With over 50 trailheads within 30 minutes of downtown, it wouldn’t be totally unfair to label the hiking scene in Chattanooga as one of the best in the country. From the slopes of Lookout Mountain to the steep crests of the Tennessee River Gorge, the Scenic City is blessed with a diverse and notable network of hiking trails.

Lookout Mountain alone is home to a staggering amount of excellent single and double-track trails. Towering sandstone cliffs, magnificent views, geological curiosities, history, and nature intertwined: this is just a sampling of what Lookout has to offer. Since its construction in the 1930’s, the Bluff Trail has been one of the most memorable hikes in the Southeast.

But there are also plenty of others. The historic Craven’s House is a great jumping off point for exploring. On the opposite side of the mountain, the Glen Falls Trail is an easy, yet beautiful day hike. And on the backside of the mountain is the peerless Lula Lake Land Trust—easily one of the most gorgeous natural destinations in the Chattanooga area.

And don’t forget about Signal Mountain. Like Lookout, Signal is a mecca in and of itself. Making up the southern terminus of the Cumberland Plateau, this “mountain” is home to more than a handful of unforgettable Cumberland Trail sections. Whether it's dipping into the steep gullies located in the heart of the mountain, or sticking to the western edge above the breathtaking Tennessee River Gorge, there’s much to savor on Signal.