One of my favorite things about living in Chattanooga is how much there is to explore outside. I’m originally from Washington, so a good trail and a waterfall will always get my attention.
If you’re looking for ideas for your next day outside, these are five hikes and hiking destinations on my Chattanooga-area favorites list. Some are close to town, and others are a little farther out for a day trip. This is a collection of favorites, rather than a difficulty ranking.
01 / DAYTON, TENNESSEE
Laurel-Snow
Laurel-Snow is one of my favorite hikes near Chattanooga, and it’s one I’ve shared on TravelChatt before. It has the mix I love: a walk beside the creek, waterfall scenery, and a little history along the way.
The natural area is named for two different waterfalls, Laurel Falls and Snow Falls. Old mining remnants add another layer to the landscape. Choose your route before setting out, because the branches lead to different destinations and make for different hiking days.
For your list: Creek scenery, waterfall views, and a longer stretch outside.
Laurel-Snow information & map ↗02 / SIGNAL MOUNTAIN AREA, TENNESSEE
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls on Signal Mountain belongs on my list, too. If you’re building a Chattanooga hiking list and want to explore the mountain, keep this one in mind.
Be specific when you look it up: this is the Signal Mountain Rainbow Falls, not the hike with the same name in the Smokies. Rainbow Lake and Rainbow Falls also aren’t interchangeable destinations. Check a trail map and decide on your route rather than following a generic waterfall pin.
For your list: A Signal Mountain outing with a waterfall destination. Stay on designated routes and follow posted access signs; don’t assume the base of the falls is accessible.
Signal Mountain trail reference ↗03 / FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK, TENNESSEE
Fall Creek Falls
This is the one on my list to build a day trip around. Fall Creek Falls is a hiking destination with several ways to explore, so you can plan your visit around the time and energy you have.
The park has overlooks and a network of trails. Choose a specific route before you arrive: viewing a waterfall from an overlook and hiking down toward its base are different outings. Leave time to enjoy the setting rather than trying to fit every stop into one trip.
For your list: A waterfall-focused day outside, beyond Chattanooga itself.
Fall Creek Falls natural area information ↗04 / LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN
Glen Falls
Glen Falls is another of the local hikes I’ve included in my favorites. A Chattanooga hiking list wouldn’t feel complete for me without something on Lookout Mountain.
It’s an option to keep in mind when you want to spend part of your day on the mountain. Check the National Park Service’s current trail information and alerts when planning your visit, especially after weather that may affect access.
For your list: A Lookout Mountain waterfall outing to work into your Chattanooga plans.
Lookout Mountain trail map ↗05 / RISING FAWN, GEORGIA
Cloudland Canyon
Cloudland Canyon brings the canyon views and waterfalls, and it rounds out my five. It’s across the state line in Georgia, making it another nearby adventure rather than a hike inside Chattanooga.
The park’s Waterfalls Trail visits Cherokee and Hemlock Falls. Georgia State Parks rates the two-mile round trip as strenuous, with a lot of stairs. There are also rim trails if you want to plan a different kind of hike.
For your list: Canyon scenery and a waterfall outing with a climb back out. If you’re bringing a dog, check the park’s advice: the metal stairs on the Waterfalls Trail can be difficult for them.
Cloudland Canyon routes & trail details ↗A few moments outside.
Make it your kind of hiking day
You don’t need to squeeze all five into one weekend. Pick a destination, choose a route that suits you, and give yourself time to enjoy it. That’s the kind of exploring I love sharing on TravelChatt.
Before heading out, check current access, weather, maps, and park notices. Trail conditions and waterfall flow change. Bring water, suitable footwear, and the route details you’ll need for the day.
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