Looking to take a stroll in scenic city Chattanooga, TN? Here are some of our favorite destinations across the city for a nice walk.
Local Areas to Walk
Downtown & NorthShore
Tennessee Riverwalk
16.1-mile path with wide walkways following the river.
Aquarium Plaza
Landscaped park surrounding the Tennessee Aquarium downtown.
Renaissance Park
23-acre urban wetland in NorthShore with sidewalks and trails.
Ross’s Landing
Located on the riverfront near the aquarium and Tennessee Riverwalk.
Heritage Park
Located in East Brainerd, Heritage Park is a 22-acre park which includes a walking path, a dog park, and also the historic Heritage House, which is home to a regular series of film screenings.
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
On the southside of Chattanooga, the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park hosts upward of 35 large sculptures across a 33-acre area. Walking paths meander between the sculptures.
Area Greenways & Trails
On the southside of Chattanooga, the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park hosts upward of 35 large sculptures across a 33-acre area. Walking paths meander between the sculptures.
Area Greenways & Trails
Reflection Riding & Arboretum
Located at the foot of Lookout Mountain, Reflection Riding is a 317-acre arboretum comprised of 15 miles of trails, rehabilitation facilities for live animals indoors and outdoors, a canoe launch site, and a treehouse.
Enterprise South Nature Park
Formerly the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant Property, ESNP is now a bustling 2,800 acre space for walkers, hikers, cyclists, and even motorists to explore the outdoors.
North Chickamauga Creek Greenway
Accessible from numerous parking areas, this trail spans bluffs, woods, and pasturelands from Greenway Farm north toward the Cumberland Plateau.
South Chickamauga Creek Greenway
Similar to the previous greenway, this stretches through the urban areas of South Chattanooga.
Stringers Ridge
92 acres of wooded trails in North Chattanooga.
Guild-Hardy Lookout Mountain Trails
This mountainous trail passes under the Incline Railway near Ruby Falls and several Civil War markers.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Historically the park is the site of two major battles of the American Civil War, the Battle of Chickamauga and the Chattanooga Campaign. The park is also home to trails for walking, running, biking, and even horse riding that span 50 miles.
Health Benefits of Walking
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, adults should average a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity a day in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But for busy working adults, limited time is an all-too-accessible excuse. Why not make it a little easier on yourself? Something as simple as brisk walking can provide that daily dose of activity!
With just 30 minutes away from your desk, whether during your lunch break, afternoon break, or as soon as you leave work, you can take advantage of the Chattanooga area’s scenic walkways and trails. Check out all of the mental and physical health benefits that walking can provide; then try out some of the walking areas we’ve listed.
Physical
- Weight maintenance
- Increased blood flow and circulation
- Management of blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease
- Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke
- Strengthened muscles and bones
- Improved coordination and balance
- Immune system support
- Vitamin D exposure (for outdoor walkers)
Mental
- Improved mood
- Better sleep
- Higher self-esteem
- Mental alertness and clarity
- Potential to ward off dementia
- Decreased anxiety, fatigue, and depression
Besides feeling better, looking better, and improving your health, walking during the workday can boost productivity and help you tackle the rest of your day. Walking after your workday helps build sustained energy and sends you home energized to enjoy your personal time.
There are several other greenways and trails, plus tons of neighborhood parks, all with beautiful walking space available! Learn more at ChooseChatt.com!