Chattanooga is a wonderful place for a family vacation or to call home. There are endless sites and activities in Chattanooga and with in a hours drive that you can visit if you desire. There are literally too many to list with any real justice, but we have compiled a few of our favorites that will get you started. A great way to discover new and less frequented attractions is to ask those working at or visiting the following attraction where they would recommend and you might just make friend along the way.
1. Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River: This is the same river used during the Atlanta Olympic Games and it one of the top rafting destinations in the world, but do not fear there are numerous stages of the river that can suit almost any level of paddler or opt for a guided rafting trip that you will not soon forget.
2. Caving at Ruby Falls: Located on the inside of Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls offers an incredible look at some of the most beautiful limestone caves around.
3. Hiking at Cumberland Trail State Park: This state park is truly one of a kind and offers and endless number of hiking trails along the Cumberland Plateau many of which have incredible vistas and stunning waterfalls to view along your journey.
4. Boating or Fishing on Chickamauga Lake and Nickajack Lake: Both lakes are located along the scenic and pristine Tennessee River and offer a perfect destination for boater and fisherman alike. In fact, the Tennessee River is known as one of the best places in the county for both Crappie and Smallmouth Bass fishing. Likewise locals will tell you that the area to the downstream of the respected dams are catfish factories.
5. The Tennessee Aquarium: This is truly one that you do not want to miss. The Tennessee Aquarium offers a host of both entertaining and educational exhibits including and IMAX theater that is over 6 stories high.
6. Rock City: Sitting at the top of Lookout Mountain, Rock Cities offer some of the most incredible views in the South. This is another gem that I wouldn’t pass up.
7. Ride the Incline Railway: Going up Lookout Mountain, you will experience some incredible view not to mention the insane 72% grade up the mountain.