On April 6th, 2021 the city of East Ridge began the demolition on the well loved wooden Pioneer Frontier Park with plans to build a new playground and splash pad with a $1,000,000 budget. The original wooden castle park was built in 1994 and served the city for 27 years. The new Playcore playground was under construction for a year and was completed on April 2nd, 2022.
I’ve gone on before in my Scramble Alley and *New* St. Elmo Park about how much I love wooden castle parks because of the imaginary worlds that are easily created and explored. I feel the same about the original Pioneer Frontier Park, but that isn’t the focus of this review. The new park has some pretty awesome features, including:
Multiple swings
Monkey bars
One of those circular “tire” swings
A kids aged 2-5 section with monkey bars, swings, and a small play structure
A roller bar slide
A bridge section above the main play structure entrance
Tower with two tall, windy slides
A contemporary designed rope bridge
A merry go round with rope seats
A calisthenic workout area
A splash pad to be opened in summer (will update when opened)
There are some parts of the play structure that resemble the plastic play structure at the Imagination Station in Collegedale. My kids greatly anticipated the grand opening of this playground and have enjoyed playing here when we have come. If you have a scooter, skateboard, or bike that needs some roll time, there is a small track around the playground.
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.
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!
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.
Scenic City State Fair 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge, TN 37412 (Camp Jordan) Open daily from 4/28-5/8 from 5:00-11:00pm. Featuring world-class entertainment, adrenaline-pumping carnival rides, games, and food booths serving all the best fair treats! Hosted by Thrillville
Friday, April 29th
Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Tennessee Smokies 201 Power Alley, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (AT&T Arena) Game starts at 7:15 pm Tickets start at $6 It’s EPB Night – a chance to meet and talk with alternative energy experts Don’t forget Firework Spectacular!
The Velveteen Rabbit 400 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405 (Chattanooga Theater Centre) Prices start at $10 Open: 4/29-5/8 from 7:00-8:00
Saturday, April 30th
Chattanooga River Market 1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (Tennessee Aquarium) Event runs from 10:00am-9:00pm with live music (Noon-9:00pm), food trucks (11:00am-8:00pm), and small businesses owners with tents sellings woodworking, soaps and candles, artisan foods, handmade crafts, jewerly, and more (10am-4pm)!
Day Out With Thomas 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421 (Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum) Open 9:00am-6:00pm from 4/30-5/1 Ticket start at $21
Walk, Run, Pedal Jamz Festival 201 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (Ross’ Landing) 30-minute walk followed by a 30-minute run followed by a 30k bike ride on the Tennessee Riverwalk celebrating the Tennessee Aquarium’s 30th Anniversary. This event is collaborating with the Chattanooga River Market.
Sunday, May 1st
Chattanooga Market – Jazz Band Showcase 1826 Reggie White Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37408 (First Horizon Pavilion) 11:00am-4:00pm Local vendors selling all manner of joyful items from produce to drinks to woodworking and all types of artisanal crafts. Live music highlighting the jazz performance programs from Hamilton County middle and high schools.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
My son goes to a preschool that has some food allergy prevention and kosher guidelines that make putting together lunches a bit of a creative endeavor.
No peanuts, no tree nuts, no meat.
Making his lunch requires some forethought in order to get the appropriate servings of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Today Maddox has a hardboiled egg with salt and pepper, broccoli and sweet potato nuggets, ketchup, a mandarin orange, and parmesan, garlic, and herb pita chips.
It’s not the standard PB&J, but it get’s the job done!
