Chattanooga Trail Running Guide: Top Trails, Races, and Getting Started

Chattanooga is rapidly emerging as one of the nation's top trail running destinations, thanks to dedicated nonprofits and volunteers like Wild Trails, The Friends of the Cumberland Trail, Lookout Mountain Conservancy, and the Land Trust for Tennessee. Residents and visitors enjoy over 50 trailheads within 30 minutes of downtown.

The local trail running scene is thriving, with weekly group trail runs drawing hundreds. Race organizers including Wild Trails (10 dates, 17 races), Rock/Creek, and the Chattanooga Track Club host at least 12 events annually. For newcomers, trail running is an ideal entry to Chattanooga's world-class outdoor activities, from climbing to whitewater paddling. Here are four must-try spots to begin your adventure.

1. Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain, an iconic Chattanooga landmark and part of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, offers protected trails from Civil War-era history. Just minutes from downtown, access an extensive network winding up and down the plateau.

Start at the historic Cravens House, midway up the mountain, for stunning city views and easy trail access. The Bluff Trail, reachable from here and other points, is a highlight with panoramic vistas of the southern Appalachians from 2,000 feet above the valley.

2. Raccoon Mountain
For a challenging 13-mile loop rivaling Lookout's views, head to Raccoon Mountain. Share trails with mountain bikers amid varied loop options; the east overlook is only 15 minutes from downtown.

3. Stringers Ridge
Experience urban nature at its finest on Stringers Ridge, just 5 minutes from downtown and 2 from North Shore. Enjoy punchy ascents, fast descents, and roller-coaster terrain. Watch for bikers and directional signs.

4. Signal Mountain and the Cumberland Trail
Signal Mountain, southern end of the Cumberland Plateau, boasts creek gullies, cliffs, waterfalls, and views of the Tennessee River Gorge—the 'Grand Canyon of the Tennessee.' Try the 6-mile out-and-back from Suck Creek Road to Mushroom Rock for climbs, gorges, and bridges. Or tackle the 12-mile Signal Point to Mushroom Rock for epic gorge panoramas.

Photo credits: Mark McKnight, Rodger Ling & Rock/Creek