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  • The Tallest Underground Waterfall in the United States lives in this Tennessee City! 🌄🚠 | #20 | Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Tallest Underground Waterfall in the United States lives in this Tennessee City! 🌄🚠 | #20 | Chattanooga, Tennessee

Learn about the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the famous Riverbend Festival!

Today’s town is home to the tallest underground waterfall in America. Watch our preview ⬇️

Positioned along the winding Tennessee River and framed by the majestic peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga, TN, is a well-rounded city with tons to offer. With 184,000 people, Chattanooga is a developed city with lots of progression in sight. Many commend Chattanooga for its relaxed, easy-going vibe.

As you explore the city, you'll encounter a mix of historic architecture, modern amenities, and good-looking green spaces. Look out for good vantage points around the city to stop and take in the Tennessee air and the accompanying views of the river and surrounding mountains. You outdoorsmen will be delighted by Chattanooga's extensive network of hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and waterways.

From the rugged terrain of Lookout Mountain to the tranquil sounds of the Tennessee River, there's no shortage of opportunities to connect with nature and embark on exciting adventures in Chattanooga.

Here are some of our picks

Chattanooga Choo Choo

Location: Downtown Chattanooga

  • Originally a train terminal built in 1909, the “Chattanooga Choo Choo” served as a bustling transportation hub during the golden age of railroads.

  • The terminal gained even more fame with the 1941 song "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by Glenn Miller, which became a symbol of the Swing Era and a reminder of Chattanooga’s rich train history.

  • The Choo Choo is home to Hotel Chalet, where you can stay the night in an old train car!

  • Chattanooga Choo Choo also hosts events regularly and offers dining and drink options if you need an evening out.

Explore the complex to discover shops, gardens, and the Chattanooga Choo Choo's model railroad museum!

Lookout Mountain/Rock City

Location: Atop Lookout Mountain, a short drive from downtown Chattanooga.

  • Rock City is a natural rock garden and geological wonderland established in the 1930s by Garnet and Frieda Carter.

  • The "See Seven States" view from Lover's Leap offers a panoramic vista that, on a clear day, allows you to see seven different states.

  • Swing-A-Long Bridge: Cross the 180-foot-long suspension bridge for thrilling views of the valley below.

  • Fairyland Caverns: Explore caverns with amazing sculptures and blacklight displays.

Ruby Falls

Location: Located deep within Lookout Mountain.

  • Ruby Falls is America's deepest commercial cave and tallest underground waterfall open to the public, with a height of 145 feet.

  • Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert, the cave and waterfall are named after his wife, Ruby.

  • Guided Tours: Take a guided tour to explore the cave system's unique rock formations and history.

  • Waterfall Viewing: Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Ruby Falls, illuminated to enhance its natural splendor.

  • Cave Exploration: Experience the wonder of exploring underground caverns filled with ancient stalactites and stalagmites.

Coolidge Park

Location: Along the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga.

Named after former President Calvin Coolidge, the park is the heart of the Chattanooga community and is a big contributor to the city’s relaxed feel.

  • The Carousel: Enjoy a ride on the beautifully restored antique carousel featuring hand-carved animals. The park's restored 100-year-old carousel is one of the few surviving Dentzel carousels in the world.

  • Interactive Fountain: Cool off in the interactive water fountain, a favorite spot for kids to splash and play.

  • Picnic Areas: Relax in the park's green spaces, which offer scenic views of the Tennessee River and Walnut Street Bridge.

Riverbend Festival

Location: Along the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga.

  • Riverbend Festival is one of the largest music festivals in the Southeast, attracting over 600,000 attendees annually.

Live Music: The festival features multiple stages with a diverse lineup of musical genres, including rock, country, blues, and more.

The festival traditionally offers lots of good food + drink options as well as fireworks shows. I wouldn’t miss it!

Farm-to-Table Eats

Without a doubt, one of the best qualities of Chattanooga is the fact that there are so many farm-to-table restaurants (restaurants that source their ingredients from local farms and such). This means you skip much of the travel and all the preservatives, and you get fresher food!

The farm-to-table ideology is somewhat of a movement in Chattanooga, and it also helps the local economy. The ability of so many businesses in Chattanooga to sustain this is a testament to the city’s down-to-earth nature and devotion to progress.

  • Some farm-to-table places in Chattanooga are St. John's Restaurant and Main Street Meats.

  • Food Tours: Join a guided food tour to sample various farm-to-table dishes and learn about Chattanooga's culinary heritage.

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From the adrenaline of the Riverbend Festival to the enchanting sight of the one-of-a-kind Ruby Falls, Chattanooga captivates with its blend of natural wonders, community events, and Southern hospitality. Whether you're a history buff, outdoor adventurer, or food enthusiast, this vibrant city offers something for everyone to enjoy.

So, whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, Chattanooga welcomes you to dive into its captivating charm and discover why it's a must-visit destination in the heart of Tennessee.

See you in Chattanooga!

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