Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Adventures in Chattanooga
Dog lovers have countless reasons to adore Chattanooga. Leashed dogs are welcome in most parks and many top attractions. Surrounded by scenic trails perfect for pets, the Scenic City is ideal for a fun weekend getaway with your four-legged companion.
Dog Parks
Chattanooga boasts several off-leash dog parks. Chattanooga Chew Chew Canine Park features fenced areas for small and large dogs, ample green space, benches, fire hydrants, water fountains, waste stations, and agility equipment. Located off the Riverwalk near downtown, it's adjacent to the First Tennessee Pavilion. Greenway Farm offers expansive fenced spaces for small and large dogs, shaded trees, water fountains, and benches—a short drive but worth it.
Dog-Friendly Trails
Most trails around Chattanooga welcome leashed dogs. A favorite is the short hike to Glen Falls on Lookout Mountain—great for a dip when conditions allow. Other Lookout Mountain gems include the Guild Trail, Cravens House, and Bluff Trail. Nearby options: North Chickamauga Creek, Cumberland Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest, Enterprise South Nature Park, Raccoon Mountain, and Stringer’s Ridge. From quick 20-minute walks to full-day hikes, scenic paths abound minutes from downtown.
Dog-Friendly Attractions
Explore major sites with your dog. Rock City allows leashed dogs on woodland trails and in gardens. Ruby Falls provides free on-site kennels (unsupervised) as pets aren't allowed in the cavern. Chattanooga Ghost Tours welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs on nightly tours from the downtown side of Walnut Street Bridge.
A must-do: Stroll the iconic Walnut Street Bridge, built in 1891 as one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges linking downtown to the North Shore. Popular with humans and dogs alike. Stop at the Ice Cream Show on the south side for a dog treat of frozen vanilla, peanut butter, and bananas.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Many spots offer outdoor seating for leashed dogs. Favorites: Hair of the Dog Pub with shaded back porch seating and fans. Universal Joint Bar & Restaurant in a former filling station serves sandwiches, burgers, and Southern classics. For full lists of dog-friendly hotels, attractions, and restaurants, visit here.
Dog Essentials
Nooga Paws, a local natural pet market on the North Shore, stocks forgotten items and offers self-serve dog washes. For emergencies, 24/7 clinics include Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Chattanooga and Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals.
Photo Credits: Chattanooga Tourism Co., Brian Wleklinski, Evan Castellano & Liz Fieser x2
