Top 5 Must-Do Hikes in Chattanooga: Epic Trails and Stunning Views
Chattanooga features over 50 trailheads within 30 minutes of downtown, boasting one of the Southeast's—and arguably the nation's—premier hiking scenes. From the slopes of Lookout Mountain to the rugged crests of Signal Mountain and the Tennessee River Gorge, the Scenic City offers a diverse network of exceptional trails. Narrowing down the options is tough, but here are five standout hikes in Chattanooga.
1. Big Daddy Loop
The Big Daddy Loop lives up to its bold name as a challenging 10-mile circuit. Composed of seven trails along the western face of Lookout Mountain, it combines strenuous uphill climbs and technical terrain, ascending near the summit before traversing the scenic Bluff Trail.
The trailhead starts at the Cravens House, midway up the mountain. From there, it links to the historic Rifle Pits Trail, descends via the Guild-Hardy double track, and connects to Gum Springs and Skyuka Trails. A steep ascent on the John Smartt Trail leads to the stunning Bluff Trail, followed by a rewarding 3-mile gradual descent back to Cravens House.
2. Cumberland Trail: North Chick
From the Montlake Road parking area, take the Lower or Upper Hogskin Trail (avoid looping back) to join the North Chickamauga Section of the Cumberland Trail. Prepare for an 8.3-mile adventure with creek crossings, wooden ladders down craggy slopes, staircases, and rugged terrain—the challenges are part of the thrill.
Highlights include overlooks like Panther Branch, refreshing cold pools, and dramatic rock formations. For a shorter out-and-back (16.6 miles total), the Stevenson Branch Campsite at mile 4.1 is an ideal turnaround or rest spot.
3. Signal Point to Rainbow Lake to Edwards Point
Beginning at historic Signal Point—a former Union Army signaling post during the Civil War—this 2.9-mile (one-way) Cumberland Trail segment is technical and rewarding. It descends a steep forested gulch, climbs the opposite side, follows a grassy ridge, and culminates at the breathtaking Edwards Point overlook.
Start with the steep "Mouse Trap" wooden stairs, reach Julia Falls Overlook within a mile for Middle Creek Gorge views, pass Rainbow Falls (hear it but stay on trail), cross Middle Creek and Rainbow Lake via a swinging bridge, then ascend to Edwards Point. The panoramic vistas of the Tennessee River, Williams Island, and downtown Chattanooga make it unforgettable.
4. Lula Lake Trails
Lula Lake is among Chattanooga's most stunning natural gems. Its punchbowl features brilliant turquoise waters framed by sandstone cliffs, evoking a Caribbean paradise. Downstream, Lula Falls dramatically cascades over a sheer cliff.
On Lookout Mountain's eastern slopes, the 8,000-acre Lula Lake Land Trust preserves this treasure, offering diverse trails along old railroad beds to overlooks, Rock Creek, and the falls' base. Trails range from 0.25 to 1.25 miles, combining for a satisfying 6-mile loop. The trust opens only the first and last weekends monthly—plan ahead.
*Note: Open Gate Days at Lula Lake Land Trust require online registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made in advance here.
5. Cumberland Trail: Possum Creek Segment
The Possum Creek Segment of the Cumberland Trail lies between North Soddy Creek Gorge (south) and Rock Creek Gorge (north). This 9.5-mile one-way route demands an early start for day hikers; consider a shuttle with cars at each trailhead.
For overnighters, campsites at miles 3.2 and 7.1 provide memorable spots. Expect signature Cumberland climbs and descents (about 1,000 feet elevation in the first four miles from Heiss Mountain Trailhead), plus cascading streams, rhododendron tunnels, ferns, wildflowers, rock bluffs, sandstone outcroppings, and Imodium Falls—a perfect summer swim spot.
