Category: Exploring

Categories
Exploring Parks

“Local-ish” Chattanooga Swimming and Waterplay Spots: Hiking Edition

  • Elsie Holmes Nature Park 
    • Address: 88 Ben Holmes Rd, Ringgold, GA 30736
    • Hike down the trails to the South Chickamauga Creek with some water access points along the way. At the end of the creekside trail there is a deep spot with space for swimming. In addition, once crossing the creek there is a place to safely explore a protected bat cave.
  • Ringgold Recreational Complex 
    • Address: 16 Gale St, Ringgold, GA 30736
    • There is a short walking path along the South Chickamauga with some accessible water access points along the way. However, you can just drive along the path all the way to the creek.
  • Rainbow Lake Wilderness Park
    • Address: 304 Ohio Ave, Signal Mountain, TN 37377
    • Just off of Ohio Avenue there is parking that gives access to a hiking trail which goes behind the golf course and leads to the Middle Creek.  There are points at the bottom of the hill to go for a dip in the water.
  • Glen Falls 
    • access from Ochs Highway between Sanders Road and the Ochs Highway turn off, technically in Chattanooga, but on Lookout Mountain.
    • The short hiking trail leads to the shallow Glen Falls stream that connects with the Chattanooga Creek off of the mountain. You can access the trail from the formal parking area where the sign is, but you can park just before the sharp curve on Ochs Highway to hike down the steep hill to Glen Falls.
  • Pot Point Nature Trail 
    • Address: 17805 River Canyon Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405
    • If you want to hike all the way up the mountain and then back down you can, but you can also start down by the wooden boardwalk that goes by the river. There are places to pull off the trail and swim in the Tennessee River. We stopped about .9 miles from the parking area, but there are many suitable places.
  • North Chickamauga Blue Hole
    • Address: 354 Montlake Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
    • After a short hike from the parking areas you will find multiple areas to swim in deep pools. The area is littered with massive boulders for sunbathing, just make sure to check for water depth before jumping into the creek!
  • Big Soddy Creek Gulf
    • Address: 11721 Back Valley Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
    • There is a large parking area with a mile (or so) long path that leads down to the water. It gets pretty busy in the warmer months, so just be aware of the potential limited parking spaces.
  • Foster Falls
    • Address: 498 Foster Falls Rd, Sequatchie, TN 37374
    • After parking and taking a short hike you will find a spectacular 60-foot waterfall pouring into a deep pool of water. It can get very crowded in the warmer months, but it is well-worth it!
Categories
Exploring General

Camp Jordan to St. Elmo via Chattanooga Area Greenways

I am beyond excited to share that the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway has been completed and now connects with the Tennessee Riverwalk, which actually connects with the Virginia Avenue Greenway in St. Elmo. This opens up an incredible amount of opportunities to get out and explore the great outdoors within the city limits of Chattanooga.

South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Section

On the morning of April 30th my friend Jason and I set out to bike the newly connected 27-mile path from Camp Jordan in East Ridge all the way to the end of the Virginia Avenue Greenway in St. Elmo. We met in St. Elmo to drop off a car at the finish, loaded up the bikes in one car, stopped for a cup of coffee at Goodman Coffee Roasters in St. Elmo before driving across town to Camp Jordan to start our journey. Once we unloaded the gear the clock read 9:52am.

We started by taking the two mile path around Camp Jordan before crossing the creek and officially started on the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. The path goes underneath Interstate-75, behind the Walmart Supercenter, crosses over Brainerd Road, and then continues on to the Brainerd Levee and Shallowford Road.

In this section of the path you will pass over the Brainerd Levee, which was built in the 1970’s to prevent flood waters from the South Chickamauga Creek from damaging the neighborhoods in the Brainerd area. The paved path is raised and, with the help of the levee, creates a freshwater marsh with animal habitats home to the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Sedge Wrens, Palm Warbler, and the North American Box Turtle.

The path continues north on Shallowford Road away from the Circle K and after about half a mile crosses over at Caine Lane. If you keep to the sidewalk the path connects back with the apartments and homes by the large field on the other side of Camellia Drive. The paved path continues by the old dead tree before turning into a wooden boardwalk beside the creek. This is a very fun section because it goes downhill for about three quarters of a mile before reaching the crossing of railroad bridges behind the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. There is some interesting history here which you can read about in my “Exploring the Newly Completed South Chickamauga Creek Greenway” post here.

The boardwalk continues on up and down some slight grades, passing under many more railroad bridges over the South Chickamauga Creek. After a few more miles, the path leads to a bridge under Bonny Oaks Road, continuing onto a potentially stopping point at Sterchi Farm with a covered patio and public restrooms. The path is pretty self explanatory all the way from Sterchi Farm to the Tennessee Riverwalk trailhead at Lost Mound Road. You will go underneath a large road, Amnicola Highway, and come to a fork in the path. Take the path up the hill to the right, this will bring you to a rest stop with public restrooms and the blue metal bridge to again cross over the creek to continue on the Tennessee Riverwalk.

Tennessee Riverwalk Section

The Tennessee Riverwalk is a very straightforward path traveling behind the industrial buildings and restaurants on Amnicola Highway, the rowing center on Riverside Drive (with public restrooms), Manker Patten Tennis Club, all the way up the hill on Battery Place and on the bridge over Georgia Avenue into the Bluff View Art District.

We made a short pit stop here for some rest and cold drinks from Rembrandt’s Coffee House. At this point, Jason and I had biked for 18-miles nonstop and appreciated a little break before hopping back on the bikes and continuing on the Riverwalk. To continue on the Riverwalk you will need to bike in front of the Hunter Museum of Art and take the path to the left to take the zig-zag path downhill and under the Walnut Street Bridge to the river level area by the Tennessee Aquarium. One the day that we went, the Tennessee Aquarium was hosting an event on the Chattanooga Green event celebrating its 30th anniversary. There were tents, food trucks, and a live music stage.

The path continues down the river underneath Interstate-27 and along Riverfront Parkway before taking a sharp turn by Ross’ Landing Boat Ramp to go behind Scottie’s on the River and the Cameron Harbor Townhomes. At the large vibrant modern structure you can go up the hill to find public restrooms at the Blue Goose Hollow Trailhead or can continue on the path behind more industrial buildings. There is one doozy of a hill in this section between Blue Goose Hollow Trailhead and the Chestnut Street Trailhead just past the Interstate-24 overpass. You’ll find “YAY!” spray painted in yellow at top of the hill to celebrate your hard work. The path continues behind abandoned industrial buildings, in a small tunnel with a sign inscribed “Wheland Foundry Pass” and onto the newly developed area by the Publix in St. Elmo. You’ll need to cross over Broad Street at the crosswalk to go onto the path along St. Elmo Avenue.

Virginia Avenue Greenway

At this point, the Tennessee Riverwalk has come to its natural end, but if you cross over the road at Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream and turn right you will find the beginning of the Virginia Avenue Greenway at Sawasdee Thai Restaurant. The Virginia Avenue Greenway is a simple, mostly level paved path that cuts right through the historic St. Elmo neighborhood. You will pass behind beautiful homes with unique features and designs for about two miles before coming to the end of the path by the Avocado Little Library at the end of Virginia Avenue. 

We ended our 27-mile journey here at 1:05pm. Our bike trip took just over three hours and was accessible entirely by safe, paved or wooden paths. It passed by numerous natural animal habitats and the beautiful South Chickamauga Creek and Tennessee River. To celebrate our hard work we grabbed burgers at The Tap House & Empyreal Brewing Company. 

If you were doing this trip solo or wanted to really push yourself, you could turn around at the end of Virginia Avenue and make your way back along the path you just traveled to Camp Jordan for a rigorous 54-mile bike trip. You could count it as practice and then compete in the annual Hincapie Gran Fondo for the 55-mile Medio race.

Categories
Exploring General

Tips for Success on a Hike with Kids

When it comes to a hike with kids there are a few things that you should keep in mind before setting out. You want to plan for success and be proactive. If Stephen Covey puts “Be Proactive” as his #1 Habit for Highly Effective People, then it should be considered here too. He’s a pretty smart dude!

Plan. Plan. Plan.

  • Determine what your route will be. (check out some ideas here)
  • Plan the mileage of the hike. (I use AllTrails for mapping and planning)
  • Look at the map, two or three times. 
  • Find the directions and drive time to get to the trailhead. 
  • Check the weather.
  • Plan for the estimated total hike time.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

  • Bring more than enough water.
  • Bring more than enough snacks. (check out the my snack post for tips here)
  • Wear weather appropriate clothes.
  • Have a towel, just in case.
  • Wear and bring extra sunscreen. 
  • If you’ve got an untrained or recently potty trained little one, make sure you’ve got the diapers, wipes, and a bag to pack it out.

Execute. Execute. Execute.

  • Keep it easy and have fun.
  • Bring a wilderness scavenger hunt checklist.
  • Go on a bear hunt (inspired by the classic children’s book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”)
  • Make up some other imaginary game to keep the morale high.
  • Have you got a little one who might struggle with the hike? Consider a baby carrier or jogging stroller, if the trail is appropriate. (check out my Stroller vs. Baby Carrier post)
  • If you are picture-taking people, snap some shots to save for the memory collection.

Have fun exploring!

Categories
Exploring

Chattanooga Area Hiking Trails – All Levels List

Now that the weather is warming up, it seems appropriate to create a list of our favorite hiking trails in the area. While my kids are little (3 and 5, well we have a baby too, but she can’t really walk yet), they are pretty used to long hikes. I’ve created a tiered list of local hikes organized by their level of difficulty for kids. I’ll share some photos of each place and discuss some details about each.

Easy

The “easy” trails are flat or mostly flat with some slight changes in elevation. They are two-miles or less. In addition, their paths are clear and accessible for little feet and even strollers.

Blue Blazes Trail : 1.5 miles, loop, flat

409 Moccasin Bend Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405

This short, flat loop trail is located in the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District. It loops towards the Tennessee River and finds its way going parallel to the Moccasin Bend Golf Course  on its way back towards the parking area. There are some spots with significant mud, or as my 3-year old calls it “Mega Mud”, however most of these spots have a “walking bridge” (wooden walkway going over the swampy/muddy areas. Depending on the weather prior to your trip, there may be muddy spots not protected by a walkway, just beware.

Enterprise South – Sunshine/Storybook Trail : 1 mile, loop, slight hilly

190 Still Hollow Loop, Chattanooga, TN 37416

This short, slightly hilly trail is located right behind the visitors centers at Enterprise South Nature Park. This trail provides some literary entertainment along the way! It connects with the Sunshine trail to extend it for more adventuring! After a short nature walk and reading time the path finds its way right back to the parking lot behind the visitors center.

Enterprise South – Poe Run Trail : 2 miles, out and back, flat

190 Still Hollow Loop, Chattanooga, TN 37416

This short, flat trail starts at the parking area to the left of the visitors center at Enterprise South Nature Center. Along the path you will find multiple bunkers along the way. On occasion they are open and you can wander around inside, enjoying the dramatic echoes of footsteps, or on top of them. The Poe Run trail ends when you encounter the second cross road, at this point it becomes the Hidden Lake Trail, more on this extension below.

Glen Falls Trail : 2 miles, out and back, slight hill

Ochs Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37409 between Sanders Road and Ochs Highway turnoff

This is a great trail with slightly rocky and “root-y” terrain. It starts going on a slightly downward incline and continues rolling up and down the rest of the way. When you get to the bridge and water pool you are about halfway to the falls. At the falls you can climb in the rocks to get a higher point of view or walk along or inside the stream to get to the falls. We enjoy walking in the steam and exploring the top of the falls. The journey does come to an end when you end up at the “big bend” in Ochs Highway, but it’s a fun, easy hike with some water play options too.

Intermediate

The “intermediate” trails are 2 miles or longer. They are introducing steeper terrain and challenges. Their paths may be rocky and bumpy, less friendly at times to little feet and strollers, but still ultimately manageable.

Stringers Ridge – Cherokee (Tan) Trail : 2.4 miles, loop, slight hill

Neighborhood access at end of Hiram Avenue – 1052 Hiram Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37415

Neighborhood access at end of Highridge Drive – 898 Highridge Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37405

No Access at Pine Ridge Drive – Rockslide has washed out the entrance and southern section

This trail was once well paved, but time and usage has turned it rather bumpy, but you might only notice if you are trying to maneuver a jogging stroller up the path. Due to a rockslide and trail washout, the secondary entrance to Stringers Ridge at Pine Ridge Drive is closed. The “official” entrance is at the Spears Avenue Trailhead, however, there are two “neighborhood” access points with “no parking” allowed: (1) at the end of Hiram Avenue and (2) at the end of Highridge Drive. The Cherokee Trail has a beautiful scenic overlook for views of Northshore, Downtown, and Missionary Ridge.

Racoon Mountain – Electric Avenue 1 : 3.4 miles, out and back, mostly flat

3800 Raccoon Mountain Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37419

Racoon Mountain is well known for its mountain biking trails, which usually means steep inclines. If you are looking for a level terrain with a clear path, then you’ll want to “rock down to Electric Avenue”. This path is easily accessible from the parking lot by the Racoon Mountain Chattanooga Overlook. We took the path all the way to the road and walked back to the car on the one-way reservoir road that runs all the way around the water. There aren’t many cars that take the road, it is a safe way to travel if you want to avoid the trail on the way back or simply want a new perspective.

Enterprise South – Poe Run Trail to Hidden Lake : 3.8 miles, out and back, flat (Poe Run Trail) small hills (Hidden Lake Trail)

190 Still Hollow Loop, Chattanooga, TN 37416

This is the Hidden Lake extension of the Poe Run Trail mentioned above. Poe Run is a mostly flat path, but once you hook up with the Hidden Lake trail the path starts to take an incline up to the Hidden Lake. It is slightly more strenuous and adds close to two more miles to the round trip, but we think that it is worth it, if you are up to it. The first time we took this trail I just accidentally happened upon the lake, and it was a pleasant surprise. We spent time skipping stones in the water and looking at all the wildlife around the lake.

South Chickamauga Creek Greenway – Faith Rd. to Sterchi Farms : 4.4 miles, out and back, mostly flat, slightly hilly in middle on the boardwalk

3650 Faith Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37406

I really enjoy this path, it runs along the South Chickamauga Creek and the railway system in the area. There are multiple railway crossing points where the path goes underneath the rail. It is really something when a train comes barreling down the track and you are square underneath it! About one mile down the path from the Faith Road Trailhead the path transitions into a wooden walkway on the hillside along the creek. It is a fun place to walk, run, or bike. You’ll pass underneath Bonny Oaks Road and come across some memorabilia for the Historic Trail of Tears before reaching a midway stopping point at Sterchi Farms on Harrison Pike. There is a covered sitting area and bathrooms. We stop here and head back to Faith Road, however, like a choose your own adventure you can continue down the greenway to the North Hawthorne Trailhead or take it all the way to the connection with the Tennessee Riverwalk and go to the Chickamauga Dam, Downtown, or now even St. Elmo.

Advanced

The “advanced” trails are 2.5 miles or longer. They are hilly, going up mountains and large hills. Their paths are crowded with roots, rocks, ledges, and plant life. These trails are probably best for older children. Leave the stoller at home, it won’t work.

Cravens House to Point Park : 2.8 miles, loop, hilly

Point Park Visitor Ctr, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350

My boys love Cravens House because we often will play this imagination game based on the 2020 Pixar film Onward. One day I decided that we were going to take the trail all the way up Lookout Mountain to Point Park. If you enter Point Park from the front entrance you’ve got to pay and I ain’t about that, however, if you enter from the trail it is free. We took the Cravens House Trail to the Bluff Trail all the way up the mountain, along the bumpy rock, the area overrun with kudzu, and finally the Stairway to Heaven (the stairs up to Point Park). The kids then play pretend games with the cannons and everything up on the mountain and when we are ready we take the Mountain Beautiful Trail down creating a loop that drops you back down at Cravens House.

Stringers Ridge – Hill City to Double J (Blue) Trail : 3.5 miles, loop, hilly

Access at end of Spears Avenue – 1390 Spears Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Access to the Hill City/Double J (blue) trail starts at the Spears Avenue Trailhead at the end of Spears Avenue. You will follow the blue markings as it winds its way along the ridge. Once you find a crossroads section with a map you have some choices. The Gig City (red/blue) extension to the Hill City/ Double J (blue) is closed due to wash out. You can either take Cherokee (tan) Trail north to the overlook and continue to the Strut (green) trail where it then connects with the Hill City/Double J (blue) trail or you can take the Cherokee (tan) Trail south to reconnect with the Hill City (blue) trail and follow the to the parking area at the Spears Avenue Trailhead. 

Pot Point Nature Loop : 4 miles, loop, hilly

17805 River Canyon Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405

This is a new favorite. The first half of the loop climbs in the hill/mountain and the second half climbs down the mountain and walks alongside the Tennessee River.The start is relatively simple, but then you’ll start to make a climb up the large hill/small mountain in Prentice Cooper State Park. Just when you think it’ll be over soon, it isn’t. When you get to marker number 10 you are almost to the boulder field and campsite. We romped around the boulders and campsites for a bit before making the way back down the hill. The riverside portion can get pretty muddy at times, so just beware. Enjoy skipping some stones or dip your toes in the river in one of the logical locations. The trail goes on the road a little, gets back into the forest, meanders through the butterfly field, before ending at the end of a boardwalk back at the parking lot. 

Richie Hollow Trail : 5.4 miles, out and back, hilly

17805 River Canyon Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405

This trail starts at the same parking area as the Pot Point, but it has a separate trailhead on the other side of the parking lot. This is a fairly strenuous trail that gains 1,200 feet in elevation. Along the trail you will pass the 30-foot tall waterfall called Blowing Wind Falls. The waterfall is about 1.75 miles from the trail head with about a 600 ft climb in elevation, which is a great midway point if you wanted to turn around here making a 3.5 hike. The option still remains to continue the remainder of the way to the Davis Pond Campground at the end of the Richie Hollow Trail for a midway stopping point too. 

Make sure to tag @papanooga on social media if you share photos of your adventures online!

Have fun exploring!

Categories
Exploring

Chattanooga Area Hiking Trails – Advanced

Now that the weather is warming up, it seems appropriate to create a list of our favorite hiking trails in the area. While my kids are little (3 and 5, well we have a baby too, but she can’t really walk yet), they are pretty used to long hikes. I’ve created a tiered list of local hikes which I will be sharing in three separate posts. I’ll share some photos of each place and discuss some details about each.

The “advanced” trails are 2.5 miles or longer. They are hilly, going up mountains and large hills. Their paths are crowded with roots, rocks, ledges, and plant life. These trails are probably best for older children. Leave the stoller at home, it won’t work.

Cravens House to Point Park : 2.8 miles, loop, hilly

Point Park Visitor Ctr, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350

My boys love Cravens House because we often will play this imagination game based on the 2020 Pixar film Onward. One day I decided that we were going to take the trail all the way up Lookout Mountain to Point Park. If you enter Point Park from the front entrance you’ve got to pay and I ain’t about that, however, if you enter from the trail it is free. We took the Cravens House Trail to the Bluff Trail all the way up the mountain, along the bumpy rock, the area overrun with kudzu, and finally the Stairway to Heaven (the stairs up to Point Park). The kids then play pretend games with the cannons and everything up on the mountain and when we are ready we take the Mountain Beautiful Trail down creating a loop that drops you back down at Cravens House.

Stringers Ridge – Hill City to Double J (Blue) Trail : 3.5 miles, loop, hilly

Access at Spears Avenue Trailhead – 1390 Spears Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Access to the Hill City/Double J (blue) trail starts at the Spears Avenue Trailhead at the end of Spears Avenue. You will follow the blue markings as it winds its way along the ridge. Once you find a crossroads section with a map you have some choices. The Gig City (red/blue) extension to the Hill City/ Double J (blue) is closed due to wash out. You can either take Cherokee (tan) Trail north to the overlook and continue to the Strut (green) trail where it then connects with the Hill City/Double J (blue) trail or you can take the Cherokee (tan) Trail south to reconnect with the Hill City (blue) trail and follow the to the parking area at the Spears Avenue Trailhead. 

Pot Point Nature Loop : 4 miles, loop, hilly

17805 River Canyon Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405

This is a new favorite. The first half of the loop climbs in the hill/mountain and the second half climbs down the mountain and walks alongside the Tennessee River.The start is relatively simple, but then you’ll start to make a climb up the large hill/small mountain in Prentice Cooper State Park. Just when you think it’ll be over soon, it isn’t. When you get to marker number 10 you are almost to the boulder field and campsite. We romped around the boulders and campsites for a bit before making the way back down the hill. The riverside portion can get pretty muddy at times, so just beware. Enjoy skipping some stones or dip your toes in the river in one of the logical locations. The trail goes on the road a little, gets back into the forest, meanders through the butterfly field, before ending at the end of a boardwalk back at the parking lot. 

Richie Hollow Trail : 5.4 miles, out and back, hilly

17805 River Canyon Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405

This trail starts at the same parking area as the Pot Point, but it has a separate trailhead on the other side of the parking lot. This is a fairly strenuous trail that gains 1,200 feet in elevation. Along the trail you will pass the 30-foot tall waterfall called Blowing Wind Falls. The waterfall is about 1.75 miles from the trail head with about a 600 ft climb in elevation, which is a great midway point if you wanted to turn around here making a 3.5 hike. The option still remains to continue the remainder of the way to the Davis Pond Campground at the end of the Richie Hollow Trail for a midway stopping point too. 

Make sure to tag @papanooga on social media if you share photos of your adventures online!

Have fun exploring!

Categories
Exploring Reviews

Chattanooga Area Hiking Trails – Intermediate

Now that the weather is warming up, it seems appropriate to create a list of our favorite hiking trails in the area. While my kids are little (3 and 5, well we have a baby too, but she can’t really walk yet), they are pretty used to long hikes. I’ve created a tiered list of local hikes which I will be sharing in three separate posts. I’ll share some photos of each place and discuss some details about each.

The “intermediate” trails are 2 miles or longer. They are introducing steeper terrain and challenges. Their paths may be rocky and bumpy, less friendly at times to little feet and strollers, but still ultimately manageable.

Stringers Ridge – Cherokee (Tan) Trail : 2.4 miles, loop, slight hill

Neighborhood access at end of Hiram Avenue – 1052 Hiram Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37415

Neighborhood access at end of Highridge Drive – 898 Highridge Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37405

No Access at Pine Ridge Drive – Rockslide has washed out the entrance and southern section

This trail was once well paved, but time and usage has turned it rather bumpy, but you might only notice if you are trying to maneuver a jogging stroller up the path. Due to a rockslide and trail washout, the secondary entrance to Stringers Ridge at Pine Ridge Drive is closed. The “official” entrance is at the Spears Avenue Trailhead, however, there are two “neighborhood” access points with “no parking” allowed: (1) at the end of Hiram Avenue and (2) at the end of Highridge Drive. The Cherokee Trail has a beautiful scenic overlook for views of Northshore, Downtown, and Missionary Ridge.

Racoon Mountain – Electric Avenue 1 : 3.4 miles, out and back, mostly flat

3800 Raccoon Mountain Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37419

Racoon Mountain is well known for its mountain biking trails, which usually means steep inclines. If you are looking for a level terrain with a clear path, then you’ll want to “rock down to Electric Avenue”. This path is easily accessible from the parking lot by the Racoon Mountain Chattanooga Overlook. We took the path all the way to the road and walked back to the car on the one-way reservoir road that runs all the way around the water. There aren’t many cars that take the road, it is a safe way to travel if you want to avoid the trail on the way back or simply want a new perspective.

Enterprise South – Poe Run Trail to Hidden Lake : 3.8 miles, out and back, flat (Poe Run Trail) small hills (Hidden Lake Trail)

190 Still Hollow Loop, Chattanooga, TN 37416

This is the Hidden Lake extension of the Poe Run Trail mentioned above. Poe Run is a mostly flat path, but once you hook up with the Hidden Lake trail the path starts to take an incline up to the Hidden Lake. It is slightly more strenuous and adds close to two more miles to the round trip, but we think that it is worth it, if you are up to it. The first time we took this trail I just accidentally happened upon the lake, and it was a pleasant surprise. We spent time skipping stones in the water and looking at all the wildlife around the lake.

South Chickamauga Creek Greenway – Faith Rd. to Sterchi Farms : 4.4 miles, out and back, mostly flat, slightly hilly in middle on the boardwalk

3650 Faith Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37406

I really enjoy this path, it runs along the South Chickamauga Creek and the railway system in the area. There are multiple railway crossing points where the path goes underneath the rail. It is really something when a train comes barreling down the track and you are square underneath it! About one mile down the path from the Faith Road Trailhead the path transitions into a wooden walkway on the hillside along the creek. It is a fun place to walk, run, or bike. You’ll pass underneath Bonny Oaks Road and come across some memorabilia for the Historic Trail of Tears before reaching a midway stopping point at Sterchi Farms on Harrison Pike. There is a covered sitting area and bathrooms. We stop here and head back to Faith Road, however, like a choose your own adventure you can continue down the greenway to the North Hawthorne Trailhead or take it all the way to the connection with the Tennessee Riverwalk and go to the Chickamauga Dam, Downtown, or now even St. Elmo.

Make sure to tag @papanooga on social media if you share photos of your adventures online!

Have fun exploring!

Categories
Exploring General

Exploring the Newly Completed South Chickamauga Creek Greenway: Faith Road Trailhead to Brainerd Levee Trailhead

One morning last summer I decided to take my middle child for a walk on the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. I loaded up the BOB Revolution jogging stroller, some snacks and water, and we were off. We started at the Faith Road Trailhead over by Bonny Oaks and Highway 157. The descent from the parking area to the paved trail is a doozy with its steep incline. At the bottom by the South Chickamauga Creek I noticed thick trees covered by lots of orange tape, cones, and signs saying, “Under Construction”. The posters mention that work was being done to connect the greenway from Faith Road to Shallowford, connecting the path from Camp Jordan in East Ridge all the way to the Tennessee Riverwalk at Lost Mound Drive in Chattanooga. There wasn’t a proposed date of completion, so I just logged it away and carried on with the walk. My son and I had a great time, singing songs, talking about bugs, and just enjoying the calm nature scene.

Then comes April 17th, 2022. It is the morning of Easter Sunday and I just had the urge to check in on the current status of the work done to the new section of the greenway. I found some articles from March of 2022 saying the path was completed, but others were inconclusive. After breakfast I took my oldest son and a pack filled with snacks and water to set off on an exploration of the new greenway section. My goal was to determine for myself if it was in fact completed, and if so, how much was finished and where it ended. I didn’t know for sure how the journey would end, but yet, we went into the “wild unknown”. (cue “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” from Ennio Morricone)

We started our journey in the same location, the Faith Road Trailhead. After making the treacherous descent to the path we find that all the orange tape, cones, and signs are gone and the path is clear, so off we went. The path is paved for about an eighth of a mile before you come to the boardwalk. It climbs over the steep slope of the hillside and the plant life below. After some time the path comes to the bridge at Lightfoot Mill Road. After this you will take the boardwalk as it winds underneath the old train bridges and pipelines that crisscross the South Chickamauga Creek. 

Near the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a display of the original location of the 1859 railroad track and a sign showing the height of the water from the Great Flood of 1867. This was the largest flood the city of Chattanooga has had on record. There was a four day long rainstorm that caused the water of the Tennessee River and South Chickamauga Creek to rise 58 feet above its normal level. By March 9th most of Chattanooga’s streets were four to eight feet of water. After the waters receded the city acted to raise the streets higher to prevent such a degree of destruction in the future. You can still see some older buildings downtown with doors and windows sticking just barely poking out from the sidewalk or basement doors that lead nowhere. This storm and flood destroyed the only bridge crossing the Tennessee River and the city of Chattanooga was without one until the Walnut Street Bridge was completed in 1891.

Back to the greenway, the boardwalk continues on the banks of the river just outside of the reach of Cromwell Road. After a while the boardwalk path turns back to concrete behind the apartments on Camellia Drive. The path winds its way to Caine Lane following the sidewalk to the intersection at Shallowford Road. If you use the crosswalk and turn right, continuing south towards North Moore Road, you may see a red Circle K gas station in the distance. It is at this place where you will find the Brainerd Levee Trailhead for the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. 

The section from Shallowford at the Brainerd Levee continues and crosses over Brainerd Road by the Walmart Supercenter. It continues onwards underneath Highway 75 and over the bridge into Camp Jordan. The new section of the greenway does in fact connect Brainerd Levee to Faith Road, creating a 12 mile path from Camp Jordan to the Tennessee Riverwalk at Lost Mound Drive. In fact, if you are brave enough you could even take the 27-mile journey from Camp Jordan to the Tennessee Riverwalk and all the way to the end of the Virginia Avenue Greenway in St. Elmo. 

I am very excited about this extension of the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. It opens up so much for local and traveling explorers to get outside, unplug, and see all that Chattanooga has to offer! This path has been in the works since 1994. The reason it has taken so long is because there are about fifty different land owners along the now completed greenway. The Trust for Public Land had to ensure that all the landowners were willing and agreed to the plans for construction. The project also needed support from all living Chattanooga mayors since the beginning of the work in 1994. In addition, because of the robust wildlife along the creek bank, an environmental regulator needed to inspect and ensure that the greenway would not harm protected wildlife habitats. 

I greatly enjoyed my Sunday morning walk along the banks of the South Chickamauga Creek using the new greenway. Get out and explore all that Chattanooga has to offer!

Categories
Exploring Reviews

Chattanooga Area Hiking Trails – Easy

Now that the weather is warming up, it seems appropriate to create a list of our favorite hiking trails in the area. While my kids are little (3 and 5, well we have a baby too, but she can’t really walk yet), they are pretty used to long hikes. I’ve created a tiered list of local hikes which I will be sharing in three separate posts. I’ll share some photos of each place and discuss some details about each.

The “easy” trails are flat or mostly flat with some slight changes in elevation. They are two-miles or less. In addition, their paths are clear and accessible for little feet and even strollers.

Blue Blazes Trail : 1.5 miles, loop, flat

409 Moccasin Bend Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405

This short, flat loop trail is located in the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District. It loops towards the Tennessee River and finds its way going parallel to the Moccasin Bend Golf Course  on its way back towards the parking area. There are some spots with significant mud, or as my 3-year old calls it “Mega Mud”, however most of these spots have a “walking bridge” (wooden walkway going over the swampy/muddy areas. Depending on the weather prior to your trip, there may be muddy spots not protected by a walkway, just beware.

Enterprise South – Sunshine/Storybook Trail : 1 mile, loop, slight hilly

190 Still Hollow Loop, Chattanooga, TN 37416

This short, slightly hilly trail is located right behind the visitors centers at Enterprise South Nature Park. This trail provides some literary entertainment along the way! It connects with the Sunshine trail to extend it for more adventuring! After a short nature walk and reading time the path finds its way right back to the parking lot behind the visitors center.

Enterprise South – Poe Run Trail : 2 miles, out and back, flat

190 Still Hollow Loop, Chattanooga, TN 37416

This short, flat trail starts at the parking area to the left of the visitors center at Enterprise South Nature Center. Along the path you will find multiple bunkers along the way. On occasion they are open and you can wander around inside, enjoying the dramatic echoes of footsteps, or on top of them. The Poe Run trail ends when you encounter the second cross road, at this point it becomes the Hidden Lake Trail, more on this extension below.

Glen Falls Trail : 2 miles, out and back, slight hills

Ochs Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37409 between Sanders Road and Ochs Highway turnoffs

This is a great trail with slightly rocky and “root-y” terrain. It starts going on a slightly downward incline and continues rolling up and down the rest of the way. When you get to the bridge and water pool you are about halfway to the falls. At the falls you can climb in the rocks to get a higher point of view or walk along or inside the stream to get to the falls. We enjoy walking in the steam and exploring the top of the falls. The journey does come to an end when you end up at the “big bend” in Ochs Highway, but it’s a fun, easy hike with some water play options too.

Make sure to tag @papanooga on social media if you share photos of your adventures online!

Have fun exploring!

Categories
Exploring Reviews

Pot Point Nature Trail

This morning was just beautiful outside and I decided to take my kids on a hike I have long been wanting to try out. I made breakfast, packed my “Papa Pack” full of diapers, wipes, snacks, and plenty of water. We hopped in the car, cranked up some India.Arie, and trekked out to the Pot Point trailhead just outside of Chattanooga near Prentice Cooper.

At this trailhead there are a few different trails options, but we went for the Pot Point Nature Trail. It is a 3.7 mile loop, which is a little long for nature trails in my opinion, but oh well. I learned from the trail map that there was a campsite about halfway and I’m very thankful that it’s there. When taking little people (aged 5, 3, and 1) on a long hike, a midway point to rest and play is an absolute necessity.

We started at the trail map side of the loop, however you can start across the street at the wooden walking path leading to the Tennessee River. Ultimately, the trail goes up and then back down the mountainside no matter which way you begin. Although, I think starting at the hillside, trail map end of the loop is probably best. You get the uphill part over with at the beginning of the hike when you (and your little people) have lots of energy and excitement. 

We stopped along the way to rest a bit, drink some water, and look at mossy rocks. Just when you think the midway campsite is going to be around the next bend, it isn’t. Along the path you will see little poles with numbers engraved on the top. You might find yourself wondering that purpose they serve. There is nothing on the trail map mentioning them. They aren’t distance markers. I’m not certain what their purpose is. Although when you see post #10, the trail gets flat, you can see the top of the mountain clearly, and there are lots of massive boulders you are almost there.

There is a little exploration trail called Boulder Trail and it reminds me of The Hobbit, this terrible PC game from 2003 based on the story of J. R. R. Tolkien’s story. There is this section on the game when you sneak around big stinky trolls to steal their mutton or something like that. Well, these massive boulders remind me of the many “adventures” I took and hours I invested into this game when I was 10. Might be kind of cool to reenact this with an imaginary game with your kiddos if they are familiar with the story, or even if they aren’t.

When you’re at the top, take some time to rest at one of the three campsites. Host a talent show on the camping platforms. Enjoy the beautiful views. You will have sacrificed much to get to this point with your little people.

The hike back just continues on the trail, but this time down the mountain. The trail crosses the River Canyon Road on its way down to the Tennessee River. The section at the bottom by the river is pretty swampy and muddy at times, so either wear hiking boots that can handle that or just plan on getting muddy moccasins and soggy socks. 

There are a couple nice “pull-offs” along the river section of the trail for a dip in the water or skipping stones, including another campsite, but this time on the river bank.  

The trail then leads to the River Canyon Road and you’ll need to walk on the road for maybe a quarter of a mile before a new trail emerges leading back into the woods. Although, you can stay on the road and follow that back to the parking area, but I recommend getting back on the trail. This final section of the trail is beautiful. You will find the Butterfly Meadow, a beautiful, flat section right along the river with lush grasses and wildflowers covered in butterflies.

 The journey back to the parking area is easy from the Butterfly Meadow following the trail and a wooden walkway over some swampy areas. 

It’s a very nice trail for a long outing.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The ascent up the top of mountain might be tough for little legs (or bigger legs too). The campsite area and the Boulder Trail is great for rest, exploration, and imaginary play and the spots on the river section a good getting your feet wet and skipping stones. 

We spent a total of four hours on the hike, but we did take our time along the way. Which is probably best if you are heading out with kiddos.

If you try out this trail make sure to tag @papanooga on Instagram or Facebook to share your adventures.

Have fun exploring!

Categories
Exploring General

Riverside 7: The Surprise Car Show

(If you know anything about Chattanooga you know that it is an event city: music festivals, farmers markets, marathons, marathons, marathons, ultra-marathons, bike races, the Little Debbie Ironman, and more marathons. Or at least it seems that way if you try to spend time near the First Horizon Pavilion on the weekends. We have had the misfortune of hyping up the skatepark only to (1) not be able to go or (2) have to park blocks away and walk because of seemingly countless events. Don’t get me wrong, I love that Chattanooga is an event city, but if you don’t proactively plan in the “good” weather months of the year than you might find yourself in endless traffic and detours.)

This morning Lynae, my wife, went out to grab coffee with a friend at Mean Mug on Northshore. After dropping her off we scooted over to the Chattown skatepark near Finley Stadium and the First Horizon Pavilion. Well, there was another event blocking off the whole area near the skatepark, but today it wasn’t some athletic event, it was a car show, the Riverside 7 Spring Meet. I walked and the boys rode their bikes a few blocks to get to the skatepark as I reminded them again and again to “keep your eyes forward”. It’s easy to get distracted with super fancy lowriders cruising right next to you, pull your bike handlebars towards the direction of your eyes, and then scratch a car that is worth more than an average house prior to the 2020 market inflation.

After some time refining BMX skills we walked through the rows and rows of shiny, “race cars”. Again I had to remind my boys to keep their hands to themselves and look where they were walking. But, I can’t blame them, the cars were pretty awesome. 90% of the cars were homogenous, but there were some very unique cars. In papanooga-style, I took time to point out the vans that were dropped down low, loaded with custom rims and interiors. There were two Honda Odyssey’s and one old model Toyota Sienna. I’ve seen my fair share of MTV’s Pimp My Ride and I can recall one particular episode with a lowrider, hot pink older Dodge Caravan. These weren’t quite tacky, in fact they were very tasteful.

We stopped for some snacks of oranges, kid protein bars, and some jelly beans from a nice vendor, put in some more time at the skatepark, and then walked/rode back to the car to pick up mom from Northshore. It was a nice surprise to our morning, especially when I saw the traffic and road closures expecting yet another marathon. Looking forward the St. Elmo Corgi Parade on April 3rd and the 4 Bridges Art Festival by the Association for the Visual Arts on April 9th-10th.

Get out there and have fun!