Chattanooga sunset spots can be tricky to find so, here’s a list for you to take the guesswork out of the way.
If you’re like me, then you love a good sunset. And what is better than knowing a great place to catch a good view of one? With a city surrounded by mountains, it’s important to find a good spot so you can have the best viewing experience. For your convenience, I’ve compiled a list of the best Chattanooga sunset spots that are worth the drive. Continue reading to learn more about each of them, and some helpful tips for catching a sunset in the Scenic City.
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Chattanooga Sunset Tips
Before we jump into the list of Chattanooga sunset spot locations, please make note of these tips:
- Plan: Some of these locations are in different time zones. So before you go, make sure you plan ahead and know what time the sun is setting, what time zone you’ll be in, and how long you’ll need to travel to the location in time. I always suggest planning to arrive at a sunset spot at least 30 minutes before the sun is supposed to set. This allows room for traffic delays and greatens the potential of finding a good parking spot.
- Weather: If it’s during the warmer months, wear bug spray. If it’s during the colder months, have plenty of jackets and blankets. Most of these locations are on mountain tops so the cold weather is even colder up there. Check the weather before you go. But remember, sometimes a rainstorm creates the prettiest sunset. Just watch for clouds on the horizon that might block the view and don’t stand outside on a mountaintop in a thunderstorm.
- Respect: Please be mindful that most of these locations are for day-use only. So leave promptly when you’re done enjoying the sky show of a Chattanooga sunset. And as always, leave the place in a beautiful condition so others can continue to enjoy it too.
Signal Mountain
There’s actually two spots on Signal Mountain, but you have to go to a particular one depending on the time of the year.
Taft Highway Lookout
Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Hike length: 0 – .05 mile
The Taft Highway Lookout is perfect for a summer Chattanooga sunset. There’s a flight of stairs down to the lookout, or you can enjoy the view right from your car or the parking area.
Signal Point
Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 17 minutes
Hike length: .08 mile
Signal Point is perfect for a winter Chattanooga sunset. The hike down to the overlook spot is short and easy with a paved path and steps.
Learn more details about each of these spots in my Signal Mountain Sunsets blog post.
Scenic Overlook of Sequatchie Valley
Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 37 minutes
Hike length: 0 mile
The Scenic Overlook of Sequatchie Valley is definitely one of my favorite spots, even just to stop at during the regular daylight hours. The overlook is serene as you can see the rolling farmlands of the Sequatchie Valley below, away from the hustle and bustle of the Chattanooga suburbs and city. And the scenic drive from Chattanooga takes you along Highway 27 and Highway 111. If you’re coming from the Chattanooga side of the mountain, you will have to drive past the overlook, get off the next exit, and get back on going the other way as the overlook is on the other side of the highway.
Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain has the famous Sunset Rock, which is probably Chattanooga’s most popular sunset spot. But there’s also another place further down the road that the locals love to enjoy.
Sunset Rock
Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 18 minutes
Hike length: .2 mile
The most popular location is popular for a reason. Sunset Rock boasts some of the most beautiful views of Lookout Valley below Lookout Mountain. You can also see downtown Chattanooga a little bit around the point of Lookout Mountain as well as the Tennessee River flowing around Moccasin Bend. The hike down from the parking lot is a series of rock steps and is all downhill so coming back afterwards is all uphill.
Because of this spot’s popularity you’ll have to be prepared for no parking. The small parking lot only holds 8 vehicles. There is, however, paid parking quite a ways down the street by Point Park and the Incline Railway. I would suggest arriving an hour or two before the sun sets and on a weeknight to help your potential for a free parking spot. You’ll have even better chances during the colder seasons.
Lookout Mountain Flight Park
Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Hike length: 0 mile
This spot will give you essentially the same views as Sunset Rock, but with more parking options and no hike. I suggest parking here, just past the Lookout Mountain Flight Park. It’s a gravel lot that’s easy to get in and out of if you avoid the potholes. And you can enjoy the sunset right from your car or get out and enjoy the views of the valley below. Although, if there’s hang gliders taking off, you may not be able to park here.
There’s another spot just before the Lookout Mountain Flight Park where you can also pull off to enjoy the views. However, I warn you to proceed with caution at this spot. Getting out when you leave can be very dangerous because the road creates blind hills here and sometimes people speed. That’s why I always suggest the gravel lot on the other end over this area.
Sugarloaf Mountain Overlook
Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 1hour and 10minutes
Hike length: 0-.05 mile
If you find yourself in the Cleveland area or near the Ocoee River, I highly recommend stopping by the Sugarloaf Mountain Overlook to catch the sunset. This is one of my favorite spots because not only is the sunset picturesque from here, but the scenery is beautiful too. This is a small pull-off parking lot on a mountain road so be sure to plug this into your gps so you don’t miss it.
Chester Frost Park
Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 25 minutes
Hike length: 0 mile
Chester Frost Park is located in north Hixson on the Dallas Bay. This park is perfect for water activities such as boating and paddling, as well as picnics and catching the sunset. One of the best spots to watch the sunset here is near the entrance along this dead-end parking area. You can watch from your car or really take in the view by walking down to the water’s edge.
I’ve also enjoyed the sunset here by the dock. If you really want to be close to the water when you watch the sunset, the dock are a great place to do so.
Conclusion
If you have enjoyed a sunset at any of these locations before, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Have you seen a Chattanooga sunset at another location that I didn’t mention above? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
More ways to enjoy Chattanooga scenery:
- Take a scenic drive around Chattanooga
- Catch a Chattanooga sunrise
- Check out Chattanooga overlook views
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Thanks for this information on sunset views. We are fairly new to living in Chattanooga and hope to try some of these!