Chattanooga, TN
Trip Details:
Exploring the city of Chattanooga as well as going all over, inside and out of Lookout Mountain.
Trip Type: Weekend to Half Week
Destinations: Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo
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Hotels: Plenty of options along I-24 outside the city by Lookout Mountain
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chattanooga-Lookout Mtn, an IHG Hotel
Best Western Royal Inn
Plenty of options downtown for easy access yet more expensive
Courtyard Chattanooga Downtown
Holiday Inn & Suites Chattanooga Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Using Google Maps, you can copy and paste the location name or coordinates into the google map search to find them, since most do not have the exact locations listed on their maps. It is recommended to visit the visitor center/main office buildings to obtain a map, and talk with the Rangers about the park.
Can always pick up a souvenir as well.
Rock City Gardens
Link: https://www.seerockcity.com/
Main Building: Rock City Gardens Ticket Plaza
Park Type: Mountain
Unique Features: Seven States Flag Court panoramic view, Lover’s Leap, Fairyland Caverns, High Falls, Stone paths and gardens
Hiking Trails:
Rock City is a natural rock garden consisting of 6 self-guided paths. Each guest can choose their own adventure and route. Recommended to take all of them.
The Seven States Overlook in Rock City
Eagle's Nest overlook image from within Chickamauga Military Park
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
Link: https://www.nps.gov/chch/index.htm
Main Office: Located in Point Park;
Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center - 110 Point Park Rd, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
Park Type: NPS Historic Battlefield
Hiking Trails: Chickamauga Battlefield contains around 50 miles of hiking trails, and the Lookout Mountain Battlefield has around 30 miles of trails.
Recommended Highlights to see include: Eagle’s Nest, Sunset Rock, Glen Falls, and take a ride on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Ruby Falls
Link: https://www.rubyfalls.com/
Main Building: 1720 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409
Park Type: Underground Waterfall
Unique Features: Guided 260-ft underground tours to see the 145-ft underground waterfall, plus overlook views of Chattanooga from the Mountain Tower.
Open Daily, must by tickets online.
Chattanooga Zoo
Link: https://www.chattzoo.org/
Main Entrance: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Park Type: Zoo
Details: Open Daily 9am-5pm
Tennessee Aquarium
Link: https://tnaqua.org/
Address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Parking: Republic Parking; 142 W Aquarium Way Parking; Pay to Park by hour
Details: This aquarium is split into two separate building that are right beside each other. One ticket will get you into both buildings.
Hiking Trails:
Tennessee Riverwalk to Walnut St. Bridge for excellent views of the Tennessee River. Located right behind the aquarium.