Where the Valley Opens Up

Chattanooga sits in a bend of the river with mountains on three sides, which means the good vantage points are earned rather than stumbled onto. These five range from a two-minute walk off a parking lot to a five-mile rim traverse.

1. 1
   Sunset Rock→Hike · Lookout MountainThe most photographed ledge in the county, and a steep 1.4 miles to reach it. Arrive an hour before sundown and bring a layer, because the wind funnels straight up the gorge.
2. 2
   Signal Point to Edwards Point→Hike · Signal MountainFive and a half miles along the gorge rim on the Cumberland Trail. Exposed most of the way, so it is punishing at midday and superb in late afternoon.
3. 3
   Stringer's Ridge Park→Park · North ShoreA skyline overlook you can reach on a lunch break. The closest thing the city has to a view without a drive.
4. 4
   Chester Frost Park→Park · HixsonSunset over Chickamauga Lake rather than the gorge, which makes it the one to pick when the mountain overlooks are socked in.
5. 5
   Coolidge Park→Park · North ShoreNot a summit, but the river bend and the Walnut Street Bridge at dusk is the postcard everyone actually recognises.