Things to do in Chattanooga
Sort
Ocoee River Middle Whitewater Rafting: 17 Rapids in 5 MilesThe Ocoee River Middle whitewater rafting trip is a 5-mile guided raft down 17 major class III and IV rapids in the Cherokee National Forest, starting below Ocoee Dam No. 2. The trip runs about three hours and includes transportation, all safety gear, a guide, and a practice session before you launch. Minimum age is 12 years old; no rafting experience is required.Is it for me?Book this trip for a first day or a free afternoon when you want to run real whitewater without planning the logistics yourself—the bus picks you up, the guide handles the river, and you paddle 17 named rapids in one morning.
Chattanooga Haunted History Walking Tour: Ghost StoriesMurder & Mayhem is a walking ghost tour through downtown Chattanooga led by a professional local guide who stops at the city's most haunted historical locations and tells the stories of the spirits said to linger there. The tour runs about 95 minutes, covers several stops with photo opportunities from outside each location, and operates in all weather. Children from age 3 are welcome when accompanied by an adult; the route is wheelchair accessible, though guests using chairs can meet the guide at the first stop to skip an initial hill.Is it for me?Small groups work best here — the minimum is two people, and the tour stays intimate enough that the guide's stories land without a crowd. If you want Chattanooga's ghost history without committing to a full day or entering buildings, this 95-minute route is built for you.
Ocoee River: Whitewater Rafting Middle Section & RapidsYou’ll feel your pulse jump as you tackle 17 major rapids on this Middle Ocoee River rafting trip in Tennessee. With a local guide leading your group, all safety gear provided, and transport from the outpost included, you’ll share laughter, splashes, and that unbeatable thrill of whitewater together. It’s more than just a day on the river—it sticks with you.
Nickajack Bat Cave Kayak Tour Chattanooga & WildlifeYou paddle 3 miles across Nickajack Lake to a cave mouth where 100,000 gray bats roost during summer. Along the way, your guide points out osprey, eagles, and herons while explaining the Tennessee River's history and the threats facing endangered bat populations. The tour ends at dusk when the bats emerge to hunt — a sight that happens fast and all at once. All equipment is included, and the tour runs late April through early October on Eastern Time.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see something genuinely wild without arranging your own boat, equipment, or knowing where to position yourself for the bats — the guide handles the timing and the paddle, so you just show up and watch.
Chattanooga: Downtown Food Tour with Rooftop Dining & Chef TastingsYou’ll wander downtown Chattanooga with local guides who know their stuff, stopping for chef-curated tastings at three or four restaurants (including rooftop dining and a private club). Expect stories about the city’s changing food scene, easy walks between bites, and a few laughs along the way — plus flavors you might still think about later.
Ocoee River: Whitewater Rafting Adventure & Local GuidesYou’ll suit up with your guide at Ocoee River’s edge, paddle through roaring Class III & IV rapids in Cherokee National Forest, and share laughs with your crew along 5.5 wild miles. Includes all gear and return transport—plus those small moments between rapids you’ll remember long after you dry off.
Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting Chattanooga: Class III-IV RapidsYou get a 3.5-hour whitewater trip on five miles of Class III-IV rapids with all gear, transportation, and instruction included. The guides are trained and certified beyond what most companies require, which means they can customize the intensity to your group and handle the river with confidence. No experience needed, ages 12 and up. Book for a day when you want something physical and real, not a polished resort experience.Is it for me?Right for groups or solo travelers ages 12+ who want a physical day on real whitewater without needing experience first — the guides handle the expertise, and the river's natural design means you can push harder than you'd expect without the hidden hazards that make other rapids feel risky.
Ocoee River: Full-Day Whitewater Rafting & Shore LunchYou’ll paddle through 10 miles of Tennessee whitewater on this Ocoee River rafting adventure—with a local guide leading you through class III & IV rapids and a riverside picnic lunch halfway down. Feel your heart race at the Olympic course section before relaxing with sandwiches and sweet tea by the shore.
Chattanooga: Trolley & Historic Train Combo Tour TicketsYou’ll ride Chattanooga’s vintage trolley through downtown with a local guide sharing real stories, then step into historic train cars at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for a slow journey past landmarks and countryside. Expect small surprises—like waving kids or an unexpected silence—and leave with more than just photos.
Ocoee River Rafting Adventure: Class III/IV Whitewater with LunchThis whitewater rafting adventure on the Ocoee River near Chattanooga takes you through the middle section with a live guide, life jacket, helmet and paddle provided. You'll spend about five hours on the water across two stretches of class III/IV rapids separated by a riverside lunch with sandwiches, shrimp, fruit and drinks. Arrive 30 minutes early at the outpost to change and get oriented; the whole trip runs six hours. Minimum age is 12 and no prior rafting experience is required.Is it for me?Book this if you want a guide managing navigation and safety while you focus on paddling, plus round-trip transport and meals included rather than coordinating those separately.
Chattanooga: Medal of Honor Heritage Center AdmissionYou get admission to the museum, access to the orientation theater, and the full run of permanent exhibits spanning Civil War to modern conflicts. The immersive design—standing in reconstructed settings rather than looking at displays behind glass—is what makes the stories stick. Bring comfortable shoes and plan for at least two hours.Is it for me?Right for anyone wanting to understand Medal of Honor history without a guide—you move through at your own pace and the immersive exhibits do the storytelling. The downtown location and full accessibility make it workable for most visitors, and there's no rush; you stay as long as the stories hold you.
Chattanooga: Cemetery Ghost Hunt with Paranormal GearYou’ll join a small group on a real cemetery ghost hunt across Chattanooga’s UTC campus and Citizens Cemetery, using actual paranormal gear like meters and an Ovilus X. Expect hands-on moments with your local guide showing you how everything works—and maybe even catching something unexpected on camera as you walk among old gravestones at night.
Chattanooga: Brunch Food Tour with Chef Tastings & Private ClubYou’ll taste your way through Chattanooga’s brunch scene—from sweet crepes at Adelle’s to local cheeses and craft beer at Bleu Fox Cheese Shop. Pause for art and stories at H*Art Gallery before finishing at Common House with mountain views and farm-sourced lunch. This isn’t just eating—it’s meeting locals, sharing laughs, and seeing Chattanooga through new eyes.
Chattanooga: Christmas Escape Room with Family FunYou’ll step into a cozy Chattanooga escape room set at Christmastime, racing against the clock with your group to solve puzzles and help Santa deliver his gifts. Expect laughter over tricky clues, warm moments with family or friends, and a few surprises along the way — all guided by friendly locals who make you feel right at home.
Kayaking Chickamauga Dam Lock in ChattanoogaKayaking through Chickamauga Dam Lock is a guided paddle activity in Chattanooga where you enter a 120-foot lock chamber, secure your kayak as massive gates close, and descend with the water level as it drains toward the Tennessee River below. The experience lasts about two and a half hours and includes private transportation from your location, all kayak gear, and a live guide. This is not a sightseeing tour—you operate the kayak and feel the lock's mechanics from inside it.Is it for me?The private pickup means you don't need a car or have to find your own way to the dam—your guide collects you from your hotel or location in Chattanooga and handles the logistics, so the focus stays on the paddle and the lock itself.
Chattanooga: Heritage Trolley Ride & Coker Museum TourYou’ll ride a vintage trolley through Chattanooga with a local guide, pass landmarks like Coolidge Park and the Tennessee Aquarium, then step inside the Coker Museum to get close to over 100 classic vehicles. Expect real stories, laughter, and small surprises along the way—it lingers after you leave.
Chattanooga: 1 Hour City Tour by Bus with Local StoriesYou’ll cruise through Chattanooga’s core in an hour, catching glimpses of landmarks like Coolidge Park and hearing quick-fire stories from your local guide. Expect small surprises — maybe a joke or two — plus comfy seats and plenty of local color along the way. You’ll leave with ideas for where to wander back later.
Puma Raft Whitewater Rafting Chattanooga High-Adventure RapidsPrivate or small-group whitewater rafting in Chattanooga on the Ocoee River's middle section using a Puma raft—a narrower, shorter boat that surfs and maneuvers through Class III-IV rapids differently than standard rafts. You'll paddle, swim and explore the river with a senior guide for five hours; bottled water and snacks are provided. Minimum two guests per booking, maximum 24; must be 12 years old or older. Trips run Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays only.Is it for me?Book this trip if you want to paddle actively in a raft that handles differently than standard boats, or if you've rafted before and want the middle section's Class III-IV rapids to feel new. The Puma's narrower design and the guide's expertise suit paddlers looking for a more dynamic, hands-on experience rather than a scenic float.
Middle Ocoee Whitewater Rafting near ChattanoogaMiddle Ocoee whitewater rafting near Chattanooga is a 3.5-hour activity on the nation's most-popular river trip, with 1.5 hours spent paddling intermediate rapids in the Smoky Mountains just below the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Course. All specialty rafting equipment—helmet, life vest and paddle—is included; participants must be at least 12 years old, and minors require an adult. The trip does not include a riverside lunch, and you'll spend time in preparation and shuttle alongside the river itself.Is it for me?Book this if you're staying in Chattanooga and want to reach the rapids without driving yourself—the included shuttle picks you up near the city and handles transport both ways.
Chattanooga Ghost Tour: Crypts and Chills Walking TourChattanooga Crypts and Chills is a one-hour walking ghost tour led by a professional guide in English, visiting five historically significant and reportedly haunted locations including the Walnut Street Bridge, the Edwin Hotel, and the Trail of Tears memorial. The guide shares thoroughly researched stories based on true local accounts, connecting Chattanooga's commerce history and the Trail of Tears to the spirits said to linger in these places. Minimum age is 13; service animals are welcome.Is it for me?This tour works best for small groups or solo travelers who want to understand Chattanooga's real history—the commerce, the Trail of Tears, and the stories locals tell—rather than a pure thrill experience. The one-hour pace and walking route suit a free evening or an afternoon when you're new to the city and want the guide to connect the dots.
