The historic Tennessee River Gorge, also known as the Tennessee River Blueway or the “Grand Canyon of Tennessee,” is an impressive stretch of the river that winds its way through the mountains just outside of Chattanooga. This pristine 27-mile-long section is framed by towering cliffs and mountains that rise to around 1,800 feet – the highest along the entire 652-mile length of the Tennessee River. The Gorge is believed to have begun forming around 200 million years ago, with the water erosion creating the cliffs that now frame it on either side as well as its many caverns and caves along the way. Known for its unspoiled natural beauty, this area offers some of the most dramatic vistas in the region, especially for leaf peepers.