth it, especially at sunset, of course! Not to be left out, Signal Mountain has some enchanting overlooks as well. Julia Falls Overlook is accessible via Signal Point with a 1.8 mile hike. It is steep but rewarding. If you want to spend a couple of hours immersed in nature, Edward’s Point Overlook is located on a 6 mile hike round trip from Signal Point. These trails abound with rocks, roots, and steps, so sturdy shoes are a must. Signal Point itself has a gorgeous view just a short walk from the parking lot. As the gateway to the extensive Cumberland Trail System, there is much to see and infinite possibilities for quick views or day-long excursions. Further away, Raccoon Mountain is home to hiker-friendly mountain biking trails, a Tennessee Valley Authority hydroelectric facility, and a Wildlife Observation Area known for sightings of whitetail deer, gray foxes, woodchucks, and bald eagles. The Raccoon Mountain Visitor’s Center offers maps of area tributaries and an overlook with a spectacular view of the river gorge below. For more scenic views, look for the Laurel Point and East Overlooks Trailheads. Rich with natural beauty and historic significance, there is no end to the possibilities in and around Chattanooga for those willing to make the journey, camera and binoculars in hand.

Spring 2023