With beautiful hiking trails, delicious restaurants, and ever-present small-town charm, there’s plenty to love about Signal Mountain. Want to explore the area for yourself? Here’s some things to do for a perfect day on Signal Mountain.
Morning: Grab a Bite
Welcome to Signal Mountain! With a busy day ahead, you’ll want to start your morning with a cup of Joe and a bite to eat—and there’s no better place to grab it than at Mayfly Coffee, a locally owned and operated coffee roaster on the mountain. This charming cafe offers a wide variety of coffees, teas, and non-coffee drinks, complemented by a mouthwatering menu of breakfast sandwiches and burritos, all named after iconic Signal Mountain sites. Or, if your day is off to a later start, grab one of their light lunch options.
If you prefer baked goods and pastries to start your morning, head to The Bread Basket off of Taft Highway. This family-owned business offers a selection of specialty breads, cakes, muffins, and other sweet treats to fuel you before your next adventure.
Afternoon: Hiking on Signal Mountain
After you’re full and energized for the day, head to Edward’s Point Trail on the mountain. This 3.9-mile, out-and-back trail is rated as a moderately challenging route with 761 feet of elevation gain. You’ll hike alongside the stunning Tennessee River Gorge and experience beautiful views and waterfalls on a well-maintained trail.
If you’re looking for a more beginner trail, you’re in luck! There are plenty of hiking trails on Signal Mountain for all experience levels. Check out Rainbow Lake and Mushroom Rock, or head to McCoy Farm & Gardens for a leisurely walk.
After all that hiking, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. If you need a quick snack to hold you over until dinner, head to Pruett’s Market, a locally owned grocery store on the mountain. Pick out your go-to snack or try a grab-and-go meal or a freshly baked slice of pizza from the grocer’s deli, bakery, and cafe.
Evening: Try Out Signal Mountain Restaurants
If you’re ready for dinner, the mountain has got you covered. Open daily, Civil Provisions and Bar offers upscale American cuisine, with many ingredients sourced from Chattanooga area farms. Choose from mains such as roasted airline chicken or seared scallops or opt for a mouthwatering pizza. For those that wish to imbibe, the eatery offers a wide selection of cocktails, wine, and draft beer.
But wait—there’s still room for dessert! Check out the mountain’s latest addition, Signal Swirl, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop that’s locally owned and operated. Choose from eight different flavors as your base and then head to the expansive toppings bar to finish your sweet treat off with fresh fruit, candy, assorted chocolates, and more.
Lastly, head to the overlook at Signal Point for a stunning view of the sunset as you enjoy your sweet treat. We hope you enjoyed your perfect day on Signal Mountain. Come again soon!
Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude
Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in computer science. While at UTC, Ali also earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, the Outstanding Senior Award for the communication department, and was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. Now, as editor/digital content specialist for CMC Media & Marketing Group, Ali leads the ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. She is also involved in content creation for Digital Smart Marketing customers and is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media sites.
