One of the best things about hiking in Chattanooga is that chances are, you’ll get to see some awesome views. Wondering which trails offer the best views? Here’s my list of Chattanooga’s best hiking views in order of better to best.
6. Signal Point
First on the list is Signal Point. Well technically, this overlook pictured below is called Julia Falls Overlook. The hike to this spot is fairly short but can be a little bit challenging if you’re coming from Signal Point. It’s downhill during the first portion of this hike and some of the steps that used to make this hike easier have long since washed away. However, the hike is still doable and totally worth it. But Signal Point isn’t the only trailhead to get to this spot. You can also get there from Rainbow Lake. For more info on hiking from Signal Point to Rainbow Lake, click HERE.
If hiking down this trail seems too daunting for you, you’ll still love the views from Signal Point itself. From this view you can see downtown Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain in the distance to the left if you lean out to look.
5. Sunset Rock
Next is Sunset Rock. This has always been a favorite spot of mine but over the years it’s gained popularity while the parking area has shrunk. The hike from the parking area to Sunset Rock is a very short descent. However, due to the parking situation, I highly suggest hiking to this spot instead. With numerous trailheads covering Lookout Mountain, your hike to Sunset Rock can be as challenging or easy as you’d like. To learn more about hiking routes to Sunset Rock, click HERE.
4. Snooper’s Rock
Snooper’s Rock is a little more off the beaten path than the previously mentioned. Although it too has gained popularity over the recent years. This photogenic scene can be found deep within the Prentice Cooper State Forest. Keep in mind that the drive is a very long and dusty gravel road, but any vehicle should be able to navigate the trip. And there’s options! If you’d like to hike to the rock, you can park in the first parking area at the beginning of the park and hike the Cumberland Trail to Snooper’s Rock. But if you want to keep the hiking to a minimum, you can drive deep into the park and find the parking area for Snooper’s Rock. The hike from here is a very short descent and well worth the gravel drive. To learn more about how to get to Snooper’s Rock, click HERE.
3. Stone Door
With fall right around the corner, I highly suggest adding Stone Door to your best hiking views list. The colors in this area are stunning and the views are breathtaking any time of the year. This hike is about an hour and a half from Chattanooga but totally worth the drive. The hike to the Laurel Gulf Overlook is quite short, easy and boasts amazing views. But if you can venture a little further, you’ll reach Stone Door and get to enjoy a bluff peninsula with views in every direction. For more about planning your trip to Stone Door, click HERE.
2. Edward’s Point
This one takes second place on my list of Chattanooga’s best hiking views. Edward’s Point is about a mile and half hike from Rainbow Lake which makes it slightly less popular compared to the others on my list. The hike is fairly easy with a few flights of stairs. But the view is great. It’s similar to the Signal Point view because it’s the bluff next door. From Edward’s Point you can see the Tennessee River below and downtown Chattanooga in the distance. To learn more about hiking to Edward’s Point, click HERE.
1. Point Park
My number one favorite hiking view is at Point Park. I love hiking to this great view of Chattanooga from Craven’s House. Just like Sunset Rock, you can make the hike to Point Park as easy or challenging as you’d like. Since it’s situated at the point of Lookout Mountain, you can enjoy numerous views from three sides of the mountain. To learn more about hiking to Point Park, click HERE.
Honorable Mentions
I can’t leave these out of my list for best hiking views. I have listed them as honorable mentions because the views are not quite as grand as the others on this list. But the views are still well-worth seeing for yourself.
2. Leggett Point
Leggett Point Overlook is serene facing neighboring mountains. And if you’re quiet, you might hear Rock Creek flowing through the valley below. Even though the views here are not vast, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy nature. For more about Leggett Point, click HERE.
1. Fall Creek Falls State Park
I cannot leave out Fall Creek Falls. In fact, there are numerous overlooks worth visiting in this state park. To learn more about them, click HERE.
Conclusion
As you can see, Chattanooga has plenty of views to choose from. Let me know in the comments below which one is your favorite. Click HERE to enjoy a playlist of all the video tours of these hiking views. Until next time, enjoy Exploring Chatt!
