According to the Chattanooga.gov website, "Stringer's Ridge a 92-acre urban wilderness park in North Chattanooga overlooking the Tennessee River. The result of a citizen based effort to preserve one of the last large natural areas within the City of Chattanooga limits, the park features easy to moderately technical multi use trails, a Civil War cannon placement and spectacular views of the city." (http://www.chattanooga.gov/public-works/parks/greenways-trails) and according to the Outdoor Chattanooga website, "there are 3 trail loops covering 10 miles rated easy to strenuous and technical." (https://outdoorchattanooga.com/land/stringers-ridge-park-day-hiking/)
This spot is less than 3 miles from the city center of Chattanooga, Tennessee and less than 5 miles from my own home. It's always been a "go to" for Secret the wonder pup and I to get out in nature quickly. As you can see from the above the description, it is 92-acres right in the city and while you are hiking it you don't feel like you are in the city at all. It's ease of access and meandering wilderness make you forget that you are minutes from great food, industry, businesses, tourism, and the hub of all things economic in the Chattanooga area. If you are thinking, "oh that sounds like a lovely park"...think again. Think WILDERNESS. The only paved roads are ones that existed from years ago and are not maintained as such...and the trails are just that- cleared places along the woods. It is known for its mountain bike, hiking, and trail running opportunities. Every time I go there I have this feeling of aloneness but it is always punctuated with a realization that "oh wow, there is someone running just right over there"... and I like that. The trails are many, so the options never get boring.
One of my most favorite views in Chattanooga happens to be on Stringer's ridge. Most of the time as you are hiking along you can't see the forest for the trees so to speak, but take the old asphalt trail known as the Cherokee trail
and it will soon open up to a view of North Chattanooga and the Chattanooga waterfront that makes my heart smile every time I experience it! I have a certain love for North Chattanooga and seeing the signature blue of the Market and Walnut street bridges reminds me that down below is a little donut shop that people I love work in.So if you are looking for a little gem in Chattanooga, Stringer's Ridge is it. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. Parking is often tight but well worth the chance. There is a lot of shade so it can be a fairly nice walk no matter what time of day. And if you are looking for the perfect day may I make a suggestion? Do North Shore....
Getting hungry for lunch? There are many great options- Taco Mamacita on North Market is a favorite of mine but you definitely can't go wrong by visiting River Street Deli...choosing between the two would just be hard! Once you finish lunch, don't forget to walk down to Coolidge Park through the passageway from Frazier to River Street and ride the carousel with it's beautifully hand carved animals. And if you are feeling the need to walk off that meal, take a walk across the Walnut Street bridge that is over your head. It's now a pedestrian bridge that connects the Northshore to downtown Chattanooga- and recently became dog friendly, again! The views are spectacular and will take you right of to the Bluff View Art District- a worthy artistic visit. Spend some time at Hunter Museum but come on back over the bridge and eat supper on the back deck or side deck of Brewhaus Pub. You'll soon see that I love gazing at our city!
As you can see, I'm a foodie but I also choose to be active to offset those foodie tendencies. So get out, walk the dog, see more of #CHA the beautiful!
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