The Tennessee Riverwalk: 13 miles of the best free thing in Chattanooga

The Tennessee Riverpark — everybody calls it the Riverwalk — is a 13-mile paved greenway along the Tennessee River from downtown Chattanooga to the Chickamauga Dam. It’s the best free thing in the city.

The trail

The prettiest stretch runs from the Walnut Street Bridge downtown east past the Bluff View Art District and the museums. It’s flat, paved, and made for bikes, skates, strollers, and slow evening walks. You’ll pass fishermen, rowing crews, public art, and some of the best skyline views in town. The full 13 miles ends at the dam, where there’s a great spot to watch the sun go down.

How to do it right

It’s free and open daylight hours. Rent bikes downtown if you didn’t bring yours — several shops rent by the hour right near the trail. Early morning and golden hour are the best times; midday summer is brutal with no shade on some stretches. Bring water.

Local tips

• Start at Coolidge Park on the North Shore, cross the Walnut Street Bridge, and walk the downtown stretch — that’s the greatest-hits version in about two miles.
• The Blue Goose Hollow section has the best sunset views.
• It’s also how locals commute — you’ll share the trail with serious cyclists, so keep right.