With the New York Times and Lonely Planet hailing Chatanooga as one of their “Best in the U.S. destinations”, put on your cowboy boots and board a plane to the deep south to see what all the raving is about. Swing perilously on the swinging suspension bridge while exploring Rock City Gardens for its children’s storybook village, waterfalls, observation deck, and panoramic views of the Tennessee River Valley below. Climb the steepest incline to the top of majestic Lookout Mountain while riding the Lookout Railway to appreciate the vibrant fall foliage along the mountain’s slopes. Please refer to the following guide to Tennessee Riverpark to bike on the wooden boardwalk and experience stunning views of the Tennessee River before arriving in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
1. Things to do / Highlights
Take time to indulge in a morning run along the Tennessee River to experience the stunning nature found along the Tennessee Riverpark’s trails. Experience Lonely Planet’s “Best in the U.S.” destination by sampling whiskey at local distilleries, encountering wildlife at Chatanooga’s Zoo, and letting your creativity run freely at the Creative Discovery Museum.
Riverboat cruise
Enjoy cruising along the mighty Tennessee River on the steamboat, Southern Belle, to experience the surrounding natural beauty at a leisurely pace. Take advantage of the stunning fall foliage by booking a fall foliage riverboat cruise. Book a ticket for a ride upon the historic Southern Belle to experience a delicious meal accompanied by live music during a sunset, moonlight, or twilight cruise.
Nature and Parks
After running along the Tennessee Riverpark trails, take time to venture into the forest to experience the cascading falls of the world’s largest underground waterfall, Ruby Falls. Those interested in extreme sporting activities will enjoy scaling Lookout Mountain or investigating the dangling stalactites in Raccoon Mountain Cavern while bats hang overhead.
2. What to eat
After exploring Chattanooga’s natural beauty, take time to experience its diverse culinary scene. Indulge in southern comfort classics, generous portions of spicy Mexican specialties, and other mouthwatering delights after an outing to Tennessee River Park. Here are some examples of restaurants you should explore:
- Blue Orleans
- Fiesta Mexicana
- Little Tokyo Express
- Lakeshore Grille
- Tremont Tavern
Blue Orleans
Savor every mouthwatering bite of New Orleans-inspired spicy jambalaya, succulent shrimp po boys, seafood gumbo, and chicken-like alligator bites. Finish dining at this southern restaurant with exposed brick walls by indulging in a hearty serving of bread pudding with bourbon creme anglais sauce before making the 15-minute ride over to Tennesse Riverpark to burn it off.
Fiesta Mexicana
Indulge in flavourful Mexican classics including succulent shrimp enchiladas, tamales, sizzling carne asada, and more. This authentic Mexican restaurant is a mere seven-minute drive from Tennessee Riverpark, enabling you to get to your deep-fried ice cream before it’s served and starts melting.
3. Travelers tips
Before setting out on an invigorating cycling adventure or a leisurely stroll along the wooden boardwalk in Tennessee Riverpark, there are some tips to be aware of. Please refer to the park’s website before staring your 11-mile (17.7-kilometer) journey.
Picnics and barbecues
There are picnic tables and grills as well as covered shelters to rent to accommodate visitors and large groups who would like to gather together for a relaxing meal. That being said, please don’t bring in alcohol or intoxicants of any kind. Please use the grills provided and make certain to weight any balloons to the picnic tables foregoing silly string, confetti, and any hard to clean up decorations.
Physical activities
Activities that are prohibited include swimming, skateboarding, playing volleyball, croquet, walking pets since they are not allowed in the park, and water fights. To be considerate of others using the park’s trails, please maintain a safe speed while cycling or rollerblading. This way, all visitors, including those with mobility issues, health issues, and children, can enjoy the park.
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4. How to get there
While exploring the popular city of Chattanooga to indulge in whiskey tasting, nature’s wonderland, and the live music scene, there are many means of transportation for visitors to choose from. The most popular is renting a vehicle that can easily get you to sights such as Chattanooga Zoo or Tennesse Riverpark, without the hassle of having to be nailed to the bus schedule.
Rental Car
Renting a car allows visitors the freedom to get around and explore Chattanooga on an unlimited schedule, including Tennessee Riverpark, which is a 12-minute ride from downtown. Pack your bikes and other outdoor fitness equipment to be able to enjoy Chattanooga to the fullest including urban gem, Coolidge Park.
Taxi
Check online for this comfortable travel choice of transportation while visiting the amazingly natural Chattanooga. Hail a taxi from the street or have your hotel call a reputable taxi company to enjoy the convenience of not having to drive or map out directions.
Bus
Hop aboard bus 28 or 16 from downtown Chattanooga for a leisurely 40-minute to just over an hour ride to reach Tennessee Riverpark. This slower means of transportation is the most inexpensive, providing service throughout Chattanooga.
Uber
Download the Uber app to be able to hire a car to get you to your destination while in Chattanooga. This popular car service relies on positive feedback from users so drivers will try to get visitors to their destination efficiently and safely.
Tenessee Riverpark Information
Tennessee Riverpark
Address: 4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37406
Official Website: Tennessee Riverpark
Tourism Board Website: Tennessee Riverpark
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
History
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