For a day filled with food, fresh air, and family fun, few places can offer more than Chattanooga’s beautiful and diverse Riverwalk. Spanning 16.1 miles along the southern banks of the Tennessee River, with additional legs stretching into Chattanooga and beyond, the paved path lets you immerse yourself in nature, culture, and cuisine all in one family-friendly adventure. With a variety of restaurants and activities dotted along its length, you can spend a fabulous day exploring the Riverwalk no matter the season of your visit.
Whether you choose a quick picnic by the river or a full-length tour of the path’s abundant appeals,the Riverwalk is an unbeatable way to explore the ins and outs of Chattanooga.
How to access the Riverwalk
There are dozens of places to connect to the Riverwalk throughout Chattanooga. We’ve mapped official trailheads, as well as other access points on this map. We’ve also included a layer to show Bike Chattanooga stations convenient to the Riverwalk so that you can easily explore by bicycle!
Occasionally, the Riverwalk breaks briefly and finding the best way to reconnect can be tricky. Here’s a short guide to help you navigate the paths near the Hunter Museum in the Bluff View ArtDistrict.
Riverwalk Map
While the map doesn’t specifically call out parking lots, all of the official trailheads have plenty of parking spaces, and if you’re accessing from the Downtown area, there are plenty of pay-to-park options nearby.
Explore the River
The Riverwalk has two boat ramps for launching onto the Tennessee River. Bring your own watercraft or rent them fromL2 Outsidenear Coolidge Park orRock/Creekon Amnicola Highway. If you’re feeling more adventurous, Adventure Sports Innovation rents all sorts of electric equipment like eFoil surfboards, electric paddleboards, and water bikes.
Activities
For many, a Riverwalk adventure starts near theTennessee Aquarium. From its location on Broad Street, you can travel south through Chattanooga’s industrial path (think: scrapyards, old foundry sites, and manufacturing businesses) or uphill to theBluff View Art Districttowards a secluded, scenic section of the Riverwalk.
To venture up toBluff View, you can cross the modern Holmberg Bridge or switchback your way up the zig-zag sidewalk to the front steps of theHunter Museum of American Art. If you don’t have time for a full tour of the museum, you can satisfy yourself by ooh-ing and ahh-ing over its outdoor artwork.
While here, don’t miss the great views of the historic Walnut Street Bridge that spans the Tennessee River and connects downtown to the funky Northshore neighborhood. It’s one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges and its eye-catching blue trusses make for great photo opportunities.
Continuing onpast the Hunter Museum of American Art, follow the road upriver andinto the Bluff View Art District,where you cantakea stroll through the Bluff View Sculpture Garden. From here,you can regain access to theRiverwalk viathe bluefootbridge.Next,you’ll pass through the historic Battery PlaceNeighborhood, lined with beautiful old trees and waterfront homes, before dropping down to the riverside.
Because of the Riverwalk’s many access points, including several parking lots along Amnicola Highway, you can make your time on the Riverwalk as long or short as you want. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can follow its entire length to the terminus at the Chickamauga Dam. You’ll pass theManker Patten Tennis Club,Scrappy Moore Field (where the Chattanooga Mocs Football Teampractices),William G. Raoul Rowing Center,Fishing Park and Amnicola Marsh. Chances are you’ll encounter a variety of birds and other wildlife along the way.
Food and Drinks
A latté fromRembrandt’s Coffee Houseis a great way to get in gear for your grand day on the Riverwalk. The quaint Euro-style coffee shop is at the heart of the Bluff View Art District, which is also home toTony’s Pasta Shop and Trattoria, where you can indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine. Whilethere, you’re likely to follow your nose into the Bluff View Bakery for a loaf (or two!) of freshly made artisan bread. After winding your way north along the Riverwalk for about a mile, you’ll encounter the famedBoathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar, Chattanooga’s iconic riverfront seafood restaurant. Across the street, stop in at Tanasi Brewing & Supplies to sample a variety of handcrafted brews. If you head South from the Tennessee Aquarium, check outScottie's on the Riverfor great food and drinks with a spectacular riverfront view.
Amenities
Another of the Riverwalk’s shining offerings is the array of amenities found along its many mileslike the Bike Chattanooga stations (rent a standard or e-bike to ride the whole Riverwalk).Thepaved surface makesthe Riverwalkaccessibletoanyone,regardless of age or ability, while its great length makes challenges available for those who seek them. Seven handicap-accessible restrooms are along the path,and they’re all equipped with water fountains. The entire path is lighted and patrolled by security 24 hoursperday. Every halfmile is markedwith a bronze fish embedded in the middle of the path, and every mile is marked with a unique sculpture, so it’s easy to know where you are and how far you’ve come. You’ll also find picnic tables, shelters, playgrounds andaboutsix fishing piers, three of which are handicap accessible. If the natural scenery and landscaping isn’t enough, you can admire the sculptures and public artwork attheBlue Goose Hollowtrailheadalong the Riverwalk.
The New South Chickamauga Creek Greenway
In late June, The Trust for Public Land opened the South Chick Greenway which connects to the Tennessee Riverwalk. By linking these trails together, a23-mile pathway stretching from Camp Jordan to the Tennessee River is now available for anyone to use. The trail connects outlying neighborhoods, apartment complexes, shopping centers, and schools.
Access Points
There are a number of new trailheads where you can park and start on the trail. Finding these trailheads can be a bit tricky to track down so we went ahead and included the addresses below!
Lost Mound-51 Lost Mound Dr. (*Where South Chick connects to the Riverwalk)
Wood Recycle Center - 3925 North Hawthorne St.
Sterchi Farm - 3000 Harrison Pike
Brainerd Levee - 4028 Shallowford Road
Cromwell Hills Connector - 3711 Youngstown Road
Camp Jordan- 323 Camp Jordan Parkway (*The end of the trail)
