Enjoy Chattanooga sunsets all year long with these two Signal Mountain locations.
Signal Mountain boasts two amazing sunset views. One for the summer months and one for the winter months. Keep reading to learn which spot to visit each season so you can enjoy a Signal Mountain sunset any time of the year.
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Taft Highway Lookout Sunset
The Taft Highway Lookout shares a beautiful view of the Sequatchie valley with you. But not only that, it is one of the best sunset spots during the summer months. Visit this spot anytime during the daylight savings time to enjoy a beautiful Signal Mountain sunset.
This overlook may appear abandoned but it is still well-loved by the locals. Don’t let the disrepair fool you. I found this overlook right before I moved here and back then it was falling apart. Today it has slowly received some much needed TLC and even has a plaque sharing more details about the Sequatchie Valley below.
During the winter months you can see further from the lower platform than you can during the summer because of the trees growing so much. However, you can’t see much of the sunset as it hides behind the mountains to the left from here during the winter.
Signal Point Sunset
Now if you want to enjoy a Signal Mountain sunset in winter, you should visit Signal Point. As you can see from the photos here, the sunset is too far to the right to enjoy during daylight savings time. Visit between November and March though, and you’ll be able to watch the sunset here.
From Signal Point you can also see the Tennessee River and to the far left, downtown Chattanooga. Please note that this overlook requires a little walk down from the parking lot. There’s a few steps but it’s mostly sidewalk that slopes downhill. So, coming back is all uphill.
Although I haven’t personally tried this, I’ve known people to have hiked out to the Julia Falls Overlook for sunset too. This is just over a mile hike from Signal Point. However, I must say, please proceed with caution if you decide to try this. It gets dark quickly and this trail is full of tripping hazards and steps. For more information about hiking here, read my blog post about hiking from Signal Point to Rainbow Lake.
How to Plan for Seeing a Signal Mountain Sunset
If visiting during the summer months, prepare ahead of time with bug spray. Temperatures on top of the mountain are typically a few degrees cooler than in the valley. This makes being outside for a summer sunset more comfortable, but mosquitoes are still prevalent.
Same goes for winter. Well, not the bug spray part. But be sure to bundle up. Temperatures are colder on top of the mountain than they are in the valley. If you dress appropriately, you’ll be sure to enjoy a winter Signal Mountain sunset. Also check the weather ahead of time. Ice and snow often collect on the mountains even when the valley has none. Stay safe and plan ahead.
Beware of the Taft Highway Lookout. It’s location is on the downhill portion of Highway 127 that heads down to Sequatchie Valley. If you’re coming from Chattanooga, the pull off is to the left. This can be dangerous to turn into as you can’t really see oncoming traffic. Also be cautious when you leave for the same reason. A lot of bikers love to fly up this mountain road at excessive speeds. They typically know about this overlook and are vigilant, but still proceed with caution when entering and exiting.
Also note that you will be in the Central Time Zone at the Taft Highway Lookout. Chattanooga is in the Eastern Time Zone so it’s good to remember that the next time zone is right next door. It can be easy to forget about and easily confuse times between the two time zones and locations.
In Closing
Whether you’re visiting in winter or summer, there’s a place for you to enjoy a Signal Mountain sunset. Here are the exact locations of each spot:
Taft Highway Lookout
Signal Point
Be sure to watch the video where I travel to both locations for sunset. And let me know in the comments below if you’ve enjoyed a sunset at either of these spots. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
More Places to Catch the Sunset Near Chattanooga:
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