Hamilton: Nature, History, and Special Places to Visit

Attractions range from paved trails along the Tennessee River to cave tours and historic parks. First decide which of these themes you want to shape your trip, then compare the specific details of each hotel offer.

Nature, water, and trails

Enterprise South Nature Park spans 2,800 wooded acres. The land was previously part of the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant, so its present-day landscape also has an industrial past. Along the Tennessee River, the Riverwalk offers a different perspective: this 13-mile paved multi-use trail runs from TVA’s Chickamauga Dam through downtown Chattanooga to St. Elmo. It is used for walking, jogging, cycling, inline skating, and fitness training.

At Riverpoint on Lost Mound Drive, the Riverwalk connects to the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway, which extends the route by another 3 miles to Sterchi Farm Park. Tennessee Riverpark also caters to paddlers and boaters: several access points lead to the Tennessee River Blueway, where paddling trips can range from short outings to multi-day or overnight excursions. Fishing piers and overlooks at the Riverpark also offer opportunities to observe wildlife along the Tennessee River.

Those planning to camp will find a year-round campground at Chester Frost Park on Chickamauga Lake. It offers more than 200 sites, including waterfront and inland sites, as well as tent sites with utility hookups and primitive tent sites. Site types and availability may change; check the latest information before booking.

Military history and outdoor activities

The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1890 as the country’s first national military park. Its history can be paired with a visit to Point Park: this 10-acre memorial park features a paved loop trail, historical markers, monuments, and Confederate artillery positions. From an overlook, you can see the Lookout Mountain Battlefield and the city of Chattanooga.

For hiking, there are several trail networks to explore. Chickamauga Battlefield has about 50 miles of hiking trails, while Lookout Mountain Battlefield has about 30 miles of trails. Trail conditions and access rules may change; check current conditions before visiting. At Chickamauga Battlefield, horseback riding is permitted on the Red, White, and Blue Trails, as shown on the hiking and riding trails map. Climbing is allowed at two locations in the park, including Sunset Rock on the western escarpment of Lookout Mountain; here, too, check the current park rules in advance.

Another way to put the park’s history in context is to join one of the regularly scheduled ranger-led tours. They take place on weekends during the fall and winter months, from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Check the tour schedule before you arrive so your plans fit the seasonal offerings.

Caves, railroads, and museums

Ruby Falls combines an early 20th-century story with an underground visitor experience. Leo Lambert accidentally discovered the waterfall deep inside Lookout Mountain in 1928, named the waterfall and cave after his wife Ruby, and opened the attraction to the public in 1929. Today, visitors ride a glass-front elevator 260 feet down into the cave, then take a guided walk along a scenic cave trail to an underground waterfall. Tour formats may change; check the latest visitor information in advance.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers regularly scheduled excursions on full-size trains. The museum describes them as the only regularly operating rides of this kind in Tennessee. Passenger trains travel through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel, completed in 1858 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Check the current schedule when choosing an excursion date.

The visitor program at the Tennessee Aquarium includes events in both the Ocean Journey Building and the River Journey Building. The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center tells the story of the Medal of Honor—the United States’ highest military award for valor—from the first medals in 1863 to the present day. The Chattanooga Zoo’s Hiwassee Hellbender Research and Education Facility opened in March 2021. Guests can see hellbenders there and learn about conservation efforts from animal care staff; programs may change, so check the current offerings in advance.

Market, whiskey, and getting there

The Chattanooga Market takes place at the First Horizon Pavilion. Hundreds of artisans gather there alongside live music, food trucks, fresh farm produce, and local art. Since dates vary by season, check the event calendar before your visit.

A two-hour immersive tour at Chattanooga Whiskey’s Riverfront Distillery follows the making of Chattanooga Whiskey 91 from grain to glass. It includes a visit to the barrel warehouse and an exclusive full-proof tasting with a sample from the 4,000-gallon solera cask. Tour details and availability may change; check them before making plans. Also relevant when planning your flight: Chattanooga Airport is about 10 miles from downtown and offers nonstop or one-stop flights to various destinations. Check flight routes and times before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hixson, Ooltewah, Chattanooga, Soddy-Daisy, Harrison, Marion County, Claiborne County, Madison County.

For the main travel overview: Tennessee.