Attractions Nearby Chattanooga, Day Trips and Excursions

(Chattanooga, Tennessee - TN, USA)



North of both Alabama and Georgia, the state of Tennessee is rich in attractions, and Chattanooga is extremely well placed to enjoy many of the region's very best. Cleveland, Ocoee and Sewanee are three such cities and really are just a short drive from Chattanooga, while a little further away are the recreational attractions within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the cities of Knoxville and Nashville.

Just across the Georgia state line are the cities of Atlanta and Dalton. Both of these cities have more than their fair share of tourist attractions and are close enough to Chattanooga to make day trips quite doable.


Atlanta

Address: Georgia GA
Capital of the adjoining state of Georgia, Atlanta is quite a city and one to pencil in on any itinerary of possible excursions. Atlanta is relatively close and is sited some 118 miles / 190 km to the southeast of Chattanooga, where its attractions really are world-class and often just a short walk from each other. The Georgia Aquarium is particularly spectacular and is amongst the world's largest. The CNN Center, the World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, St. Philip's Cathedral and no less than three Six Flags amusement parks also draw the crowds to Atlanta.

Cleveland

A Tennessee city situated in Bradley County, where it has long been the county seat, Cleveland is around 30 miles / 48 km northeast of Chattanooga and on the westerly side of the Appalachian Mountains. Downtown Cleveland's plentiful churches add much character to the city center and three of these buildings now appear on the National Register of Historic Places.

Dalton

Address: Georgia GA
Dalton is a small city in the neighboring state of Georgia, being roughly 32 miles / 51 km to the southeast of Chattanooga and located within Whitfield County. The attractions of Dalton are not especially extensive, although the city is known for more than just its large concentration of carpet and flooring manufacturers. There is certainly a wealth of historic houses and buildings to be found around central Dalton, while the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center is also located here and is home to the Georgia Athletic Coaches' Hall of Fame, as well as hosting some popular events every year. Keen shoppers will be pleased to pay a visit to Dalton's Walnut Square Mall, where some 75 stores and a multi-screen movie complex await.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee TN, 37738, USA
Tel: +1 865 436 1200
At around a two-hour drive to the north of Chattanooga, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts seemingly endless outdoor attractions, and currently attracts some ten million visitors every single year. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the North Carolina and Tennessee border, and offers mile upon mile of hiking trail, with strategic vantage points scattered along these routes. On the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Sugarlands Visitors Center, which comes complete with a gift shop, museum and even a small theater.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours, some facilities close during the winter
Admission: free, charge for activities

Knoxville

One of the most prominent cities within the Great Valley of Knox County, Knoxville is to be found just over 112 miles / 180 km to the northeast of Chattanooga and is the third-biggest city in the state of Tennessee. In 1982, Knoxville played host to the World's Fair and many attractions still remain from this epic event, such as the iconic Sunsphere Tower. The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame may also be of interest, along with the Knoxville Zoological Gardens, the Neyland Stadium and the University of Tennessee campus.

Nashville

Famed for its incredible music industry and for discovering many outstanding singers and musicians, who have now become household names, Nashville is just about close enough to make a day trip a real possibility, being some 133 miles / 214 km to the northwest of Chattanooga. Tourist attractions within Nashville are in good supply, with families enjoying cruising along the Cumberland River onboard paddleboats, an afternoon at the Nashville Zoo, and a quick splash-around at the Wave County water park. However, most people come to Nashville to check out the exceptional Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Ocoee

Ocoee has become something of a leading tourist destination and rose to fame in 1996, as it was used as a venue when Atlanta staged the Olympic Games. Today, Ocoee is the place to come for exciting outdoor attractions, with both white-water rafting and kayaking standing out. The fishing scene in Ocoee is also of note, and at just 39 miles / 63 km to the west of Chattanooga, the town can be easily reached in under an hour.

Sewanee

A small town located approximately 55 miles / 89 km to the northwest of Chattanooga, Sewanee stands alongside the scenic Cumberland Plateau and on the southeasterly side of central Tennessee. The number one attraction in Sewanee is without question the University of the South, which comprises some really rather special Gothic buildings on its campus, built with pink sandstone. In particular, the All Saints' Chapel is one of the most impressive structures here and is situated within the university's quadrangle.