Blog https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:05:02 +0000 Chattanooga: North America’s First National Park City https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/chattanooga-north-americas-first-national-park-city/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/chattanooga-north-americas-first-national-park-city/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/chattanooga-north-americas-first-national-park-city/ Fri, 09 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400

A City in a Park, Not Just a City with Parks

Not long ago, Chattanooga was known as one of the most polluted cities in America—buried under smog and forgotten by fresh air. But today, we’re turning that history on its head.

We’re now officially the first National Park City in North America—and

]]> Why Chattanooga Should Be on Every Plant Lover’s Travel List https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/why-chattanooga-should-be-on-every-plant-lovers-travel-list/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/why-chattanooga-should-be-on-every-plant-lovers-travel-list/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/why-chattanooga-should-be-on-every-plant-lovers-travel-list/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Exploring the Biodiversity of Chattanooga: A Phytophile’s Paradise

Chattanooga is a powerhouse when it comes to biodiversity, offering a remarkable blend of ecosystems, native species, and protected areas that contribute to the region's ecological significance. Nestled where the Appalachian

]]> The Complete Guide to Downtown Paddling on the Tennessee River https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/the-complete-guide-to-downtown-paddling-on-the-tennessee-river/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/the-complete-guide-to-downtown-paddling-on-the-tennessee-river/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/the-complete-guide-to-downtown-paddling-on-the-tennessee-river/ Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In Chattanooga, life revolves around the Tennessee River. Literally. The broad waterway bisects downtown, and many people cross one of its four bridges multiple times each day. With riverside parks, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of recreation opportunities, the Tennessee River is the lifeblood

]]> The Complete Guide to Paddling Life in Chattanooga https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/the-complete-guide-to-paddling-life-in-chattanooga/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/the-complete-guide-to-paddling-life-in-chattanooga/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/the-complete-guide-to-paddling-life-in-chattanooga/ Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

For quality paddling in any shape or form, Chattanooga is inarguably a water lover’s dream come true. Within an hour of downtown, boaters can easily access world-class whitewater and scenic flatwater paddling destinations. At all times of the year you’ll find Chattanooga’s dedicated weekend warriors

]]> 12 Outdoor Adventures to Experience the Natural Wonders of Chattanooga https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/outdoor-adventures-experience-natural-wonders/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/outdoor-adventures-experience-natural-wonders/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/outdoor-adventures-experience-natural-wonders/ Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Surely Chattanooga was created as a gift to Tennessee, for there are few places where the wonders of nature are more breathtakingly displayed. Within easy sight of downtown, rocky crags reach out across the skyline, mountain streams lead to breathtaking waterfalls, and the rolling river nourishes an

]]> A Guide to Chattanooga's Unique Birding Opportunities https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/birding/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/birding/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/birding/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

A wide range of protected habitats makes Chattanooga an exciting destination for bird watching. Seasoned birders have likely heard of the area’s Sandhill Crane festival, but the city and surrounding region also offer unique bird viewing opportunities year-round. Whether you’re in search of

]]> Hidden in Plain Sight: Chattanooga's History is Everywhere - Maclellan Island Edition https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/hidden-in-plain-sight-chattanoogas-history-is-everywhere-maclellan-island-edition/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/hidden-in-plain-sight-chattanoogas-history-is-everywhere-maclellan-island-edition/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/hidden-in-plain-sight-chattanoogas-history-is-everywhere-maclellan-island-edition/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Maclellan Island

It’s enticing greenery beckons you from the Walnut Street Bridge, daring you to grab a paddleboard, for the only way to this island is via boat - a perfect symbol of the spirit of adventure so inherent in the Chattanooga ethos.

Yes! You can visit Maclellan Island

Maclellan

]]> Paddling to Maclellan Island: A Guide to Accessing the Urban Wilderness in Downtown Chattanooga https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/paddling-to-maclellan-island/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/paddling-to-maclellan-island/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/paddling-to-maclellan-island/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0400

Smack dab in the Tennessee River between Chattanooga’s bustling Riverfront and vibrant Northshore district, sits an 18.8-acre island that’s easy to overlook. Maclellan Island is a refuge for wildlife and offers a unique experience for hiking, camping, and views of Chattanooga. And it’s easily

]]> 5 Active Ways to Experience the Fall Colors in Chattanooga https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/stay-active-experience-fall/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/stay-active-experience-fall/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/stay-active-experience-fall/ Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400

This blog was updated August 2025.

It’s finally starting to feel a bit like fall in Chattanooga. Cloudless, bluebird days have been the norm of late, and the leaves are finally starting to turn in the higher elevations of Lookout and Signal Mountain.

It’s true: crisp weather like this makes holing

]]> Paddleboarding, Chattanooga Style https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/paddleboarding/ https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/paddleboarding/#comments https://www.visitchattanooga.com/blog/post/paddleboarding/ Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -0400

This blog was updated August 2025.

From expansive, glassy lakes to rolling whitewater, Chattanooga offers a smorgasbord of paddleboarding opportunities. Ben Friberg, a native Chattanoogan and the first person to stand-up paddleboard from Cuba to Key West said, "There are some pretty significant

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