The Sights and Rounds in Chattanooga

From golfing to a variety of historical attractions, this city off the I-75 in Tennessee is the perfect stopover for Canadian snowbirds.

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Words by Rick Stedman

The cooler air this time of year is a clear indication that it’s time to start planning a destination for the upcoming snowbird season. For many Canadian RVers, this annual ritual includes driving Interstate-75. Starting at the Canadian border near Sault Saint Marie, MI, I-75 spans 2,875 km (1,786 mi) before ending in the Miami metro area of South Florida. The ultimate goal for most is to enjoy the warm weather that is prevalent all winter.

At approximately the halfway point on the I-75 journey - about 1,364 km (847 mi) - is Chattanooga, TN, a lovely southern city and the fourth largest in the state that offers numerous attractions. Although it may not be your final destination, it’s worthy of a lingering visit.

You’ll Love Lookout Mountain

With its history and natural attractions, Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain is one of the area’s star attractions. Much of the history centres around the battles of the American Civil War in the mid-1860s. Today, however, visitors are drawn to Lookout Mountain for its serenity and breathtaking views. You can drive a vehicle to the top, but the most unique way is via the Incline Railway.

Dubbed ‘America's Most Amazing Mile,’ the Incline Railway has been serving the public since opening in 1895 and runs up a steep grade at nearly 73 degrees. The 15-minute ascent climbs more than 518 m (1,700 ft) and the total elevation is 728 m (2,389 ft).

While on Lookout Mountain, history buffs will enjoy the Battles of Chattanooga, a small museum that summarizes the major Civil War battles in 1863. There is also a nice gift shop and gorgeous views of the Tennessee River. Ruby Falls is another popular attraction on the mountain that was discovered in the 1920s. Although it’s somewhat commercialized, you can take a glass-front elevator down 80 m (260 ft) for an hour-long guided tour. Inside, it is a constant 15°C (60°F) all year.

Rock City, too, is located here and encompasses geological and botanical wonders. There are views of seven states from its lookout, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and even Alabama. Parking is free if you decide to visit Lookout Mountain via an RV and there’s space to accommodate larger motorhomes and trailers.

Just a few kilometres from the base of Lookout Mountain is the International Towing & Recovery Museum, which opened in 1995 and consists of a fabulous collection of towing vehicles and other equipment dating back more than 100 years. Museum officials share that Chattanooga is the birthplace of the tow truck thanks to inventor Ernest Holmes Sr. and his son, Ernest Holmes Jr. They eventually established a major towing manufacturer, the Ernest Holmes Company.

Downtown Chattanooga

For a different perspective of Chattanooga, take a cruise on the Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat. It opened in 1985 and offers one-and-a-half-hour sightseeing and sunset tours. Every year, this popular attraction serves more than 100,000 passengers.

There are many other sites worth exploring downtown as well. The Hunter Museum of American Art, Creative Discovery Museum and the Tennessee Aquarium, which is considered the number one attraction in the city and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, are just a few sights to check out during your visit.

The Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is located near the Tennessee Aquarium. The centre summarizes the United States’ highest military honour for valour, which was first awarded in Chattanooga.

The Chattanooga Choo Choo should also be on your list to visit. Made famous by the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1941, the song Chattanooga Choo Choo is still popular today. A former train depot, it has been converted into a hotel and the history of the century-old building is well-preserved.

Among its grounds is the .8 ha (2 ac) Glenn Miller Gardens where you can stroll among its scenic grounds, sit in a rocking chair, and play life-sized checkers, corn hole, or bocce ball. There are also several dining options close by.

Accommodating RV Parks: Take a Rest from the Road

Since I-75 runs through the heart of Chattanooga, there are several easily-accessible RV parks. Holiday Travel Park - Chattanooga and Hawkins Pointe RV Park are located in Rossville, GA, approximately 9 km (6 mi) from downtown.

Less than a kilometre from the I-75, Holiday Travel Park has 170 sites (the majority are pull-throughs), a variety of amenities and is open all year. Hawkins Pointe RV Park is also open all year and has 51 sites on 2.6 ha (6.5 ac). While there are several amenities, the only downside is the lack of showers.

About 30 km (19 mi) from Chattanooga is Chester Frost Park set on Chickamauga Lake with peaceful lakefront sites. This quality RV park has 228 sites along with a host of outdoor amenities including playgrounds, a beach, boat docks and ramps, plus fishing piers.

Another popular park is Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground approximately 11 km (7 mi) from downtown. Exploring underground caves in this part of the country is a fascinating experience and Raccoon Mountain offers that opportunity. Explore more than 8 km (5 mi) of caves, which were originally discovered in the 1920s. The campground has 157 sites with the choice of full service, water/power-only and primitive camping.

Also on the shore of Chickamauga Lake is Harrison Bay State Park, which is less than 32 km (20 mi) from downtown Chattanooga. This 485 ha (1,200 ac) park features 128 sites, some of which can accommodate rigs up to 20 m (65 ft). This is Tennessee’s first state park, which opened in 1937 and is home to the stunning 18-hole Bear Trace Golf Course.

One of five Nicklaus Bear Trace courses in the state, the Harrison Bay course spans 7,111 yards from the tips. Though water comes into play on a dozen of the holes, the course is not overwhelmingly difficult, but it can be challenging in certain parts.

Moccasin Bend Golf Club is one of several public courses throughout the greater Chattanooga area. The 18-hole, par 72 championship course was built in 1966 and water is a frequent hazard across its 6,469 yards.

The City of Chattanooga also owns and operates two municipal golf courses: Brainerd Golf Course and Brown Acres Golf Course. At 18-holes and 6,468 yards, Brainerd is a par 72 that measures 6,468 yards from the longest tees while its sister course - Brown Acres - is an 18-hole, par 72 track that is 6,742 yards.

From golfing and history to accommodating RV parks, Chattanooga is a worthwhile stop while travelling on the I-75. There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy any one of the attractions while motoring south - or even north on your way home - in this area of Tennessee.

For more details visit www.visitchattanooga.com.