Chattanooga runs more than 70 parks and over 35 miles of trails, from Coolidge Park's carousel to Stringers Ridge and the 13-mile Tennessee Riverwalk.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Chattanooga’s parks and greenways and trails pages, run by the Parks and Outdoors Department.

Chattanooga runs more than 70 neighborhood and community parks and over 35 miles of trails. The best known are the riverfront parks downtown and on the North Shore, the 13-mile Tennessee Riverwalk, and Stringers Ridge, a wooded ridge with city views minutes from downtown. For reservations or park problems, call Parks and Outdoors at 423-643-7866.

Who to call

The riverfront

  • Coolidge Park (11.2 acres), North Shore: lawns, river access for kayaks and paddleboards, and the Bud Ellis Carousel, a restored 1894 Dentzel with 52 hand-carved animals, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (closed Christmas Day), $1 a ride for adults. The play fountain runs May through September. It hosts Pops on the River and, this year, Reindeer on the Riverfront.
  • Renaissance Park (23 acres): a former industrial site next to Coolidge Park, now wetlands, trails, native plants, a pavilion and public art.
  • Walnut Street Bridge: the 2,376-foot pedestrian bridge, built in 1890, linking the North Shore and downtown.
  • Ross’s Landing: amphitheater, marina, playground, the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza and art honoring those affected by the Trail of Tears.
  • Miller Park: the downtown public square, with more than 200 events a year.

Greenways and trails

  • Tennessee Riverpark (the Riverwalk): a 13-mile paved greenway from downtown to Chickamauga Dam (8 miles east) and to St. Elmo (4 miles south), for walking, running, cycling and skating. At Riverpoint, off Lost Mound Drive, it joins the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway for 3 more miles to Sterchi Farm Park. Bike Chattanooga rental stations sit along it.
  • Stringers Ridge (92 acres), North Chattanooga: 7 miles of multi-use singletrack, some steep, with an overlook. The main trailhead, with parking, restrooms, a bike repair station and a pump track, is at 1312 Spears Ave. Other trailheads are at 787 W. Bell Ave., Mason Drive and High Ridge Drive, with limited parking. Direction rules:
Day Bikers Hikers
Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday Counterclockwise Clockwise
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday Clockwise Counterclockwise
  • South Chickamauga Creek Greenway: boardwalks, wetlands, forest and canoe launches from the Tennessee River to Camp Jordan. Recreational use of the creek has been restricted while the city’s Wastewater Department finishes repairs after a sewer overflow; see the city’s Oct. 14 update.
  • North Chickamauga Greenway: hiking, biking, canoe access and picnic spots.

Bigger parks

  • Greenway Farm (180 acres), 4960 Gann Store Road, Hixson: 6 miles of trails along North Chickamauga Creek, community gardens, three canoe access points and an off-leash dog park. Outdoor Chattanooga holds programs here monthly, including free garden classes.
  • Montague Park Sculpture Fields (45 acres): a free sculpture park with works by artists from around the world.
  • Warner Park: home of the Chattanooga Zoo, Warner Park Pool, Frost Stadium, the Miracle Playground and the Field 5 softball fields.

Outdoor Chattanooga

The city’s Outdoor Chattanooga division, based at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center, 200 River St., runs guided hikes, kayak history tours, learn-to-ride and mountain biking classes. Dates are on the city calendar.

What this means for you

  • Check the day before you ride or hike Stringers Ridge; the direction changes daily.
  • Stay out of South Chickamauga Creek until the city lifts its recreation restrictions.
  • Free garden classes at Greenway Farm are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 14.

Related guides: getting around Chattanooga, fall festivals and pumpkin patches and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Chattanooga Riverwalk?

The Tennessee Riverpark, known as the Riverwalk, is a 13-mile paved greenway from downtown to Chickamauga Dam, 8 miles east, and to St. Elmo, 4 miles south. It links to 3 more miles on the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway.

Which way do I hike at Stringers Ridge today?

On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays bikers ride counterclockwise and hikers go clockwise. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays it reverses: bikers clockwise, hikers counterclockwise.

The Bud Ellis Carousel runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, closed Christmas Day. A ride costs $1 for adults; riders under 2 ride free with a paying adult.

Where is there an off-leash dog park in Chattanooga?

Greenway Farm in Hixson has an off-leash dog park, and the Chattanooga Market notes a dog park next to the First Horizon Pavilion.