Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

Chattanooga, United States, Chattanooga, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations

Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

1. River Gorge Expeditions

Experience whitewater rafting on the Tennessee River while learning about local ecology and conservation efforts.
  • Eco-friendly Equipment: Uses environmentally friendly equipment to minimize impact on the river.
  • Educational Tours: Offers educational tours about local ecology and conservation efforts.
  • Sustainable Practices: Practices sustainable operations, including waste management and energy conservation.

2. Chattanooga Nature Center

Explore 193 acres of woodlands and wetlands, home to a variety of wildlife, with education programs focusing on conservation.
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation: Provides wildlife rehabilitation services for injured or orphaned animals.
  • Environmental Education: Offers environmental education programs for visitors of all ages.
  • Native Plant Restoration: Prioritizes native plant restoration in its landscaping efforts.

3. Tennessee Aquarium

Discover over 12,000 aquatic creatures, including river otters and penguins, while supporting conservation initiatives.
  • Conservation Initiatives: Supports multiple conservation initiatives, such as sea turtle rescue and river restoration.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about aquatic ecosystems and conservation efforts.
  • Sustainable Design: Built with sustainable design principles, including energy-efficient systems and LEED certification.

4. Reflections on the River

Enjoy a scenic kayak or canoe trip on the Tennessee River while experiencing Chattanooga's natural beauty.
  • No Motorized Boats: Does not allow motorized boats to minimize noise and environmental impact.
  • Guided Tours: Offers guided tours with expert guides who share local ecology knowledge.
  • Eco-friendly Rentals: Rents eco-friendly kayaks and canoes to minimize environmental impact.

5. Signal Mountain Nature Preserve

Explore the trails of this 1,400-acre nature preserve offering stunning views of Chattanooga.
  • Native Plant Restoration: Prioritizes native plant restoration in its landscaping efforts.
  • Habitat Protection: Protects habitats for various wildlife species, including black bears and red-tailed hawks.
  • Educational Signage: Provides educational signage throughout the preserve about local ecology.

6. Raccoon Mountain Caverns

Explore the natural beauty of these limestone caverns while learning about their geological history.
  • Sustainable Operations: Practices sustainable operations, including energy conservation and minimal disturbance to the cavern environment.
  • Educational Tours: Offers educational tours about the geological history and formation of the caverns.
  • Limited Impact: Limits group sizes to minimize impact on the cave environment.

7. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Step back in time and learn about railroad history while enjoying a sustainable ride through Chattanooga's scenic areas.
  • Historic Preservation: Preserves historic railroad equipment and buildings.
  • Sustainable Practices: Practices sustainable operations, including energy conservation and waste management.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about railroad history and sustainability efforts.

8. Chickamauga National Battlefield

Learn about the Civil War at this national battlefield while appreciating its natural beauty and conservation efforts.
  • Historic Preservation: Preserves the site of one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the battle and its impact on American history.
  • Nature Conservation: Protects and manages the park's natural resources, including its forests and wetlands.

9. Cloudland Canyon State Park

Hike through beautiful canyons with waterfalls and overlooks, while enjoying the park's commitment to conservation.
  • Native Plant Restoration: Prioritizes native plant restoration in its landscaping efforts.
  • Habitat Protection: Protects habitats for various wildlife species, including black bears and turkeys.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the park's ecology and conservation efforts.

10. Lookout Mountain Flight Park

Experience the thrill of hang gliding or powered paragliding while enjoying stunning views of Chattanooga and its surrounding areas.
  • Eco-friendly Equipment: Uses eco-friendly equipment to minimize impact on the environment.
  • Sustainable Operations: Practices sustainable operations, including energy conservation and waste management.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about hang gliding and the local environment.

11. Tennessee Riverpark

Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride along the Tennessee River while appreciating the park's commitment to conservation.
  • Native Plant Restoration: Prioritizes native plant restoration in its landscaping efforts.
  • Habitat Protection: Protects habitats for various wildlife species, including birds and beavers.
  • Educational Signage: Provides educational signage throughout the park about local ecology.

12. Rock City Gardens

Explore gardens filled with native plants and unique rock formations while learning about conservation efforts.
  • Native Plant Restoration: Prioritizes native plant restoration in its landscaping efforts.
  • Sustainable Practices: Practices sustainable operations, including energy conservation and waste management.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the park's ecology and conservation efforts.

13. Lake Winnipeessacut

Relax at this secluded lake offering kayaking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities while appreciating its natural beauty.
  • Eco-friendly Equipment: Uses eco-friendly equipment for activities like kayaking.
  • Sustainable Practices: Practices sustainable operations, including waste management and energy conservation.
  • Habitat Protection: Protects habitats for various wildlife species, including birds and fish.

14. Stringfield Ridge Nature Park

Hike through this park's forests and fields while enjoying scenic views of Chattanooga.
  • Native Plant Restoration: Prioritizes native plant restoration in its landscaping efforts.
  • Habitat Protection: Protects habitats for various wildlife species, including deer and songbirds.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the park's ecology and conservation efforts.

15. Soddy-Daisy Nature Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk or picnic at this park offering scenic views of the Tennessee River.
  • Native Plant Restoration: Prioritizes native plant restoration in its landscaping efforts.
  • Habitat Protection: Protects habitats for various wildlife species, including birds and rabbits.
  • Educational Signage: Provides educational signage throughout the park about local ecology.