With its beautiful scenery and vibrant culture, Chattanooga is a great vacation destination! In this Tennessee vacation guide, we’ve listed these state parks near Chattanooga, TN, that you will truly enjoy, especially if you’re looking for an adventurous escape from city life.
State parks offer an exciting and unique way to explore the outdoors, with plenty of activities you and your family can enjoy. South Cumberland State Park is a great option for camping trips or day hikes, but if you prefer water-based fun, head to Hiwassee State Scenic River State Park, where you can canoe or kayak down the Hiwassee River.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled mountain biking trip, a peaceful camping experience, or something in between, there’s sure to be a State Park that fits your needs.
Check out our top picks for state parks near Chattanooga, TN.
What Is Tennessee’s Newest State Park?
Savage Gulf State Park is Tennessee’s newest state park, and not only does it offer a variety of activities for adventurers, but it is also Tennessee’s most scenic wilderness area.
The park contains nearly 19,000 acres of rugged terrain, majestic waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, and historical locations, such as the Stage Coach Road.
Hiking is a popular activity, with over 50 miles of trail ranging from easy walks to strenuous off-trail scrambles.
It has four trailhead parking lots – the Stone Door trailhead being the one that offers restroom facilities, a picnic area, a picnic pavilion, and a ranger station.
The scenic overlooks offer stunning views of the surrounding area, including one with a view over 100 miles across the state.
State Parks Near Chattanooga, TN
Check out these State Parks near Chattanooga, TN, that will take your breath away!
Booker T. Washington State Park
Booker T. Washington State Park is a great spot to explore the outdoors. The park offers camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities for visitors of all ages. Visitors can enjoy having a picnic near one of the many beautiful lakes. There are also several nature trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Be sure to check it out!
Tims Ford State Park
Tims Ford State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Picnic areas equipped with grills and shelters are located throughout the park for visitors to enjoy a meal or relax in the shade. And if you're a fur parent, the Tims Ford State Park allows pets on its hiking trails as long as they are updated on all vaccinations.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park is located in the hills of eastern Tennessee. This park is home to a wide variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty. The centerpiece of the park is the spectacular Fall Creek Falls, which cascades 256 feet down a sheer rock face families love a lot.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park is located in Georgia, just half an hour's drive from downtown Chattanooga. The park is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the Southeast, featuring beautiful overlooks along lush mountain ridges and deep gorges carved out by Sitton Gulch Creek.
South Cumberland State Park
This park offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll through the park or an adventure into its depths, South Cumberland has something for you. Be sure to add South Cumberland State Park to your itinerary.
Hiwassee / Ocoee Scenic River State Park
Hiwassee / Ocoee Scenic River State Park is home to a variety of wildlife and breathtaking views of the mountains and rivers that cut through it. The park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking trails that take you around scenic overlooks, fishing spots and canoeing trips, as well as picnicking areas.
Harrison Bay State Park
The park is situated along the shores of Chickamauga Lake, which is formed by the Tennessee River and surrounded by hills and forests. The park features a variety of outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, and hiking.
Fort Mountain State Park
This Georgia State Park is just an hour away from downtown Tennesse and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking trails, mountain biking trails, camping sites, an expansive lake and beach area, and many other amenities make Fort Mountain State Park the perfect destination for outdoor recreation.
Red Clay State Park
Check out Red Clay State park for some hiking, camping, finishing, and canoeing fun!
De Soto State Park
Just an hour away from Chattanooga, thiis state park in Alabama is home to outdoor activities, including fishing in the stocked lake, hiking and biking trails, nature study, picnicking, golfing on a 9-hole championship course, and camping. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day outdoors or an action-packed adventure getaway, Desoto State Park is the perfect destination.
Are state parks in TN free?
Yes, all 57 state parks in Tennessee are completely free to enter and enjoy. While there may be certain activities within the parks that require permits or reservations, general access to the parks is always free.
This means that visitors can go hiking, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the natural environment without having to pay an entrance fee.
So while there is no mandatory fee for visiting a state park in TN, your donation can make a difference in maintaining and preserving these natural spaces for future generations.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Download This FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist
Related Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Want to travel around Chattanooga but don’t want to bring your RV? Here are the top RV rentals in Chattanooga for a more convenient trip.
Also, you might want to check out these National Park scavenger hunt printables and let the children explore nature and teach them about the environment.
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