Ease yourself into hiking with these short and easy Chattanooga hikes for beginners.
Does hiking seem daunting to you? Do you want to try hiking but aren’t sure if it’s something you’ll like? Are rigorous hikes with steep hills and long distances not your thing? If you answered yes to any of these questions, continue reading to find the perfect beginner hike for you. You don’t have to be an active individual to enjoy hiking and these are some great starting points.
Note: I’m including elevation changes in each hike below so you can be aware of how strenuous each hike is based on the uphill and downhill. For reference, a hike from the base of a mountain to the top, around here, is usually about a 1,200ft elevation change. And the average elevation change for most of the hikes around this area is about 600ft. The highest elevation change of the hikes listed within this post is only 200ft. That may seem like a lot, but when stretched over the distance of half a mile, it’s not as bad as it sounds.
FREE downloadable Google Map with all the hikes listed in this post so you’re ready to explore!
Leggett Point
First on the list is Leggett Point. This is a quiet trail and the hike out to the point is just over a mile roundtrip. The overlook is peaceful, gazing around at the mountains that form the Rock Creek Gorge. If you’re quiet, you might even hear Rock Creek roaring below. The hike out to the point is a slight downhill slope, which means it’s uphill coming back. However, it’s about a 200ft elevation change making it an easier hike than the rest of the trails connected here. Be sure to learn more about Leggett Point and the other connecting trails, Rock Creek Loop and Retro Hughes Trailhead, if you’re up for a more challenging hike.
Distance: 1+ mile
Elevation: 220ft
Big Soddy Creek Gulf
Next up is Big Soddy Creek Gulf. Just like Leggett Point, there’s other connecting trails. But the main starting trail can be enjoyed without much effort. The trail is wide and fairly flat for the first mile. There’s a waterfall near the mile one mile marker. Soon after that there’s a small creek crossing. If the water is low and you can cross, go to the right and you’ll soon find a beautiful blue hole about half a mile in. If you only want to hike a mile roundtrip, there’s a closer place to swim half a mile from the trailhead. All these features can be explored with only an 80ft elevation change. Be sure to visit during the right season to experience the same trail in different ways. You can plan to visit in the summer to beat the heat or after a winter rain to see more waterfalls. For more details about this park, trails, and a map, read my Complete Guide to Big Soddy Creek Gulf.
Distance: 1-3 miles
Elevation: 80ft
Cane Creek Falls Overlook
Fall Creek Falls is one of my favorite Tennessee State Parks. There’s countless trails within the park’s trail system. But, there’s one that’s particularly great if you’re visiting the park and are looking for hikes for beginners. Cane Creek Falls Overlook is one of the best waterfall overlooks in the park and easiest hikes. Starting at the Nature Center, cross the suspension bridge, take the Woodland Trail and then turn right onto the Gorge Overlook Trail. Soon the overlook will be on your right. This can be done in a one mile roundtrip with about a 200ft elevation changes. Learn more about the best time to visit the Cane Creek Falls Overlook in this busy state park.
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 200ft
FREE downloadable Google Map with all the hikes listed in this post so you’re ready to explore!
Tumbling Waters
Tumbling Waters is a trail in the north Georgia mountains. There is a fee for parking, but it’s well worth the cost because this place is stunning. There’s a quiet lake with a dock, rippling creeks, and a few cascading waterfalls with overlooks and a bridge. The hike to the main waterfall and bridge is about one mile roundtrip with about an 80ft elevation change. Just be aware that there is a small potential for black bears in these mountains. But don’t let that deter you. Be sure to watch the YouTube video of this hike and learn tips about bears. And read more about Tumbling Waters to prepare for your hike.
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 80ft
Snooper’s Rock
Many people make the mistake of thinking you have to hike miles upon miles to get to Snooper’s Rock. Although this is an option, it’s not necessary. Take a 15 minute drive down the dusty, gravel road inside the Prentice Cooper State Forest Park and you’ll see parking for Snooper’s Rock on the left. From this parking area, the hike down to the overlook is only a quarter of a mile with about a 200ft elevation change. Coming back is uphill, but it’s only a quarter of a mile so it’s not too bad. Learn more about Snooper’s Rock so you can plan your visit to this iconic Chattanooga overlook.
Distance: ½ mile
Elevation: 200ft
Lost Creek
I always save the best for last and this is one of the best hikes for beginners on the list. Not only is it the shortest hike with the least amount of elevation change, but it’s also one of the most unique locations. Lost Creek features a waterfall at one end of the small ravine and a cave on the other. Do not enter the cave though without a permit. The hike is about a quarter of a mile round trip with only a 30ft elevation change that’s mostly accounted for in stairs. Plan your trip to Lost Creek so you can take advantage of this breath-taking hike.
Distance: ¼ mile
Elevation: 30ft
FREE downloadable Google Map with all the hikes listed in this post so you’re ready to explore!
In Closing
Chattanooga has countless trails ranging from easy to very challenging. Most seem to fall somewhere in the middle and even that can be too much for some people. If you’ve never hiked before or you’re not good with stairs and hills, then this list of hikes for beginners should help you get acclimated or satisfy that urge to get outside and explore the trails. And even if you’re not a beginner, these hikes will still become favorites on your list because they’re on mine.
If you found this helpful or have tried any of these hikes, let me know in the comments below. I’ve also linked some runner-ups below if you want even more options. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
These all look amazing I can’t decide if I want to do tumbling waters or lost creek first
They’re both a good, scenic drive away and both are great! Sorry I’m no help in deciding which is better, hahaha