It’s no secret that Chattanooga is a popular running destination. Whether you prefer hilly terrain or straight pathways, gorgeous river views or mountain scenery, there’s a trail for you. Here, avid runner Carrie Bocanegra shares her favorite spots to log some miles around Chattanooga.
1. Wolftever Creek Greenway
“This is such an uplifting location, and it’s dog-friendly! Beginning at Collegedale’s Imagination Station, you’ll find a mostly flat, well-maintained concrete pathway that travels along Wolftever Creek, past Veterans Memorial Park, around the duck pond, under the railroad trestle, past the soccer field, down to the dog park, and around the amphitheater.”
2. Raccoon Mountain
“Parking at the Raccoon Mountain Overlook and getting right onto the South Rim Trail, you can follow the winding path that leads to the Electric Avenue Trail. Along the way, stop for a photo op of the magnificent River Gorge meandering below. Continue on until you reach half your desired distance, then return the way you came while soaking in the natural beauty.”
3. Tennessee Riverwalk
“The Riverwalk’s wide concrete path has a wonderful mix of people out fishing, bicycling, strolling, and enjoying the scenery. To get an untechnical half marathon in with an out-and-back, start at the Chickamauga Dam. You can take this path all the way out to Manker Patten Tennis Club, then turn back to the dam and complete your run.”
4. Downtown Chattanooga
“Rembrandt’s is a quaint coffee shop nestled in the Bluff View Art District, which makes for an ideal spot to start a run and an even better place to finish. From this location, you can head across the Walnut Street Bridge and down to Coolidge Park. Downtown has so many great routes to take that you could change up your scene with every run and never be disappointed.”
5. Enterprise South Nature Park
“What once was an ammunition plant that stored explosives is now a runner’s delight! At this nature preserve, you can see protected endangered plants and admire grazing deer or turkey. Hop over to the paved trails or run through the dense woods – either choice will be a superb one.”
