Chattanooga Run & Brunch Guide: 5 Top Trails and Must-Try Brunch Spots
Let’s face it: everyone loves brunch. It’s the indulgent breakfast of champions, college students, early risers, and families alike—a leisurely late-morning fusion of two meals that’s arguably English’s best portmanteau. Brunch is pure relaxation and reward, where you can skip the granola for stacks of pancakes and crispy bacon guilt-free.
To truly earn those calories, pair your run with one of Chattanooga’s premier run-and-brunch combos. As local running enthusiasts with years of experience exploring these trails, we’ve curated the best pairings for runners of all levels.
1. The Bridges + The Daily Ration
Start with a scenic run across the iconic Walnut Street Bridge, linking North Shore to the Bluff View Art District. Park nearby and loop through the sculpture garden at the Hunter Museum of American Art. Return the same route or extend via the Market Street Bridge for added distance.
Cap it off with brunch at The Daily Ration, a beloved local spot since 2016. Savor high-quality coffee alongside inventive dishes like corned beef hash, huevos rancheros, southern Benedict, coconut green curry, kimchi rice bowl, or classic chicken and grits.
2. The Riverwalk + Bridgeman's Chophouse
Chattanooga’s Riverwalk is a runner’s paradise, tracing the Tennessee River for 16.1 miles from Chickamauga Dam to Lookout Mountain’s base. Park at various access points and use Hamilton County Parks’ map for mileage details. Moderate runners can tackle up to 16 miles out-and-back, or shorten segments as needed.
Reward yourself at Bridgeman's Chophouse in the renovated Read House Hotel. While famed for steaks and seafood dinners, their brunch shines with Southern staples like shrimp and grits, cornmeal pancakes with fried chicken, and bananas Foster French toast—perfect post-run fuel.
3. Reflection Riding + Bluegrass Grill
Tucked under Lookout Mountain’s western slopes, Reflection Riding Nature Center & Arboretum offers 15+ miles of trails through meadows and forests, plus a flat 3-mile gravel driving loop ideal for runners. Visit Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. in winter (Sundays at 12:30 p.m.; check hours of operation for spring/summer; closed weekdays).
Follow up at Bluegrass Grill on Main Street, where a cozy vibe and top-notch service await. Famous for potato lovers, their scrambles and hashes feature sautéed red-skinned potatoes with onion and garlic, topped with eggs, veggies, or meats for unbeatable breakfasts.
4. Stringer's Ridge + The Bitter Alibi
Stringer’s Ridge exemplifies Chattanooga’s outdoor passion. Saved in 2008 by The Trust for Public Land, The Tennessee River Gorge Trust, and locals from condo development, this 92-acre park boasts 5 miles of singletrack with stunning North Shore and river views. Park on Cherokee Boulevard (east) or Spears Avenue (west); trails suit all levels with fun climbs and twists.
Refuel at The Bitter Alibi with locally roasted Velo Coffee. This hip Houston Street spot shines with simple-yet-elegant brunch—eggs, toast, potatoes, veggies—plus mimosas, Bloody Marys, and wild drinks like the ‘Wake N Bacon’ (whiskey, OJ, honey, maple, bacon). Friendly staff seals the deal.
5. Lookout Mountain Trails + The Flying Squirrel
Lookout Mountain’s trails are trail-running gems. Tackle the Big Daddy Loop, Guild-Hardy, Point Park Loop, or the 4-mile Cravens House Loop with its quad-searing Gum Springs climb and fast Bluff Trail descent.
End at The Flying Squirrel, open early only on Sundays (expect a wait for good reason). Their refined Southern brunch features fried chicken, grits, pimento cheese, surprises, and the town’s best breakfast burrito—paired with endless mimosas.
