Chattanooga offers adventures to meet every interest, whether that means white water rafting, hanging gliding or discovering underground waterfalls. Explore scenic national parks, trek historic trails and even pan for gold in Cherokee National Forest!
Many scientists encounter inquisitive acquaintances who view their lives of studying salamander biology or glacial moraines as little more than fantasy. Carroll’s book seeks to disprove these misconceptions.
Sculpture Fields
Chattanooga is a picturesque city offering plenty of outdoor adventures. Hikers will find some of the finest trails in Tennessee here; history buffs will discover plenty to keep them busy here; there’s something here for everyone, and best of all it won’t break the bank to experience Chattanooga at its finest.
At Sculpture Fields, large-scale sculptures from internationally-known artists adorn this 33-acre park. Visitors can stroll the grounds during beautiful days or join one of many free tours that run throughout the week to learn more about each work of art.
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park’s mission is to develop and sustain an internationally-recognized sculpture park that provides lasting value and benefit for Chattanooga and the region. Their programming supports mental, physical, emotional health as well as public arts education.
Carolyn Finney explores the historical and cultural roots of African Americans’ relationship to nature and outdoor recreation, from slavery, Jim Crow segregation, racial violence, to current day issues such as climate change. Through environmental history, cultural studies, critical race theory, geographic studies and geographic studies she illuminates how slavery, Jim Crow segregation and violence has affected our perceptions of nature, access to its resources and engagement with its elements.
Hang Gliding
Chattanooga offers postcard-worthy views. But sometimes to appreciate them fully you need to go a bit higher; hang gliding offers an exhilarating and breathtaking outdoor adventure that will provide unforgettable views.
Chattanooga has several fantastic locations for hang gliding enthusiasts to experience this sport, including Morningside, Kitty Hawk, Wallaby Ranch, and Cowboy Up. All offer breathtaking views and excellent weather conditions for enjoying this pastime.
Each provider provides tandem flights and lessons for those wishing to learn how to fly, with gliders available for rent for those not ready to purchase their own gliders.
All of these destinations provide ideal weather year-round, though it can get cold during winter. Views vary significantly but they all boast stunning vistas – especially if you can catch one while gliding!
Are you in search of an idyllic nature adventure? Paddle boarding can provide just the experience your family needs to reconnect with nature, while swimming with manatees at Crystal River, Florida offers another thrilling option – they seem unfazed by human presence in the water!
Cave Tours
Visit Raccoon Mountain Caverns and experience the underground with a guided tour! Discover a new world beneath when you explore this cavern with expert guidance. Enjoy a 45-minute walking tour to witness the Crystal Palace Room or join a wild cave expedition and get dirty in a cave formation chamber featuring stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws and natural bridges that took up to 100 years to form! Neither option should be for those afraid of tight spaces; those willing to challenge themselves through tight spaces can join an expedition equipped with expert guides and all necessary equipment!
Student Park Cave can be found on Southern Adventist University campus while Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge hosts endangered gray bats from late April until early October – this can best be experienced via boat at Maple View Lake or walking its entrance trail in Maple View Day Use Area.
If you prefer connecting with nature from above, then consider flying over Chattanooga via helicopter tour – offering breathtaking aerial views of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee River and beyond. Or add another level of excitement with Chattanooga Hang Gliding Company tandem skydiving jump.
Whitewater Rafting
Chattanooga’s Tennessee River provides an exciting outdoor escape. Whitewater rafting excursions are accessible to thrill-seekers of all ages, making this activity suitable for family fun. Even those with sensitive stomachs can enjoy floating down river; more daring thrill seekers can test themselves against Class III and IV rapids!
If you prefer less extreme experiences, explore Chattanooga Riverwalk’s 13-mile paved path along Tennessee River. Enjoy picnicking or strolling across Walnut Street Bridge before stopping off at one of Chattanooga’s numerous parks for more serene surroundings; Lookout Mountain offers miles of hiking trails; Enterprise South Nature Park provides 23 acres of peaceful wetlands; Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center has beautiful landscaped gardens to discover.
Nantahala Outdoor Center provides whitewater rafting experiences at an accessible price point, from three-hour trips on Middle Ocoee river to multi-day adventures encompassing both Middle and Upper Ocoee rivers. They even offer Raft & Zip packages so you can spend half your day floating along on water, the other half in the sky!
Take in Chattanooga’s breathtaking natural scenery on these affordable outdoor adventures. If you want a deeper experience, world-class mountain biking, kayaking, climbing and camping opportunities await only minutes from downtown!
Recommended Posts
