ABOUT THIS ADVENTURE
As an adrenaline junkie and solo traveler, I’ve spent the past 10 years traveling around the world searching for outdoor adventure. But to be honest, I’m guilty of typically thinking the best way to satisfy my thrill-seeking needs is to travel internationally to destinations like Queenstown, New Zealand aka “The Adventure Capital of the World.” The truth is you don’t have to travel halfway across the globe to find a small town full of big adventure! Just a shorter, much cheaper option is Chattanooga, Tennessee… or as I like to call it, “The Adventure Capital of the South.”
After spending a few action-packed days in Chattanooga for Matador Network, I get it – I understand why residents have so much pride in “Nooga” and why it’s become a go to destination for outdoor enthusiasts. What I loved most about Chattanooga is its access to incredible outdoor adventures (like Queenstown, New Zealand). Within just a 45-min drive, there are so many things to do in Chattanooga including world-class outdoor sports like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting and skydiving. Nooga’s revitalized downtown located on the Tennessee River is also home to a vibrant restaurant, entertainment and museum scene. Bottom line, “I Preciate CHA” and here are my recs:
19 Adventurous Things To Do In Chattanooga, Tennessee
Extreme Sports
1. Get high Hang Gliding over the South
— Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding
2. Soak up the Ocoee River while Whitewater Rafting
— Outdoor Adventure Rafting (OAR)
3. Rock it out bouldering at “Little Rock City”
— Stone Fort Rock Bouldering
4. Go Deep Water Soloing on the Hunter Museum bluff
— The Crash Pad
5. Swim, bike and run Ironman 70.3 (or 140.6) Chattanooga
— Ironman
Explore the Outdoors
6. Kayak along the riverfront on the Tennessee River
— Outdoor Chattanooga
7. Discover Ruby Falls waterfall 1,120 ft underground
— Ruby Falls
8. Conquer Indoor and outdoor rock climbing walls
— High Point Climbing and Fitness
9. Take a stroll on the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge
— Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge
10. Pedal around town using bike share
— Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System
Stay Entertained
11. Journey under the sea at the Tennessee Aquarium
— Tennessee Aquarium
12. Have a Sunday Funday at the Chattanooga Market
— Chattanooga Market
13. Laugh your ass off at the Comedy Catch
— The Comedy Catch
Where to Stay
14. Call a train car home at the Choo Choo
— Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel
15. Travel on a budget at The Crash Pad
— The Crash Pad
Where to Eat
16. Chow down on hand cut Maytag Blue Chips
— The Blue Plate
17. Devour a famous Mojo Burrito
— Mojo Burrito
18. Stuff your face with traditional southern dining
— Ocoee Dam Deli & Diner
19. Create the ultimate ice cream cone
— The Ice Cream Show
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