Chattanooga and its surrounding area are abundant in outdoor activities for all interests and levels of excitement. With tranquil nature walks, cultural activities, hiking, biking, climbing, camping, and of course rafting, there is something for everyone. Come discover, connect with nature, and enjoy some outdoor fun!
Ocoee Whitewater Center
The Ocoee Whitewater Center and its surrounding area make for a great day’s outing. Located in nearby Ducktown, Tennessee, this was the original venue for the canoe slalom during the 1996 Summer Olympics, in Atlanta. Today, the area is operated by the U.S. Forest service. The Center is the perfect starting point for a variety of activities. There are hiking, biking, and walking trails through forests and native gardens. If you’re looking to cool off, non-motorized boating and swimming make for great choices. There are also a variety of both free and paid amenities, including snorkel rentals and picnic areas. Visit their website for a calendar of events. Additionally, there are dioramas of the Olympic run used for the canoe slalom, and informative maps, with the option to take in a bit of the history of this iconic site inside its visitor’s center.
Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park stretches over 9000 acres across northern Georgia (Chickamauga) and Southern Tennessee (Chattanooga). The area showcases these two key battlegrounds from the American Civil War. There are a wide range of offerings for you to see and learn from. Hear the stories of the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga, the key characters, the essential part that both women and people of color played, the history of the land, and the construction of the park. The extensive grounds open themselves to a diverse choice of activities including walking, running, hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, and kayaking. Or enjoy an afternoon picnic at this historic site! Be sure to head inside the two visitor’s centers as well as the Ochs Museum for more interesting facts and information about the area. You even have the option of joining a ranger-guided tour or heading out on your own for a self-guided tour with your smartphone.
Mountain Biking At Raccoon Mountain
For a different kind of thrill, Raccoon Mountain, in Chattanooga, offers a wide variety of mountain biking trails with primarily intermediate and difficult options, but a few easier ones as well. Hop on two wheels and check out the extensive ups and downs available to you. With a grand total of 44km for you to explore, you’ll never feel like it’s crowded. Discover a range of wooded trails and panoramic views, as well as natural obstacles such as tree roots, rocks, and dips during an exhilarating day. If you’re interested in other mountain biking spots to visit, Chattanooga has a ton for you to explore.
Rock Climbing
The rock climbing mecca of Tennessee, Chattanooga’s mountain ranges, boulders, and cliffs boast extensive options for consideration for all climbing styles. Whether it’s bouldering, top-roping, sport climbing, or traditional climbing you’ll surely find something for your taste and experience level. In addition to the exhilaration of the climb, there are also amazing panoramic views for you to enjoy. Great spots include Foster Falls, Leda, Sunset Rock, and Rocktown, and many more! For those who prefer to keep two feet on the ground at all times, many of the climbing areas are also pet friendly and feature accompanying hiking trails so your friend or loved one can stay back with your furry pal and snap some stellar photos.
Audubon Acres
Spend a tranquil afternoon strolling through the charming grounds of the Audubon Acres nature and wildlife sanctuary. Walk and hike along their 5 miles of trails and visit points of interest including the suspension bridge, which crosses the South Chickamauga Creek. If you’re looking to learn more about the area, they also offer an audio tour. For a bit more adventure, you have the option to spend the day or even camp inside the sanctuary on Maclellan Island. In addition to an extensive list of bird species, there is a great variety of animals that you’ll be able to spot within the sanctuary. Animals include foxes, raccoons, possum, beavers, groundhogs, muskrats, rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels, in addition to the occasional coyote or bobcat. Colorful insects like butterflies and dragonflies can be spotted during warmer months. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center to see the collection of Native American artifacts and 1,200 hand-done bird egg replicas.
Make the most of both your time in Chattanooga and your time outdoors with us here at Cascade Outdoors with a rafting experience during either our half-day or full-day whitewater rafting trips. With so much excitement to be had, you won’t want to head back indoors anytime soon!
