Chattanooga, TN, Guide and Information

Dubbed the “Scenic City,” Chattanooga, Tennessee ranks high on the nice-place-to-live and -visit meter all year long. Tucked into a valley and surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, you can enjoy many wonderful views of the ridges from all kinds of vantage points around town. With almost 200 thousand inhabitants, Chattanooga bustles with lots of doings, particularly along the Tennessee River, which eases itself through the city.

Since the weather in this part of southeast Tennessee is often pleasant, people recreate along Chattanooga’s terrific waterfront area all year long. Here a paved pathway, known as the Tennessee Riverwalk, stretches some sixteen miles along the southern shore of the Tennessee River. Enjoy the nature and panoramic views from the seat of a bike or by foot where you’ll also discover a variety of other ways to embrace outdoor fun. Or, just sit and relax at one of the restaurants you’ll find along the way. Perhaps the biggest attraction here, however, is the Tennessee Aquarium, the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. Home to some 10,000 animals and an IMAX Theater, this place will wow you many times over. Plan to spend a good part of a day here to take it all in.

It should come as no surprise to learn that the name Chattanooga is of Native American origin. Meaning “rock coming to a point,” the name references what is today known as Lookout Mountain and how it stretches almost ninety miles through Alabama and Georgia. Originally called Ross’s Landing and also Lookout City, the name Chattanooga turned out to be quite apropos for a town that would become synonymous with trains choo choo-ing down the tracks.

This important river port settlement grew into quite the town with the arrival of the railroads in the 1840s and 1850s. Its unique geographic location established it as an important transit hub for both the railroad and later highways. Freight trains still transport goods to, through and from Chattanooga but believe it or not, there is no longer any passenger train travel here.

Grab your Discovery Map of Chattanooga, jump on a Pedego electric bike and start the adventures! The Adventure Sports Innovation looks like an awesome experience, where you can try hang gliding, ride a roller coaster or walk among the clouds - virtually! Stop for a deli lunch and keep on exploring. Come on along!