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.