Chattanooga is a dog-friendly city through and through. From patio brunch spots that greet pups with a bowl of water to scenic overlooks made for tail-wagging photo ops, four-legged adventurers are always welcome here. With more than 50 trailheads within 30 minutes of downtown, it’s easy to find a hike you and your dog will love. Many local trails allow leashed dogs, making the Scenic City a dream destination for outdoor explorers with paws. Be sure to keep your pup leashed when encountering wildlife, traffic, or other hikers, and as a proud National Park City, please pick up after your pup and leave no trace!
For the Hiker Who Loves a View
A great place to ease yourself and your dog into running in the Chattanooga area is the Guild Hardy Trail on Lookout Mountain, starting from Ochs Highway, Ruby Falls, or Cravens House. The Guild Hardy Trail is an old railroad bed dating back to the 1880’s so the path is wide and the climb gentle. Adventurous runners and hikers can make longer, more technical loops with steeper ascents on the adjoining singletrack trails.
Fresh water can be sparse on Lookout so carry extra for your pup, especially in summer. Unlike sweaty humans, dogs rely on panting to release heat. Regular water breaks will give you a chance to assess their condition as you both cool off. Glen Falls is a great spot to stop for a quick swim or to cool off before heading back into the city.
For the Trail Runner
If you value solitude, beauty, and aerobic challenge over having a five bar cell signal, you and your pup will enjoy exploring just about any section of the Cumberland Trail. A few other great spots would be Savage Gulf, Foster Falls, and the ten mile Mullens Cove Loop in Prentice Cooper. Prentice Cooper is a great spot if you’re looking for something with a little less foot traffic, offering a more secluded experience than other popular hiking spots.
White Oak Mountain in Collegedale is another great spot especially if you’re looking for easy, well maintained trail however there are normally quite a few mountain bikers, but they are easy to avoid since there are so many intersecting paths. There are lots of streams for your pup to jump into and cool off on a hot summer day!…