Chattanooga, Tennessee Fanatic

With a name like Chattanooga, this city is hardly forgettable.  But it’s not only the name that attracts attention.  It’s the hundreds of things you can see and do there.  It doesn’t matter if you are a person who prefers indoor or outdoor activities.  Chattanooga, TN has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for attractions that are unique to Chattanooga, start with the railroad.  The Tennessee Valley Railroad offers a train ride through the area at lengths from 55 minutes to a full day of fun at 5 hours.  You can see the beautiful countryside of Tennessee and experience a page out of history.  But the tours available vary by the number in your party, so contact the Railroad before your visit or go to http://www.tvrail.com/index.php for more information.

Many tourists and vacationers visit Chattanooga, TN for the outdoor attractions and activities.  The Parks and Recreation Department keeps the area beautiful and provides a large range of activities for those visiting and those who live in Tennessee year round.  Just outside of Chattanooga, you will find Lookout Mountain.  Large rock formations draw thousands of people each year to see the natural beauty of this area. 

With narrow passageways between towers of stone and a charming waterfall, you will want to block off at least a day to sightsee at Lookout Mountain.  Walk breathlessly in the air on a bridge that spans 180 feet and view deer in their natural habitat.  This is just a place not to be missed!

If viewing the waterfall from outside Lookout Mountain was fun, venture into the caverns of Ruby Falls to see an amazing waterfall from within.  Lantern tours give the caverns a realistic feel and provide a stunning sight.

Even if the natural scene is enough, if you love history, don’t miss a walk through Civil War battlefields.  They will be educational and provide the thrill of experiencing the history of the United States firsthand. 

And finally, make sure the Tennessee aquarium is on your list of must-sees.  You will encounter wildlife of many different species to add to an already great time.

Of course, these aren’t the only attractions.  They are only the highlights, and you can find almost anything in Chattanooga, TN from golf, to riverboat rides, to the local zoo and Fine Arts attractions. So get ready for a seriously fun visit even if Chattanooga is a funny name.

You'll find Chattanooga nestled in the Tennessee River Valley in southern Tennessee.  It's located between Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain.  As I'm sure you can already imagine, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a place of natural beauty and stunning scenery.  In fact, it's known as the Scenic City.

Chattanooga is the fourth largest city in Tennessee, and there is a wealth of activities to enjoy and sights to see.  The proximity of the Tennessee River allows for a full range of water sports, as well as some excellent fishing.  And to further whet your aquatic interests, Chattanooga is also home to the world's largest freshwater aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium.

If you've ever spent any time driving across the southern United States, you're almost sure to have seen the words "See Rock City" painted on the top of barns.  Rock City is a fun-filled destination for all ages.  It's located on the top of Lookout Mountain.  Not only does it give you a bird's eye view of Chattanooga, but because of its height and location you can actually see seven states.

While you're on the top of Lookout Mountain, you'll also want to schedule time to see Ruby Falls.  Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall, and the descent and hike through the underground caverns to reach it is absolutely fascinating.

Another attraction in the neighborhood of Lookout Mountain is the Incline Railway.  Built in 1895, the Incline Railway takes you straight up the side of Lookout Mountain.  At one point, the tracks have a grade of 72.7%, making the Incline Railway the steepest passenger incline in the world.

If you're any sort of railroad fan, you certainly won't want to miss the Chattanooga Choo Choo.  More than just a Glenn Miller song, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a remarkable hotel and restaurant complex.  If your visit to Chattanooga is long enough, you should schedule a night's stay in a Victorian railcar.  Another railroad attraction in Chattanooga, Tennessee is the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

The Chattanooga area is rich in Civil War history, with several museums and exhibits in town and a number of historic battlefields nearby.  Another notable museum attraction located in Chattanooga is the Creative Discovery Museum.

Chattanooga's naturally scenic location, historical significance, and visitor-friendly development all combine to make it the perfect destination for almost anyone.  If you're a hiker, spelunker, photographer, Civil War buff, railfan or water sportsman, you'll find more than enough to keep you busy in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Many people who learned the song “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” that may have been the extent of their knowledge about Chattanooga, Tennessee. But Chattanooga is home to a variety of tourist delights, as well as being a central location to many others.

Regionally, Chattanooga, Tennessee, is known for its fantastic mountain scenery, being located near the Great Smoky Mountains, and Lookout Mountain in particular. This mountain is famed for its view of seven states on a clear day. The Smokies are home to a variety of wildlife, and are the perfect destination for camping, hunting, fishing, or just driving by to admire the views.

Inside Chattanooga, tourism has inspired the creation of several destinations of renown. The Tennessee Aquarium houses more than 12,000 animal attractions. And it’s not just fish- there are otters, alligators, snakes, rare and colorful birds, and even an indoor butterfly garden. The aquarium also boasts an IMAX theater and riverside attractions.

For those interested in the area’s rich history, there are several Civil War battlefield sites in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area. Historical plaques dot the countryside around Chattanooga, Tennessee, to mark the areas where battles and skirmishes occurred in the distant past. Many with a penchant for American history come to Chattanooga specifically to see these battlefield sites.

The Appalachian Trail is also a big draw for visitors. The Appalachian Trail is a hiking trail going from one end of the Appalachian Mountains to the other. The Appalachian Trail ends in New England, making it an extremely long and arduous hiking trail.  Making the Appalachian Trail hike, beginning in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of the most famous hikes that can be made in the United States. The Appalachian Trail encompasses the low-lying foothills, the higher peaks in the middle of the Appalachians, and extends to the cool leafy spaces of New England- all on one trail.

For other outdoor enthusiasts, mountain climbing, river rafting, and fishing are also big draws to the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area. The Tennessee River boasts abundant wildlife that are a sportsman's dream. The mountains also make for excellent hang gliding opportunities.

For those preferring indoor activities, the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area boasts many interesting museums. The African American Museum is one in particular that draws crowds regularly. There are also art museums as well as those dedicated to the history of the area. Chattanooga, with its host of both indoor and out door activities, is a place where everyone can find something they enjoy.