Exploring TN: Chattanooga

Through the years, everyone told us: you need to check out Chattanooga; it’s an outdoor hub that seems right up your alley. But in all our dozens of road trips criss-crossing the country, somehow we only skirted the edges of Tennessee, and missed many of its highlights, including Chattanooga.

Thanks to Justin’s dad and stepmom who moved there last year, we had an excuse for a long-overdue trip to that area, which we did in early April. Spoiler alert: everyone was right to rave about this gem in the belly of the Tennessee River Valley.

Three days barely allowed us to tap into “Chatt’s” (local speak) outdoor cred, although Justin’s stepsister and her husband whisked us away for a 4-mile hike on the trails of Signal Mountain. I quickly fell in love with the Southern Appalachians’ foothills of lush hardwood forests and sandstone cliffs. Timing was the extra gift, as we caught the spring blooms of wisteria and dogwoods (and a twinge of allergies).

Chatt’s population (187,000) would normally dissuade me, but there are enough affordable and vibrant burgs close enough to the city that allow for a small town vibe with quick access to all things outdoor rec. We only spent a 1/2 day in the charming downtown wrapping around the Tennessee River, but it feels manageable. Perhaps the most surprising thing I learned was the crucial role Chatt played in the Civil War. The strategic vantage points of the mountains became decisive battlegrounds for securing the Union’s victory. Another fun fact: Chatt is also the origin locale of MoonPies (although I have a major sweet tooth, those chocolate/graham cracker/marshmallow hockey pucks never really appealed to me).

We road tripped to and from Charlotte to Chatt, taking different routes each time. We rarely take roadtrips outside of Alaska anymore, so it felt good to incorporate a short road trip into these travels. And the Southeast routes allowed us to revisit Appalachian Trail crossings! What a treat to revisit these old stomping grounds 14 (!!!) years later. As an added touch, we scoped out 2 thru hikers to gift trail magic! (Not pictured). I dug up this 2011 photo of Justin & I from when we hiked through NC/TN, looking a little worse for the wear at the tail end of our Appalachian Trail Southbound Thru Hike! What sweet memories which feels like a lifetime ago …