Fall in Chattanooga. Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism

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Chattanooga has been named a “Best Town” by numerous lists over the years, primarily for its outdoor amenities. My first visit to this southeastern Tennessee city was a charming surprise, and I discovered their secret: water.

Chattanooga was originally founded in 1816 as a trading post on the Tennessee River, which today winds through this city of 184,000 people at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The city’s name was made famous thanks in part to its history as a regional railroad hub and then the Glenn Miller Orchestra song, “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” but today trains are not the draw here.

In this landlocked state, the water has created several unique experiences to enjoy while visiting Chattanooga. You can choose your adventure based on how much time you have, your current abilities or preferences, and what season it is.

Fall in Chattanooga is spectacular when a variety of tree leaves—red maple, tulip poplar, eastern redbud, white oak, and more—turn brilliant colors to further enhance your delights here.

Whether you’re staying on the city’s southside (I found the Kinley Hotel to be perfectly located for walking to many restaurants) or closer to the city center (the Edwin Hotel has river views), you can plan an outing that includes a watery excursion—either paddling, splashing, or viewing.

For the Adventure Lovers:

Nighttime Kayaking to Nickajack Cave

A view from the kayak of the dam kayak to the Tennesee River in Chattanooga. Photo courtesy of Mindy Sink
A view from the kayak of the dam lock opening to the Tennessee River in Chattanooga. Photo courtesy of Mindy Sink

Schedule with Chattanooga Guided Adventures for an unforgettable nighttime kayaking trip just outside of the city to Nickajack Cave. This cave is home to an estimated 100,000 bats who leave their home at sunset to hunt for bugs. The paddling is a gentle three miles, and you might see other wildlife, too. You will need your own reliable transportation to get to and from the lake at night.

Dam Lock Kayak Tour

Take a few moments to reflect and learn about the Trail of Tears at this monument, The Passage, by Team Gadugi in Chattanooga. Photo by Mindy Sink
Take a few moments to reflect and learn about the Trail of Tears at this monument, The Passage, by Team Gadugi in Chattanooga. Photo by Mindy Sink

Chattanooga Guided Adventures also offers a Chickamauga Dam Lock Tour in the day that has its own thrills. The tour starts on the reservoir, and then kayakers paddle to the lock on the dam, where the guide is in touch with controllers to enter the lock. Once the boats are secured, the water is lowered—kind of like letting the water out of the bathtub—and the lock is reopened on the other side, where you continue your outing on the Tennessee River. We saw a variety of birds as we chatted and paddled along the river.

Also, check out their fall colors kayak tour in the Tennessee River Gorge.

Best Tips & Tools to Plan Your Trip

Paddleboard to Maclellan Island

I was intrigued by the option to paddleboard to Maclellan Island, which sits in the middle of the Tennessee River, just below the Hunter Museum of American Art. Rent a standup paddleboard from L2 Outside to explore the island, the river, and the cliffs below the museum. Maclellan Island is managed by the Chattanooga Audubon Society and visitors might see great blue heron and other waterfowl. Permits are available for camping on this island too.

For the Sightseers:

Walk or Bike the Walnut Street Bridge

From the Walnut Street Bridge you can see paddleboarders and boaters as they go to and from Maclellan Island on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga. Photo by Mindy Sink
From the Walnut Street Bridge, you can see paddleboarders and boaters as they go to and from Maclellan Island on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga. Photo by Mindy Sink

The historic Walnut Street Bridge spans the Tennessee River, connecting the city’s center with the northside via a 2,376-foot-wide pedestrian walkway. It is considered one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges.

You can walk or ride a bike over this half-mile stretch, and check to see if there are any upcoming events you can attend. During my visit it was “Wine Over Water,” an annual event that includes food, wine tastings, and live music as you watch sun go down. From the bridge, you can see Maclellan Island, the city’s skyline, and the surrounding mountains.

This bridge is considered part of Coolidge Park, a waterfront park on the city’s North Shore that includes a welcoming splash fountain with a view of the river. On a warm day, the whole family can cool off here.

Walk or Bike Along the Tennessee River

With at least 16 miles of paved pathways along the Tennessee River, you can choose to walk or rent a bike to see more of the city at your own pace on this tree-lined outing. Plan the day around points of interest or where you want to stop for food and drinks using an interactive map.

One possible stop along the way could be “The Passage,” a stairway cascade of water memorializing the Cherokee people who originally lived here before being forced to leave during what is called the Trail of Tears. This was made by Team Gadugi. Today, you’re likely to see families cooling off in the little waterfalls along the riverbanks.

Visit Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain

From Lookout Mountain you can see the Tennessee River wind through Chattanooga. Photo by Mindy Sink
From Lookout Mountain, you can see the Tennessee River wind through Chattanooga. Photo by Mindy Sink

Visiting Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain is considered a must-see for travelers of all ages to Chattanooga. A guide brings groups down inside the mountain by elevator, where you are then led through a series of tunnels (well-lit unless you opt for the lantern tour) to a room where a 145-foot waterfall gushes into a small pool.

I have to say, I thought the brief light and music show would be corny, but it was a thrill. You can read more about Ruby Falls in “Top 7 Ways to Experience Chattanooga, Tennessee.”

These aren’t all of the water activities in Chattanooga or surrounding areas, but it’s enough to get out and see the city’s architecture, public art, and natural beauty.

If You Go:

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Author Bio: Mindy Sink is a travel guidebook author and freelance travel writer based in Denver, Colorado. You can see her latest adventures and bylines on social media and her website, www.mindysink.com.

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