5 Active Adventures to Experience Chattanooga's Stunning Fall Foliage
Autumn is in full swing in Chattanooga. After early October's hurricane rains, the area has enjoyed ideal fall weather with clear blue skies. Leaves are turning vibrantly in the higher elevations of Lookout and Signal Mountains.
While cozy coffee shops and fireplaces beckon, save those for winter. Instead, embrace the season with active outdoor pursuits in Chattanooga's woods and waterways. There's no better time to explore the Scenic City.
Hiking
Lula Lake, just outside downtown Chattanooga, ranks among the Southeast's most beautiful destinations. Plan ahead for this scenic gem managed by the Lula Lake Land Trust, offering over six miles of trails with breathtaking views at every turn. It's open to the public only on the first and last Saturday of each month, excluding holidays.
Key highlights include: the upper falls and Lula Lake, viewed from a historic 1800s railroad bed, featuring turquoise waters fed by a small waterfall; the dramatic lower falls, reached via a steep trail (not for young children or those with limited mobility), plunging nearly 100 feet into a vast basin; and a panoramic overlook of the Chattanooga Valley from the east brow, accessible by moderate gravel road or singletrack trail.
Paddling
The Tennessee Riverpark provides easy access to prime paddling on South Chickamauga Creek. Launch from the floating canoe dock and head miles in either direction. Downstream leads quickly to the Tennessee River's sheltered shores; upstream offers shaded, calm waters with low traffic, paralleled by the greenway. Reach Sterchi Farm boat ramp after two miles; currents stay mild until Lightfoot Mill Road, five miles up. Ideal for all skill levels, with advanced paddlers able to reach downtown.
Mountain Biking
With Raccoon Mountain closed for maintenance (October 17-November 21), head to Enterprise South Nature Park off Volkswagen Drive, just 20 minutes from downtown. Enjoy 13 miles of bike-friendly trails (Black Forest, TNT, Log Rhythm), plus hiker/trail runner paths.
Black Forest is a fast, beginner-friendly loop with minimal elevation and no technical features. TNT adds rollers, roots, rocks, and a pump track. Both are directional—follow signs. Log Rhythm features a steep climb to rolling descents with optional log rides and bridges.
Trail Running
Start at historic Craven's House, midway up Lookout Mountain past Ruby Falls, with stunning Chattanooga views and rich Civil War history. Top trails include:
- The Big Daddy Loop on the Bluff Trail, a 10-mile singletrack loop.
- The Guild Hardy Trail, a 5-mile path along an old railroad bed.
- Point Park Loop, a 4.5-mile route to the city's best overlook.
Moderately technical and challenging, these trails offer panoramic ridge-and-valley vistas around every corner.
Climbing
Sunset Rock at Sunset Park in Chickamauga Battlefield Park is the crown jewel of southern sandstone climbing on Lookout Mountain's west brow. A short five-minute approach leads to high-quality routes for all levels, easily top-roped or led. This historic crag shaped Chattanooga's climbing scene.
Photos by: Brent Moore, Rodger Ling, Elizabeth Glas & Ron Jones
