Explore · Things to do near Chattanooga
The house puts you 20 minutes from the famous stops and under an hour and a half from the best hikes in three states. Here's what we'd do, by the kind of day you want.
Getting here
The house sits in Rossville, Georgia, on the south side of Chattanooga. You get a quiet neighborhood and a big yard, with downtown, Lookout Mountain and the battlefield all close by.
The last stretch winds through a historic neighborhood on narrow, hilly roads with no sidewalks. Take it slow. At the end of the lane it opens up to a private yard, trees all around and one neighbor next door.
Atlanta is about 2 hours away. Nashville and Birmingham are about 2¼. We send the exact address and directions after you book.
The three attractions everyone comes for, plus the overlooks locals send you to. Pick one or two per day.
Rock City is a walking trail that squeezes through giant boulders, crosses a swinging bridge, and ends at Lover's Leap, where a waterfall drops off the cliff and you can see seven states on a clear day. Kids love the tight squeezes and the gnome-filled Fairyland Caverns at the end. Plan on about two hours.
Our tipGo early on weekends before the tour buses arrive. It pairs well with Ruby Falls the same day.
An elevator drops you deep inside Lookout Mountain, then a guided cave walk leads to a 145-foot underground waterfall lit in color. It's the same temperature inside year-round.
Our tipBook a timed ticket online. It works on a rainy day too.
One of the steepest passenger railways in the world, climbing Lookout Mountain from the historic St. Elmo neighborhood. The top station has a deck with views over the whole valley.
Our tipWalk from the top station to Point Park for the Civil War overlook.
Point Park is the national park site where the 1863 "Battle Above the Clouds" was fought, with a huge view of the river bend. Sunset Rock is a short trail nearby to a sandstone ledge facing west.
Our tipParking at Sunset Rock is limited. Get there early on clear evenings.
Park once and walk: the Aquarium, the Riverwalk and the Walnut Street Bridge are all within a few blocks.
The Tennessee Riverwalk runs for miles along the water, and the Walnut Street Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Cross it to reach Coolidge Park's carousel and splash pad and the shops of the North Shore.
Our tipStart at Ross's Landing near the Aquarium and walk the bridge at sunset.
Two buildings, one following a raindrop from the mountains to the sea and one for the ocean, with otters, penguins, sharks, stingrays and a butterfly garden.
Our tipGo right at opening, then have lunch on the Riverwalk.
The restored 1909 Terminal Station, now gardens, shops and restaurants in the Southside district. Fun for anyone who grew up on the song.
Our tipPair it with dinner at one of the Southside spots on our Eat & Drink page.
Our kids-first picks, including a couple of good ones for hot or rainy afternoons.
One of the best children's museums in the South: a two-story water play area, an archaeological dig, a climbing wall and a rooftop fun factory. Kids can spend a whole morning here.
Our tipGreat for the youngest ones when it's too hot or wet outside.
An old-school amusement park just around the corner. Seasonal, so check the calendar.
Chattanooga was a key rail hub in the Civil War, and some of its biggest battles were fought within a few miles of the house.
The oldest national military park in the country, with more than 1,400 monuments and markers across fields and woods. Start at the visitor center, then drive the seven-mile tour road and climb Wilder Tower.
Our tipPair it with Point Park on Lookout Mountain to see both halves of the 1863 story.
Worth the drive. Each is under 90 minutes away, and you're back for the fire pit by dark.
A deep canyon on the western edge of Lookout Mountain with two waterfalls, overlooks and some of the best hiking in Georgia. The trail to Cherokee Falls is our favorite.
Our tipThe canyon stairs are steep. Save some energy for the climb back up.
A 60-foot waterfall into a deep pool in South Cumberland State Park, reached by a short, rocky trail through the Sequatchie Valley.
Our tipGo after a rain for the biggest flow.
At dusk, thousands of endangered gray bats stream out of the cave over the lake. Watch from the boardwalk or join a guided sunset kayak trip.
Our tipLate March to early October, best June through August. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset.
Class III and IV rapids on the river that hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. Outfitters supply everything and guide the trip.
Our tipBook with an outfitter ahead of time. Most set a minimum age.
Georgia's largest wilderness area, with long trails like Jacks River and the shorter Emery Creek Falls trail.
Our tipDownload maps ahead. Cell service is spotty.
A vintage train ride along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville and back, through the North Georgia mountains.
Our tipFall color dates sell out. Book early.
Some of the best moments are the unplanned ones: a pull-off above the Tennessee River Gorge, a creek to wade in, a sunset from the car.
Our tipAsk us for our favorite quiet spots when you check in.
Sample days
Each one ends back at the house, around the fire pit.
Big sights in the morning, a nap, and s'mores at night.
Biscuits at Maple Street, then the Tennessee Aquarium right when it opens.
Walk the Walnut Street Bridge to Coolidge Park for the carousel and splash pad.
Back to the house for downtime. Pac-Man tournament optional.
Burgers on the grill, s'mores at the fire pit, fireflies in the yard.
Views, a long lunch, and the hot tub under the string lights.
Coffee on the porch in the egg chairs, then up Lookout Mountain to Rock City.
Lunch at Main Street Meats in the Southside and a wander through the shops.
Dinner at Alleia, then home to the hot tub and a fire.
Everything indoors, nothing more than 20 minutes away.
Ruby Falls, where it's the same underground whether it's raining or not.
Tacos at Taqueria Jalisco on Rossville Avenue.
Creative Discovery Museum for the kids, or board games at the farmhouse table.
Takeout from Champy's and a movie in the living room.
Drive times are approximate. Check hours and tickets before you go.