Living in Tennessee

Chattanooga: Adventure Inside City Limits for People Moving to Tennessee

Hiking, climbing, kayaking, the Riverwalk and the Walnut Street Bridge: why outdoor people moving to Tennessee look hard at Chattanooga.

Tracy King

27 Oct 2026 • 2 min read

Living in Tennessee on YouTube

Some cities make you drive an hour to get outside. In Chattanooga, a lot of the adventure is inside city limits, which is why outdoor-minded buyers keep it on their Tennessee short list.

Watch more short, local clips on the Living in Tennessee YouTube channel.

What's close to home

The Living in Tennessee short above runs through the list: hiking, climbing, kayaking the Tennessee River, the Riverwalk and the Walnut Street Bridge, plus Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Aquarium.

The Tennessee Riverwalk is a 13-mile riverside path that follows the Tennessee River from the Chickamauga Dam to downtown. The Walnut Street Bridge is a 2,376-foot pedestrian bridge that connects downtown with North Chattanooga. On Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is an 85-foot waterfall inside a cave. Downtown, the Tennessee Aquarium opened on the riverbank in 1992 and expanded in 2005.

There's a reason the official nickname is the "Scenic City." It refers to the mountains, ridges and valleys around town.

What that means when you buy

If weekends outside are the point of moving, decide which ones matter most to you. A home near the river and the Riverwalk lives differently from one on a ridge with a long drive into town. Map your favorite trailheads and put-ins, then test the drive from each address you like.

Questions to ask while touring

How far is the nearest greenway, trailhead or boat ramp from the front door? Is there room to store kayaks, bikes or climbing gear? Will you need a truck or a trailer, and is there parking for it? If you want to walk to the river or downtown, check the sidewalks and hills on the route, not just the distance on the map.

Visit on a sunny weekend, too. Popular spots get busy, and you'll want to know how that feels from the street you're considering.

How long is the Tennessee Riverwalk?

The Tennessee Riverwalk is a 13-mile riverside path from the Chickamauga Dam to downtown Chattanooga.

Is the Walnut Street Bridge open to cars?

No. It is a 2,376-foot pedestrian bridge connecting downtown and North Chattanooga.

Where is Ruby Falls?

Ruby Falls is an 85-foot waterfall inside a cave on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga.

Why is Chattanooga called the Scenic City?

The official nickname alludes to the surrounding mountains, ridges and valleys.

Can someone help me find a Chattanooga home near the outdoors?

Yes. Call or text 865-365-1670 with the areas you like.

Get the free guide or talk to a local

Grab the free Moving to Tennessee guide, or call or text 865-365-1670 with the addresses you are weighing. Already own a home here and need to sell before you move? Start with a free home valuation or request a cash offer.