The National Park City Foundation just designated Chattanooga, Tennessee, as North America’s First National Park City, and family travelers will quickly discover why. Already named Tennessee’s Most Scenic City, Chattanooga takes a new title thanks to its appreciation of all aspects of outdoor life, from preserving lakes and forests to being stewards of native plant species.
Chattanooga boasts many natural scenic areas open to the public. Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain is an underground waterfall accessible by guided tour. From Lookout Mountain, you can also enjoy views of Moccasin Bend and Chattanooga’s skyline.
A steep funicular railway (currently closed but set to reopen soon) from Lookout Mountain rises from the St. Elmo Historic District to the top of the mountain. Once at the top, visitors can head to the National Park Service’s Point Park and Battles for Chattanooga Museum.
Other must-visit natural sites in and around Chattanooga include Raccoon Mountain Caverns; Ocoee River, which offers rafting, kayaking, camping and hiking experiences; Harrison Bay State Park, a great spot for fishing, boating and camping; and Cumberland Trail.
“We’ve used the National Park City movement to encourage folks to think about Chattanooga as a city in a park rather than a city with some parks,” said Tim Kelly, mayor, Chattanooga. “The outdoors is our competitive advantage; it’s at the heart of our revitalization story as well as the core of our identity. We’ve always known how special Chattanooga’s connection to the outdoors is, and now it’ll be recognized around the world.”
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