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Nature|Mountains

The Magnificent Overlook In Tennessee That’s Worthy Of A Little Adventure

Snoopers Rock in Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers stunning natural vistas and is a top spot for hiking and nature walking.

Published Mar 10, 2019

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

When it comes to experiencing grand, effusive beauty in the heart of the American south, you should probably make your way to The Volunteer State. Known for its stunning natural vistas and pleasing plateaus, the hiking, camping, and nature walking in Tennessee are second to none. Snoopers Rock is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and is one of our favorite places to take in the jaw-dropping beauty of our great state.

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Logan Moore - All Trails

Snoopers Rock overlooks the Tennessee River Gorge and offers up one of the most incredible views in the state. At only thirty minutes from Chattanooga, this is an overlook you don't want to miss.

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Anne Cox-Johnson - AllTrails

You can drive your car to the Snoopers Rock Parking Area, from which it's only a half a mile walk to the peak of the overlook.

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Victoria Minton - AllTrails.

Of course, there's also a six-mile hike through the area as well, but if you're just looking for a hot shot at "Horseshoe Bend," then you'll want to head straight for the parking lot.

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Jasidy 3 - AllTrails

We'd recommend making your way to Snoopers Rock in time for dawn or sunset when the entire gorge erupts in a stunning array of color...

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Vanessa Minton - AllTrails

...buuuut it looks beautiful no matter the time of day you visit. Your little ones will be in awe of the beauty of their great state, and you'll have the opportunity to thoroughly indulge in the gorgeous heart of Tennessee.

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Madison Cantrell - AllTrails

If you're looking to take the six-mile hike, the out-and-back trail is best utilized from March to October. You can bring your dog as well, as long as he remains on a leash.

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Kevin Collins - AllTrails

Until you reach the crest of the overlook, the trail is mostly shaded and follows the Cumberland Trail in the Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area. Long or short, the view is worth it.

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GoogleMaps

If you haven't been to Chattanooga's own Snoopers Rock, you may just need to plan a trip to southern Tennessee. When those leaves start to change color in the autumn? There's truly no better place in the world.

After your hike, you may just want to try out this delicious and homey Tennessee restaurant. It's an absolute dream!

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Nature|Mountains

There’s No Better Place To Cool Down This Summer Than The North Chickamauga Creek Gorge In Tennessee

North Chickamauga Creek Gorge in Tennessee offers a perfect warm-weather outdoor adventure with mountains, rivers, and creekside pools.

Updated Jul 2, 2024

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

The summertime tends to end itself to the fun and excitement of outdoor adventures, and Tennessee is one of the best places in the nation to experience mountains and rivers and creekside pools. If you're on the south side of the state, more specifically outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, then a visit to the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge just might be the perfect warm-weather experience. Bring the kids and your swimsuit, friends, and perhaps a pair of hiking books. Come along as we show you why we love it so much:

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Get ready for an amazing adventure!

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Gerald Law - GoogleMaps

North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area straddles both Hamilton and Sequatchie Counties and is made up of 7,093 acres. The gorge itself is cut deep into Walden's Ridge on the Cumberland Plateau.

The split in the rocky earth resulted in a series of sandstone bluffs, waterlogged coves, and trickling creekbeds.

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Greg Goodgame - GoogleMaps

And this Tennessee natural area is flush with diverse wildlife and a cacophony of insect species.

Chickamauga Creek is also a popular kayaking location.

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Doug Ford - GoogleMaps

This natural area itself presents a challenging experience for hikers. You'll find folks taking a dip in the chilly waters, too!

The oak forests and sandstone glades make for beautiful photos if you're looking to fill the family photo album.

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Bernhard Sauer - GoogleMaps

It is also known as a trailhead for the famed Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail, the state's only linear state park.

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The natural area itself was designated in 1999 and acres have been added ever since.

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Michael Dwyer - GoogleMaps

Additionally, the Bowater Pocket Wilderness area was eventually transferred to this area. And the scenic views are amazing!

Visitors have claimed to see bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

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Scott Shepard - GoogleMaps

And, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of flowering wildflowers and those shelves of sandstone. They're a sight to see, and truly unbelievable. The beauty of Tennessee is unmatched.

Will you be playing in these emerald pools this summer?

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Kendra Shephard - GoogleMaps

You can visit for yourself during daylight hours all year round.

Learn more about the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge on the TN Department of Environment & Conservation website.

hiking at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge? What other kinds of things do you like to do during the summer in Tennessee?

Continue to fall in love with the beauty of the state with a visit to one of these gorgeous Tennessee treehouses on the east side of the state.

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Thinking about taking a Tennessee vacation soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.

If you’re still in the mood for more Tennessee adventures, take a look at this video:

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Nature|Mountains

It’s An Epic Mountain Adventure Riding ATVs To Incredible Views In Tennessee

Published May 6, 2024

Written by 

Chris Dodge

If you want to experience the mountains unlike ever before, you will want to check out these ATV rentals in Tennessee. I love the rolling lush mountains of East Tennessee, but pairing that with a roaring adventure is a whole different experience. So strap in for an adrenaline boost at Doe Mountain Recreation Area.

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Located in Mountain City Tennessee, Doe Mountain Recreation Area sits on 8,600 acres of mountainous terrain. With unparalleled beauty, you will be trading in your peaceful solitude for a revving engine and an adventure unlike anything else.

A panoramic view of rolling hills covered in autumn foliage under a cloudy sky.
Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

There are miles of trails to explore and all of it can be done from behind the wheel of an ATV! If you have your own, simply grab a day pass and head out -- but if you need to rent one, they have that covered too. They even offer half-day tours that are completely customized to your own preferences. Meet a guide and they will tear off into the wilderness where you'll discover the best spots in the forest.

A rugged off-road vehicle navigating a dirt trail surrounded by trees in a forested area.
Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

If you prefer the speed of a two-wheeler, dirt bikes are more than welcome. Guests love the stunning scenery as they whip by on an adrenaline-laced adventure.

Two motocross riders on dirt bikes in a forested area, one giving a thumbs-up while the other stands beside their bike.
Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

Even if you want to use the space for some superb mountain biking instead, you can hug the edges of the cliffs and zoom down the mountainside.

Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail through a wooded area.
Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

This area has serene natural beauty, so make sure to bring your hiking boots and hit some trails during your stay. There are stellar overlooks and even a fire tower you can climb to the top of for one of the best views in the area.

A woman in a blue checkered shirt smiles and gives a thumbs up inside a lookout tower with a scenic mountain view.
Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

Come early and spend all of your daylight hours packed full of adrenaline-inducing adventures or even a quiet hike through the woods. Back at base camp sit by the fire, make some new friends, or throw some axes.

A vibrant sunset over rolling hills, surrounded by autumn foliage and a colorful sky with scattered clouds.
Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

After such an exciting day, you will need a place to refuel and recharge. You don’t need to leave the scenery to find rest, just head on down the road to this majestic cabin for a great place to stay. Known as Cloud 9, this beautiful cabin makes good use of the stunning mountain vistas and has a hot tub to warm your weary bones after a long day on the trails.

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Aerial view of a cabin with a blue roof, surrounded by lush green trees and hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Carolina Cabin Rentals/ Vrbo

When it comes to ATV rentals in Tennessee, this Mountain City location has a pretty sweet deal to take advantage of. For more information, please visit the Doe Mountain Recreation Area website.

Nearby is The Shortest Tunnel in the World -- it is a personal favorite of mine, so make sure you check it out while you're in the area.

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