Chattanooga Tennessee The "Scenic City"

Published: 2026

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of the Southeast's top destinations for outdoor adventures, Civil War history, family attractions, and scenic mountain views. Originally settled as Ross's Landing Trading Post in 1816, Chattanooga sits along the Tennessee River between Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. Visitors can ride a historic steam train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, descend beneath Lookout Mountain to Ruby Falls, explore Rock City, ride the famous 1895 Incline Railway, visit the award-winning Tennessee Aquarium, and tour Raccoon Mountain Caverns. History enthusiasts can explore Point Park on Lookout Mountain, where pivotal Civil War battles unfolded, while hikers enjoy scenic overlooks and breathtaking views of the Tennessee River Gorge. Known locally as "Nooga" or "Chatt," Chattanooga combines Southern hospitality with unforgettable adventures for every traveler.

Fantastic Ways to Explore Chattanooga!

Chattanooga North Shore:

Another great local restaurant is Milk & Honey! Enjoy breakfast or lunch just across the river from downtown. Highly recommend any of the coffee drinks, Hot Chicken and Waffles, Cali Grilled Chicken bowl, and homemade caramels.
Wander through boutique shops like Plum Nelly and Locals Only Gifts and Goods along the north side of the Tennessee River. Then have supper at Frazier Five & Dime, enjoying a selection of White Bean Hummus, Pan Seared Scallops, Fried Oysters, Braised Lamb Shank, or Chicken Parm!
Stroll riverside at Coolidge Park with its paved greenway running along the river, ideal for walking, running, or watching the river boats. In the center of the park is a working, restored 1894 Dentzel Antique Carousel, featuring 52 hand-carved animals and a calliope band organ.

Downtown Chattanooga Tips and hidden gems:

The Tennessee Aquarium features one of the world’s largest freshwater aquariums and an IMAX 3D theater.
Take a walk! The Walnut Street Bridge, which crosses over the Tennessee River, was initially built in 1891 and is one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges.
Hungry? Maple Street Biscuit Company is the perfect southern eatery for biscuits topped with fried chicken, sausage gravy, or spicy maple syrup. Try the “Squawking Goat” biscuit of fried chicken, goat cheese, and pepper jelly.

Chattanooga Lookout Mountain - so much to do at the base and on top:

Must DO! Ride the historic 1895 Incline Railway, which steeply ascends Lookout Mountain 1 mile at a 73% grade at its steepest point. At the top, it’s a short walk to Point Park, which commemorates the 1863 American Civil War “Battle Above The Clouds”. Park at the bottom, enjoy the day, and ride back down. Then go to Mr. T’s Pizza for pizza and ice cream. Just one block away is the Naughty Cat Café if you are a cat lover! Velvet couches, jazz music, window boxes- all to enjoy free-running cats from various shelters; enjoy watching them play, or take one home!
Just a few miles away is Ruby Falls, America’s largest 145’ underground waterfall and is 1,120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. After the falls, visit the Robert Cravens House, an 1863 Civil War home used as a Confederate headquarters by Union soldiers. This parking lot has breathtaking views of the valleys, Tennessee River oxbows, and is the trailhead to Sunset Rock. Around the corner is the historic souvenir Mountain Memories, run today by the 85-year-old daughter of Leo Lambert, who discovered Ruby Falls; get a snack and watch the Incline go by.
Up the mountain is Rock City, opened in 1932. Wander through gardens with gnome statues and fairytale characters, ending at Lover’s Leap with views of seven states. Advertising in the 1930s began with the iconic “See Rock City” slogan painted on barn roofs and walls in the South and Midwest.

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