Plan Your Perfect Day Trip from Chattanooga

Featured in this Article:

Cleveland, Tennessee
Dayton, Tennessee
Monteagle, Tennessee
Sewanee, Tennessee
Pikeville, Tennessee
Manchester, Tennessee
McMinnville, Tennessee
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Sparta, Tennessee
Cookeville, Tennessee

Travel to the small town of Cleveland, Tennessee located 32 miles from Chattanooga for boutique shopping where you’ll find women’s fashion at Orange Blossom Boutique and Simply Chic Boutique, men’s pieces at Hardwick & Co., and must-have home décor from Southern Traditions. Go down the Ocoee River for a rushing day of adventure or enjoy the view with a glass of wine at Morris Vineyard and Winery, close by. The area is rich in Native American history, preserved at the Hiwassee River Heritage Center, Red Clay State Historic Park – where the Trail of Tears began – and Museum Center at 5ive Points. You can also see the first Red Back hymnal, a mainstay songbook in Southern Gospel music at the Museum Center. It was conceived, compiled and printed in Cleveland, Tennessee.

• Parking: availability depends on the specific attraction or shop. Downtown areas may have street parking or public lots. 

• Seasons to Visit: spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoors like the Ocoee River and the historical sites, as well as the downtown boutiques. Summer will be hot, ideal for river adventures. Winter can be mild, but outdoor activities may be limited.

• Accessibility: varies by location, but many places including the Museum Center at 5ive Points and the Red Clay State Historic Park which has free to use all-terrain wheelchairs available.

Dayton, Tennessee is 38 miles from Chattanooga and a fisher’s haven since it’s located close to Chickamauga Lake, famous for huge bass. Fishing tournaments flock to Dayton, not only for the fishing opportunities but the atmosphere. Downtown Dayton has a charming square with shops, restaurants like Screen Door Cafe, brews at Monkey Town Brewing Company, and even has an interesting story to tell. Dayton was the site of the legendary Scopes Trial, the 1925 prosecution of a science teacher, John Scopes for teaching evolution in a Tennessee public school, which was illegal at the time. On your way back to Chattanooga, plan some time to explore the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge for breathtaking views, hiking, fishing and rock climbing opportunities. Dayton, Tennessee is the perfect day trip from Chattanooga.

• Parking: Downtown Dayton, near the charming square with shops and restaurants like Screen Door Cafe and Monkey Town Brewing Company, should have parking available. Chickamauga Lake access points for fishing tournaments will also have parking. 

• Seasons to Visit: spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for exploring downtown and enjoying Chickamauga Lake for fishing. Summer is the prime season for fishing on Chickamauga Lake.

• Accessibility: varies by location, but Chickamauga Lake specifically has accessible boat launches, fishing piers, and trails making it a great destination for those with disabilities 

Monteagle is a great small town day trip from Chattanooga, located about 46 miles from the city, that’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s just minutes from South Cumberland State Park that spans more than 30,000 acres with 90 miles of hiking trails, bouldering opportunities, waterfalls, vistas and more. After all that activity, you’ll want a great place to relax. Go to The Smoke House which has beautiful, rustic hideaway cabins for rent. Enjoy jetted garden soaking tubs, mini bar or full kitchen, leather sofas, front porches with rocking chairs and stone wood-burning fireplaces.  

• Parking: South Cumberland State Park has parking areas at trailheads and overlooks. The Smoke House offers free self-parking, as well as RV/bus/truck parking 

• Seasons to Visit: spring and fall offer the best hiking weather in South Cumberland State Park with vibrant foliage and pleasant temperatures.  Summer is popular, though it can be hot for extensive hiking. Enjoy the cozy fireplaces at the Smoke House during cooler months. 

• Accessibility: while it varies by location, South Cumberland State Park offers a wheelchair accessible walkway which provides a spectacular view of Foster Falls. 

Sewanee is another day trip from Chattanooga that has a massive outdoor adventure playground. The Mountain Goat Trail currently runs between Sewanee and Monteagle. It is paved and accessible for cyclists, runners, walkers and more. Historically, the trail carried coal and passengers between towns of the Cumberland Plateau. It was one of the steepest railroad ascents in the world. When fully finished, the more than 35-mile trail will connect seven towns in two counties. Downtown Sewanee, 50 miles from Chattanooga, is where you’ll find sips from Shenanigans, handmade jewelry at The Lemon Fair and an assortment of gifts at Taylor’s Mercantile. 

• Parking: Parking is available in downtown Sewanee, where you'll find Shenanigans, The Lemon Fair, and Taylor’s Mercantile, and at access points for the Mountain Goat Trail and the University of the South.

• Seasons to Visit: Spring and fall offer beautiful scenery and pleasant weather for enjoying the outdoors, the University of the South campus, and exploring the shops downtown. Summer is green and lush, ideal for biking and walking the Mountain Goat Trail. 

• Accessibility: The paved Mountain Goat Trail, running between Sewanee and Monteagle, is designed to be accessible for those in wheelchairs as well as cyclists, runners, and walkers. Accessibility in downtown Sewanee shops like Shenanigans and The Lemon Fair may vary. 

Go to downtown Pikeville, about 58 miles from Chattanooga, to mosey around the town square, stopping in the boutiques and seeing the historic buildings. Stop in to Ember’s Ice Cream Shoppe on Main Street for a sweet treat. Do some exploring at one of Tennessee’s largest state parks, Fall Creek Falls, and Cumberland Mountain State Park, both conveniently close to Pikeville. Visit Oren Wooden’s Apple House where you can get mouthwatering apple dumplings, pies, and, of course, whole apples. 

• Parking: Downtown Pikeville, where you can mosey around the town square and visit boutiques and historic buildings, has free parking. Ember’s Ice Cream Shoppe on Main Street will also have parking. Fall Creek Falls and Cumberland Mountain State Parks, both close to Pikeville, have ample parking within the park areas. Oren Wooden’s Apple House will also have parking for visitors.

• Seasons to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal for visiting Fall Creek Falls and Cumberland Mountain State Parks with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is great for seeing the waterfalls. Fall brings apple season to Oren Wooden’s Apple House where you can get apple dumplings and pies.

• Accessibility: Fall Creek Falls State Park offers several accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible parking, an accessible entrance, and designated trails. The park also provides all-terrain wheelchairs for visitors with limited mobility. Downtown Pikeville has varying levels of accessibility in its shops.

Sure, Manchester is known for Bonnaroo, the iconic music and arts festival that brings big name artists and bands to The Farm each June, but the town, which is about 70 miles from Chattanooga, is full of more that will easily fill a day trip. Start out downtown shopping for antiques, crafts, homeware and local goods. Do some exploring at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park where you’ll find waterfalls, secluded foot trails and beautiful scenery. Get a local taste at Beans Creek Winery that produces dry, full-bodied reds, fruit wines and sweet whites. Discover the murals around the downtown area for that perfect selfie.

• Parking: Downtown Manchester, known for its antique shops, crafts, and local goods, has various parking options. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, featuring waterfalls and foot trails, has parking at the visitor center and trailheads. Beans Creek Winery will have parking for visitors.

• Seasons to Visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park and downtown. Summer can be hot but is when Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival takes place at The Farm (2025's dates are June 12-15). Fall brings the harvest season to Beans Creek Winery, offering dry reds, fruit wines, and sweet whites.

• Accessibility: Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park has accessible overlooks, museum & visitor center, and a limited number of ADA-accessible cabins for overnight stays. Downtown Manchester shops have varying accessibility. 

Have a day full of wellness in McMinnville, about 74 miles from Chattanooga, with yoga, classes, biking trails, health-focused meals and more. Start off with a yoga session at Twisted Yogis, check out Juicy’s Wellness Cafe, then take some time to sit by the falls at Rock Island State Park. 

• Parking: Parking is available in downtown McMinnville, where you might visit Twisted Yogis or Juicy’s Wellness Cafe, and at Rock Island State Park, known for its falls. The Isha Institute of Inner-Sciences has parking for visitors attending yoga or classes.

• Seasons to Visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities at Rock Island State Park. Summer is a good time to see the falls. The Isha Institute has programs year-round, focusing on wellness.

• Accessibility: Rock Island State Park has wheelchair accessible paths and overlooks. Specifically, the park has a wheelchair-friendly overlook area at the Great Falls giving a fantastic view of the waterfall. 

This vintage mountain town is 77 miles from Chattanooga and close by to the Cherohala Skyway, a National Scenic Byway with several overlooks. Also nearby, the Cherokee National Forest is filled with boating, hiking – be sure to hike over to Bald River Falls to see its water cascade nearly 100 feet, fishing and sight-seeing opportunities. Besides outdoor adventures, the town has a laid back atmosphere with several shops that house antiques, books, arts and crafts from regional artists, custom-made furniture, homeware, handmade soaps and more.

• Parking: Parking is available in downtown Tellico Plains and at overlooks along the Cherohala Skyway, a National Scenic Byway. Parking is also available within the Cherokee National Forest for activities like boating, hiking to Bald River Falls, and fishing.

• Seasons to Visit: Spring and fall offer stunning views along the Cherohala Skyway with blooming wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in fall. Summer is great for exploring the Cherokee National Forest and enjoying activities like hiking.

• Accessibility: Accessibility along the Cherohala Skyway varies at different overlooks and trails. 

Historic Liberty Square in downtown Sparta, about 81 miles from Chattanooga, is full of historic buildings and homes, art galleries, antiques, restaurants and shops. Learn about local military heroes and music at the White County Heritage & Lester Flatt Museum and see the Rock House Shrine, a famous stagecoach stop and early American frontier home. Former presidents James K. Polk and Andrew Jackson frequented this stop during their travels from Nashville to Washington, D.C. Get out in nature to see several waterfalls including Virgin Falls and Burgess Falls. Wrap up your day by taking in the view at Sunset Rock. 

• Parking: Historic Liberty Square in downtown Sparta, with its historic buildings, art galleries, and shops, has parking. Parking is also available at Virgin Falls and Burgess Falls trailheads, and at Sunset Rock.

• Seasons to Visit: Spring and fall offer the best weather for hiking to Virgin Falls and Burgess Falls and exploring the downtown area. Summer is hot but good for enjoying the waterfalls. Fall brings beautiful foliage. Sunset Rock is enjoyable year-round for the panoramic views.

• Accessibility: Accessibility in historic downtown Sparta varies in the older buildings. Trails to Virgin Falls and Burgess Falls can be challenging and are not fully accessible. The White County Heritage & Lester Flatt Museum and the Rock House Shrine will have their own accessibility features.

Ninety-eight miles from Chattanooga is Cookeville, tucked away in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region. The town is a great day trip from Chattanooga and a fun day trip from Nashville as it has so much to see and do. You’ll easily go back for another day (or three) of exploring. The town is close to caves, lakes, streams, trails and waterfalls. After your outdoor adventure, head downtown. Shop at Poppie’s Boutique for dresses, jumpsuits and denim; The Market on the Square for all your kitchenware and gifting needs; and The Painted House for home styling pieces and gifts. Grab a meal and a drink at Father Tom’s, Red Silo Brewing Company or 37 Cedar Restaurant and Bar. Have a sweet end to the day at Ralph’s Donuts or ice cream at Cream City. 

• Parking: Downtown Cookeville, with shops like Poppie’s Boutique, The Market on the Square, and The Painted House, as well as restaurants like Father Tom’s and Red Silo Brewing Company, has parking options. Parking is also available at access points for nearby caves, lakes, streams, trails, and waterfalls. Ralph’s Donuts and Cream City will also have parking.

• Seasons to Visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring both the historic downtown Cookeville and the surrounding natural attractions in the Upper Cumberland region. Summer is good for lake activities and visiting waterfalls.

• Accessibility: Accessibility in downtown Cookeville shops and restaurants will vary. Outdoor attractions like caves and trails will have varying levels of accessibility; be sure to check specific locations.

You'll find authentic hospitality, great food, amazing views and countless memories just waiting to be made in Tennessee's small towns conveniently close to Chattanooga.