Your Guide to the Chattanooga Riverwalk
Your Guide to the Chattanooga Riverwalk
Chattanooga was the winner of Outside magazine’s 2015 Best Town Ever award and for good reason. There is so much that the city offers for outdoor activities. Chattanooga is surrounded by mountains, bodies of water, and beautiful scenery, and perhaps one of the best ways to experience these beautiful views is on the Chattanooga Riverwalk, a 13-mile paved path along the southern banks of the Tennessee River. Along this path, you will find a variety of restaurants, family adventures, and opportunities to explore nature. The Riverwalk is open year-round and is always full of culture and memorable experiences.
How to Access The Riverwalk
The Riverwalk has been around for nearly 30 years and is a staple for exploring Chattanooga. You’ll find many access points that are spaced out along its path that have free parking lots or paid street parking. This offers you the option to make your time on the Riverwalk however long or short you’d like.
Our favorite starting point is in the Art District. You can park near the Hunter Art Museum and either start walking north along the river towards the Chickamauga Dam or south towards St. Elmo. In both directions, you will find a variety of wildlife and scenic views!
Activities on the Riverwalk
Some notable attractions along the way include the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga’s industrial area, and the Bluff View Art District. If you decide to venture off into this district, you’ll have the opportunity to check out the Hunter Museum of American Art. If you don’t have the time to go in, the outside features beautiful sculptures and outside art that are absolutely worth the visit and walk around. In this area, you’ll also find popular dining areas such as Rembrandt’s Coffee House or Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria.
From here, you can access the historic Walnut Street Walking Bridge, leading to the Northshore District. This is a very popular area that features Coolidge Park and a number of shops and restaurants.
Back on the Riverwalk, you’ll see a variety of scenery. The views include the Tennessee River, Amnicola Marsh, the Chickamauga Dam, Chattanooga’s industrial area, and the city of Chattanooga itself. Every half mile on the trail is marked to help you keep track of just how far you’ve traveled. You’ll see frequent rest areas along the trail that feature amenities such as bathrooms, water stations, and bike repair stations depending on your mode of transportation.
Where to Eat Along The Riverwalk
If you are making a day out of the Riverwalk, it’s always nice to know there are options for lunch or even just a quick snack. There are plenty of places to sit and have a picnic if you've brought your own food. Each rest stop has picnic tables and plenty of space to relax. If you are wanting to try out some of Chattanooga’s local eateries, here are a few restaurants that are accessible near the Riverwalk:
Tony’s Pasta Shop and trattoria
Where to Stay When You visit Chattanooga
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to stay while enjoying your visit to Chattanooga, the RiverView Inn is the perfect place. Nestled on the side of historic Lookout Mountain, the Riverview Inn is minutes away from Chattanooga’s best attractions such as Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens, and the Incline Railway. This complete getaway is surrounded by incredible views that allow you to see Chattanooga’s true beauty and is only a couple of minutes away from Downtown Chattanooga and the Riverwalk.