Autumn is a magical time of year in Chattanooga, with the temperature dropping and the region enveloped in fiery fall colors. Pull out your cozy sweater and soak up the autumn sun. Whether it be a fun seasonal activity in the city or one of the area’s scenic natural sights, even if you’ve visited before the region comes alive like no other time of the year.

The Views Get Even Better

Chattanooga is a nature lover’s bounty, with great outdoor activities in and around the city. With the region boasting an extensive number of waterfalls, trails, and mountains with spectacular viewpoints, they come alive that much more with the vibrant fall colors. Leaf peepers rejoice, this is certainly a worthwhile destination for you! Enjoy the miles of hiking trails in an autumnal wonderland like Signal Mountain, Racoon Mountain, or make your way up to Sunset Rock. Walk around Lula Lake, or explore the array of green spaces such as Enterprise South Nature Park, Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, and Prentice Cooper State Park. With Chattanooga also being home to over 500 waterfalls, take your pick and enjoy the best of cascading water and striking fall colors! Or if you’re looking for views with minimal effort consider a scenic drive along tree-lined winding roads or a boat cruise on the Tennessee River. Outdoor lovers rejoice!

There’s Always Something To Do

Besides the extensive delicious restaurant options available, when it comes to looking for things to do in Chattanooga, the city has seasonal attractions for everyone with a variety of fall events and many shops have special offerings, showcasing their love for the season. Past years have featured other events such as the city’s take on Oktoberfest, Rocktoberfest, where German and harvest culture are celebrated. The region also has many things to do in Chattanooga with kids that have their own seasonal twist. For those wanting to bring home a souvenir, check out the apple and pumpkin picking options nearby

Delight And Fright

Halloween in Chattanooga means that some of the best places to visit in the city transform to welcome delighted little ghouls and goblins. Whether you’re more interested in treats or tricks the city has something for both the faint at heart as well as for spook-seekers. For something both spooky and cuddly check out Boo in the Zoo, which the zoo assures will be “The most spooktacular event of the season!”. Ruby Falls, a must-see in the region all year round for its unique and majestic in-cave waterfalls, hosts lantern tours for a unique view of the falls. They also organize their own Halloween event Dread Hollow offsite, which is claimed to be not only “A legendary, fright-filled evening” but also “A Halloween tradition in Chattanooga”. Or for a classic Halloween activity, check out a local ghost tour.

A Colorful Rafting Experience

Just because the temperature begins to dip doesn’t mean we’re quite ready to pack up our rafting gear for the year. When it comes to rafting in autumn, the Ocoee is a dam-controlled waterway, which provides a guaranteed water flow. Throw on some extra layers and take in the season’s colors as they wisp by during your exciting rafting adventure. A perfect way to inject some outdoor fun and connect with nature. Embrace the season head-on as you join us on either our half-day or full-day adventure surrounded by the stunning changing landscape.