This Tennessee city is America’s first ‘National Park City’

With the Tennessee River, Appalachian Highlands, and forested Cumberland Plateau as the backdrop to Chattanooga, Tennessee, its nickname, “Scenic City,” is well deserved. But 50 years ago, Chattanooga was considered to have the worst air quality in the United States. Through ambitious planning, community investment, and progressive environmental action, Chattanooga transformed from an industrial cautionary tale into North America’s first National Park City, equipped with a revitalized riverfront, a prominent art and culinary scene, and a reputation as an unrivaled outdoor destination. 

(Here's what you should know before planning a trip to Tennessee.)

Chattanooga’s transformation is globally recognized 

In the mid-20th century, Chattanooga was a dymamic industrial hub, bustling with iron and steel manufacturers, textile mills, and converging rail lines such as the Southern Railway and the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. But that prosperity came at a cost. Unregulated emissions suffocated the city’s air, and by 1963, Chattanooga's mortality rate from tuberculosis was three times the national average, according to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau. In 1969, the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare named Chattanooga the nation’s “worst city for particulate air pollution,” and award-winning American journalist Walter Cronkite allegedly called it the “Dirtiest City in America.” 

The unflattering national attention prompted a turning point. Chattanooga’s leaders, like Jack Lupton, chair of the Lyndhurst Foundation, and Mayor Gene Roberts who oversaw the launch of the waterfront development, prioritized environmental improvement in the city’s economic future, setting the stage for one of the country’s most remarkable urban revitalization stories. 

Chattanooga’s evolution landed the city a new title in April 2025—the continent's first “National Park City”—a global recognition given to only four cities to date.

Becoming a National Park City

A National Park City has no affiliation with the official National Park Service. The National Park City Foundation (NPCF), in conjunction with World Urban Parks and Salzburg Global Seminar, is the accrediting body. According to the NPCF website, “National Park Cities are a way to rethink cities, their futures, and how we inhabit them.”  

For Chattanooga, that meant years of planning and conservation work across the city, and the support of 5,600 resident endorsements. Brian Smith, communications and marketing director for the City of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors, says the city had to meet a range of criteria, from gathering signatures and demonstrating citizen support to showing the long-term plans already underway. “You need to have a city that’s seeing massive changes,” he says. “You need to have a city that has local citizen support, nonprofit support, and also show that the city itself is making efforts toward a better, greener, wilder city.”

In order for a city to become a National Park City, it needs to complete 10 critical steps outlined in their Journey Book and meet other specific criteria outlined by the foundation including, “meaningful policies to protect and enhance nature, culture, heritage, the environment and public space,” plus a “deep understanding of the biological, cultural and social landscapes that makes the city unique.” 

Best time to visit Chattanooga 

Spring: Admire the city’s iconic flora and fauna from scenic overlooks like Edward’s Point with sweeping views of the river valley and nearby mountains, or Snooper’s Rock for some of the best vantage points of the Tennessee River Gorge. Reap the rewards of the heavy seasonal rain by visiting Greeter Falls at Savage Gulf State Park or the 256-foot high Fall Creek Falls. Walk among the spring blooms at Audubon Acres Nature Sanctuary or the Little Cedar Mountain Wildflower Walk at Nickajack Reservoir. Plan a trip to the city in time to catch springtime events like the Spring Tulip Celebration and the 4 Bridges Art Festival. 

Summer: Late April through September, Chattanooga overflows with outdoor adventure and riverfront festivities. On the North Shore, Stringer’s Ridge has nature trails only two miles from downtown.  Launch a kayak on the Tennessee River or rent a paddleboard from L2 Outside in Coolidge Park. Twenty miles from the city, the Ocoee River offers world-class whitewater rafting. Explore Chattanooga's City Center, head to The Chattanooga Market, and, beginning weekends in May, enjoy free live music at Nightfall or Riverfront Nights concert series. 

Fall: Mid-October through early November, fall colors begin to saturate higher elevations, then move down into the valleys a week or two later. Check the  Fall Foliage Prediction Map for the best leaf-peeping opportunities. Meander through pumpkin patches or attend Chattanooga Zoo’s Boo in the Zoo and other family-friendly events around the city. Don’t miss the IBMA World of Bluegrass in October, honoring the tradition of bluegrass music and its community.

Winter: Millions of lights twinkle across Chattanooga at Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights and the Chattanooga Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival. Climb aboard the Tennessee Railroad Museum’s Holiday Christmas Lights Train or attend  Reindeer on the Riverfront & Lighted Boat Parade, a 40+-year tradition with decked-out boats floating down the Tennessee River and live music, pictures with Santa, and real reindeer on shore. Enjoy a spirited show performed by the renowned Chattanooga Symphony and Opera or catch a performance at the Chattanooga Ballet.

Key areas to explore in Chattanooga  

Tennessee Riverwalk: Stretching more than 16 miles along the Tennessee River, the Riverwalk is the city’s throughline. Visit Ross’s Landing (named after principal chief John Ross of the Cherokee Nation), where The Passage, a permanent outdoor exhibit, marks the beginning of the Trail of Tears.  Stroll stretches of scenic waterfront or explore on two wheels via one of the city’s many  Bike Chattanooga stations. Veer off to the nearby Bluff View Art District, grab a coffee at Rembrandt’s Coffee House, and explore the Hunter Museum of American Art perched on an 80-foot bluff.

Lookout Mountain: Rising 2,000 feet above sea level, Lookout Mountain is accessible by the Incline Railway—the world’s steepest passenger railway, climbing one mile from Chattanooga’s historic St. Elmo neighborhood. At the top, visitors can absorb a seven-state panoramic view at Lover’s Leap or explore Rock City, boasting 500 species of plants. Then, descend 26 stories by elevator into the mountain where a scenic cave path leads to Ruby Falls, the tallest and deepest underground commercial waterfall in the United States.

Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park sits at the mountain’s highest point, where visitors can learn about the Civil War history at 16-acre Point Park Battlefield. Nearby, Cravens House serves as the trailhead for a three-mile, round-trip hike to Sunset Rock, offering a beautiful spot to watch the sun fade away at day’s end.

Sculpture Fields at Montague Park: Home to more than 200 pieces of public art, the city’s notable art scene is palpable, from vibrant murals to 50 large-scale sculptures installed across Sculpture Fields. 

Hike, bike, and climb: Outdoor adventure can begin downtown or within minutes of the area. Opt for an urban walk at 92-acre Stringers Ridge or drive toward Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, a federally-protected cultural landscape that preserves 12,000 years of Indigenous history and archeological significance. Mountain bikers can speed down Raccoon Mountain and Enterprise South, while climbers from around the world flock to the region’s famous southern sandstone. There are hundreds of climbing routes to choose from, but standout spots include the Tennessee Wall, Sunset Park, and one of the best boulder fields in the country, Stone Fort.

Learn about local wildlife: Stop by the renowned Tennessee Aquarium, spanning two buildings: The Ocean Journey features saltwater species from around the world, while the River Journey is dedicated to freshwater ecosystems and native species. Spot endangered red wolves at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, and witness the eastern hellbender—the largest salamander in the Americas—at the Chattanooga Zoo, home to the Hiwassee Hellbender Research and Education Facility.

(These are 10 of the best family-friendly things to do in Tennessee.)

Where to stay in Chattanooga

The Hotel Chalet: During the 19th century, Chattanooga was a critical rail hub with a legacy that even inspired Glenn Miller and his orchestra’s "Chattanooga Choo Choo." Honoring that heritage, The Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choocomplex offers 127 guest rooms—25 of which are located in refurbished original train carriages from the 1920s and 1960s. 

The Read House: This Gatsby-themed hotel is the longest continuously operating hotel in the Southeast and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s conveniently located in the heart of downtown within walking distance of the city’s top attractions.

The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection: Perfect for art lovers or those wanting an upscale stay, the boutique Edwin Hotel overlooks the waterfront and showcases a private art collection by more than 75 local artists. Its name pays tribute to Edwin Thatcher, the engineer behind the historic Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges, which has connected downtown to the north shore since 1890.

Taste of Chattanooga

On the Southside, Main Street Meats has become a standout, recently earning a recommendation from the Michelin Guide to the American South. Their menu rotates frequently, but you can always bank on their high-quality artisanal butchery meats, local produce, innovative cocktails on tap, and a selection of nearly 300 whiskeys. For something more classic, The Boathouse remains a longtime local favorite, drawing diners to the edge of the Tennessee River for oysters, wood-fired grill specialties, and views best enjoyed with a famous Lawton’s Margarita in hand. Earlier in the day, stop by Niedlov’s Bakery & Café, a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery and neighborhood staple beloved for its pastries, coffee, and bread, sourced by many of Chattanooga’s restaurants.

How to visit Chattanooga sustainably

Sustainability is central to Chattanooga’s transformation story—from one of America’s most polluted cities to a leader in clean energy and environmental stewardship. Visitors will find recycling and composting efforts across the city, along with a growing commitment to protecting natural spaces and wildlife habitat on vacant city land, expanding parks and greenways, improving waterways through river and creek protection, renewed stormwater infrastructure, and wastewater upgrades, and reducing environmental impact through a robust Climate Action Plan that calls for net-zero carbon emissions citywide by 2050.

Transportation: The city’s walkable downtown, accessible bike stations, and free electric shuttle make it easy to get around without a car. 

Conservation: Chattanooga’s National Park City designation is defined by its rich biodiversity, balancing urban growth with environmental protection. In 2024, the city created a 27-acre Urban Ecology Preserve along South Chickamauga Creek to safeguard critical habitat for plants and animals. Visitors can support conservation efforts by exploring places like the 27,000-acre Tennessee River Gorge—one of the Southeast’s most cinematic landscapes or by joining a Tennessee Native Plant Society field trip, or taking part in Outdoor Chattanooga workshops and wildflower hikes.