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If you’re looking for stunning views, Chattanooga has plenty to offer. This beautiful city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and valleys, providing a variety of breathtaking vistas to enjoy.
From historic landmarks to natural wonders, there’s no shortage of places to take in the beauty of this area in the state of Tennessee. It’s known as a scenic city for good reason!
One of the most iconic overlooks in Chattanooga is Sunset Rock, located on the western side of Lookout Mountain. It offers a panoramic view of the city and the Tennessee River, making it a popular spot for hikers, trail runners, and sunset watchers. But Sunset Rock is just one of many places to enjoy the scenery in Chattanooga. Whether you prefer urban skylines or rolling hills, there’s a view for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best views in Chattanooga, from popular tourist destinations to hidden gems. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, we hope to inspire you to appreciate the natural beauty of our city and its surroundings. So let’s grab our cameras and get ready to take in some of the most stunning views in Chattanooga.
Lookout Mountain
We highly recommend a visit to Lookout Mountain for breathtaking views of Chattanooga and its surrounding areas. Situated 2,000 feet above sea level, Lookout Mountain offers some of the most stunning vistas in the region. There are several attractions on the mountain that offer unique perspectives of the area, including Rock City Gardens, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (known as America’s most amazing mile) and Ruby Falls.
Rock City Gardens
Rock City Gardens is a must-visit attraction on Lookout Mountain. This natural wonderland features a variety of gardens, rock formations, and breathtaking views. The highlight of the gardens is the famous “See Seven States” view, which offers a panoramic vista of seven states from a single location. Visitors can also explore the Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, which feature whimsical sculptures and scenes from nursery rhymes.
Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is another must-visit attraction on Lookout Mountain. This underground waterfall is located 1,120 feet below the surface and is one of the tallest and deepest underground waterfalls in the world. Visitors can take an elevator down to the cave and then walk along a paved path to the waterfall. Along the way, they will see stunning rock formations and learn about the history of the cave. The waterfall itself is illuminated with colorful lights, making for a truly magical experience.
Overall, Lookout Mountain is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for stunning views of Chattanooga and its surrounding areas. If you are interested in Civil War history, be sure to check out the Battle of Lookout Mountain, part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (part of the National Park Service).
Walnut Street Bridge
We cannot talk about the best views in Chattanooga without mentioning the iconic Walnut Street Bridge in the downtown area of the city. This pedestrian bridge connects the Downtown Arts District to Northshore’s Frazier Avenue, and it offers breathtaking views of the Tennessee River and the city skyline.
Originally built in 1890 as a vehicular bridge, it was converted into a pedestrian bridge in 2001 after facing the threat of demolition. Today, it stands as one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world and a beloved landmark of Chattanooga.
Walking across the Walnut Street Bridge is an experience like no other. With its wooden planks and steel trusses, it offers a unique perspective of the city and the river. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a walk across the bridge is a must-do activity in Chattanooga.
Aside from the stunning views, the Walnut Street Bridge offers plenty of opportunities for entertainment and relaxation. The bridge is surrounded by parks and green spaces, making it the perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Additionally, it hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Wine Over Water festival.
Coolidge Park
When it comes to the best views in Chattanooga, Coolidge Park is definitely a must-visit destination. Located on the North Shore of the Tennessee River, this park offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, have a picnic, or take a walk, Coolidge Park has something for everyone.
One of the most popular attractions at Coolidge Park is the historic carousel, which features hand-carved animals and is a favorite among children and adults alike. You can also cool off during the hot summer months at the park’s large splash pad, which is a great way to beat the heat and have some fun.
If you’re looking for a more active way to enjoy the park, there are plenty of options. You can rent a bike and explore the scenic Riverwalk, which runs along the river and offers great views of the city skyline. There are also plenty of walking trails, as well as a playground for children.
One of the highlights of Coolidge Park is the Walnut Street Bridge, which connects the North Shore to downtown Chattanooga. This pedestrian-only bridge is the longest of its kind in the world and offers breathtaking views of the river and the city. It’s a great place to take a stroll or a bike ride, and there are often street performers and vendors selling snacks and souvenirs.
Overall, Coolidge Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for the best views in Chattanooga. With its stunning scenery, historic attractions, and plenty of activities for all ages, it’s the perfect place to spend a day with friends or family.
Tennessee Riverwalk
One of our favorite spots in Chattanooga for stunning views is the Tennessee Riverwalk. This 16.1-mile paved path along the southern banks of the Tennessee River offers breathtaking scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Whether you’re walking, jogging, or biking, the Riverwalk provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The newest 3.2-mile section completed in 2016 offers a particularly scenic route, with views of the river and the surrounding mountains.
Along the way, you’ll find several access points and parks where you can stop and take in the views. Some of our favorite spots include the Bluff View Art District, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal while overlooking the river, and the Chickamauga Dam, which offers panoramic views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
If you’re looking for a more active adventure, the Riverwalk also offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. And for those who want to learn more about the history and ecology of the river, there are several guided tours available.
Overall, the Tennessee Riverwalk is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Chattanooga. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we highly recommend taking some time to explore this scenic path and all that it has to offer.
Raccoon Mountain
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain is a must-visit. This mountain is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and even spelunking in the Raccoon Mountain Caverns.
One of the best ways to take in the views is by hiking the Raccoon Mountain Trail System. With nearly 30 miles of multi-use trails, there’s something for everyone. The trails range from easy to difficult, so be sure to choose one that matches your skill level. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Tennessee River and the surrounding mountains.
For an even more spectacular view, head to the East Overlook at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Plant. From here, you can see the city skyline and the winding Tennessee River. It’s a peaceful spot to sit and take in the beauty of the area.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a guided tour of the Raccoon Mountain Caverns (seen above). These caves are home to some of the most unique rock formations in the area. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of the stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful spot to take in the views, Raccoon Mountain is a must-visit destination in Chattanooga. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Signal Mountain
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of the Chattanooga area, Signal Mountain is a must-visit destination. This mountain offers several overlooks that provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the most popular overlooks on Signal Mountain is Signal Point. From the large NPS parking lot in the historic section of Signal Mountain, visitors need only walk about 100 yards to encounter a spectacular peek into the river gorge below. This overlook is a part of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and was used by the Union army during the Civil War to keep an eye on river traffic and relay signals to fellow troops. Today, visitors can take in the same beautiful views that soldiers did over 150 years ago.
Another popular overlook on Signal Mountain is Julia Falls Overlook. The hike to this spot is fairly short but can be a little bit challenging if you’re coming from Signal Point. However, the effort is well worth it, as this overlook offers one of the best views of the Tennessee River as it winds between Signal Mountain and Raccoon Mountain.
Finally, if you’re looking for a peaceful spot that is not so frequented except by locals, Signal Mountain offers one of the widest views of the Chattanooga valley. The entire street gives you the same great view all the way until the W Road. It’s an easy stop to miss if you don’t know where you’re going, so don’t forget to save this spot on your maps.
Here are some other scenic views you might enjoy:
Take a river cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat for spectacular views during your river journey
Foster Falls (a 40 minute drive but worth it for the views)
Missionary Ridge
The Chattanooga Market
South Cumberland State Park
Snoopers Rock Trail (wonderful hiking trail!)
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Bluff Trail
Prentice Cooper State Forest
Tennessee Aquarium (one of our favorite things to do when we visit, and it has great views from the top!)
Check out our other guides to Chattanooga here!
Final Thoughts on the Best Views in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a city that offers a wide range of breathtaking views. From the top of Lookout Mountain to the banks of the Tennessee River, there is no shortage of stunning scenery to enjoy.
We hope that this guide has helped you discover some of the best views in Chattanooga. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, we encourage you to explore these scenic spots and take in the natural beauty of this wonderful city.
Remember to always be respectful of the environment and follow any posted rules or regulations. And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the memories of these amazing views!
Thank you for joining us on this journey to explore the best views in Chattanooga. We hope to see you out there enjoying these scenic spots soon!
Amanda
