Best Hiking Trails in East Chattanooga
May 1, 2023
Chattanooga’s landscape is unique by every definition – hills, mountains, fields, farmland; what more could you need? You never get bored of the view here, that’s for sure! This is why Chattanooga is known as a huge outdoors activities hotspot in the region. Whether you’re an avid hiker, mountain biker, runner, kayaker, or even rock climber, Chattanooga has something for everyone.
Though a lot of the hiking trails are on the western half of the city around Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain, folks in East Chattanooga shouldn’t fret – there are some great mountain biking, hiking, and even paddling spots for y’all too! We put together a short list of the best hiking trails in East Chattanooga- some of which we love to hike ourselves!
image source: https://parks.hamiltontn.gov/148/Enterprise-South-Nature-Park
1. Enterprise South Nature Park
If you haven’t already heard about this gem, we’d be surprised! Enterprise is only 10 minutes northwest from East Brainerd and downtown Ooltewah, and offers multiple trails across the park. Enterprise has a variety of paved and unpaved trails for mountain biking, road cycling. And it also has spaces perfect for picnics and small events. Birdwatching is an easy hobby to pick up here too with a wide variety of bird species that call Enterprise home!
image source: http://www.catoosarec.com/elsie-a-holmes-nature-park.html
2. Elsie Holmes Nature Park
If you enjoy learning about history and taking in some beautiful nature, then definitely give this spot a visit. Just over the Georgia border in Ringgold, Elsie Holmes features over 2 miles of trail way that is great for hikers, walkers, and runners. Families can come out to enjoy this park at the playground or spend the afternoon fishing along South Chickamauga Creek. Just 10 minutes from East Brainerd and about 20 minutes from Apison, Elsie Holmes has a little something for everyone in the family.
image source: https://www.mtbproject.com/photo/7013584
3. White Oak Mountain Trail System
This trail system features over 12 different trails ranging all difficulty levels for the avid mountain bikers and hikers. Located in beautiful Ooltewah which is just 10 minutes from East Brainerd, White Oak Mountain is a natural gem nestled right behind Southern Adventist University. Be sure to check out popular trails like the Dogwood and White Oak Ridge Loop when you go!
image source: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/wolftever-creek-greenway/photos
4. Wolftever Creek Greenway
Wolftever Creek is located outside of Ooltewah in a small suburb called Collegedale and is known as one of the ‘hidden gems’ of the eastern hiking scene. The greenway runs for over 2.5 miles and along the way you can enjoy a variety of activities. Maybe fishing at the pond or take in the sounds of nature while you hike and birdwatch. And if you like art, be sure to stop by Veterans Memorial Park for a look at the flags and sculptures to learn a bit of history.
image source: https://www.chattanoogaaudubon.org/audubon-acres.html
5. Audubon Acres
One of our favorites for those who love to be immersed in nature and enjoy the wildlife. Audubon Acres is home to over 130 acres of land to explore. It offers many walking & hiking trails and paddling in South Chickamauga Creek. They also host summer camps and monthly events for all ages. It does cost $6 a person to explore, however, this site is full of rich history and ‘diversity of animal and plant life’, making it worth your while. Audubon is only minutes from Gunbarrel Rd in East Brainerd, basically in your backyard!
Chattanooga offers an abundance of outdoor activities, many of which are nearby to our communities. All of our communities are thirty minutes or less from Downtown Chattanooga, making them favorable to home buyers who want to explore the city. Check out our quick move-in page to see what homes are available now, and begin your own Chattanooga adventure today!
Categorised in: Community, Things To Do
This post was written by Sydnee Cearlock
