The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway offers 9 miles of trail alongside the wooded Chickamauga Creek through eastern Chattanooga and the community of East Ridge. The path winds through a mix of landscapes, including parks, commercial areas, and residential neighborhoods. The trail is currently completed in two disconnected sections with a short gap in the middle; eventually, the trail will stretch 14 miles.
The southern segment has a gravel surface and is anchored by Camp Jordan Park, which spans 275 acres and provides a variety of recreational amenities. From the park, the trail heads north a little over 5 miles to end at Shallowford Road, just east of the Chattanooga Airport.
After the gap, the paved northern section of trail begins at Faith Road, goes under an active railroad, crosses Bonny Oaks Drive, and reaches N. Hawthorne Street, a distance of about 3.5 miles. A highlight of this segment occurs about midway near Sterchi Farm. In this area, you'll find elevated boardwalks over wetlands with steep inclines along the creek. You'll also find a canoe and kayak launch here.
Recently, the one-mile gap west from the northern trailhead to the Chattanooga Riverwalk (also known as the Tennessee Riverwalk) was closed. The Riverwalk heads into downtown Chattanooga along the Tennessee River. The two trails are connected by a 190-foot bridge.
Parking is available at the southern end of the trail in Camp Jordan Park (323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge).
For the northern segment, trailheads are available at Faith Road, Sterchi Farm (2700 block of Harrison Pike), and the 3900 block of North Hawthorne Street.
Very nice trail, away from traffic , not busy. We headed out around 9:30 am. It had rained overnight. A couple of the wooden board walks were like oil. I went down twice. By the time we road to the end & turned around only the one was still slick. If it has rained I would recommend riding this in the afternoon. It is almost completed shaded, so it would be rideable. My only other complaint is there were a couple places trees had taken out part of the railing. At one it had taken out the flooring. I would have given this 5 stars, if not for needed repairs & slick boards. out part of the boardwalk
Rode from the trailhead near boathouse restaurant to the dam. Then back and beyond to downtown. Back to the Boathouse for lunch before hitting the road home.
I run the northern part (most of it) out and back to the Riverpoint parking area.Very quiet and very few other people on the trail. Like running in the woods 8-). I will be back.
Excellent use of boardwalks to make this trail accessible. A most enjoyable outing!
We parked at Riverpoint park, and rode to the end where it turns to gravel (just past Bonny Oaks Dr.). 10mi round trip. They must have spent a mint on this trail. It is full of long boardwalks built in the woods on the banks of the river. Shaded with lots of scenery. Restrooms, water at Riverpoint park. Lots of ups and downs. Combine with Riverwalk trail for 22mi roundtrip.
I rode the north portion of this trail by getting on it from the Riverwalk trail. It is absolutely beautiful! Nice bridges and elevated trail sections. One of my favorite trails! Quiet and peaceful. The southern portion of this trail was fine. The trail is in good shape but not nearly as scenic. I will be back to do the northern portion again but not the southern portion.
Left from Camp Jordan and completed the trail to the end and came back. Overall trail was easy, flat, and a good ride. The only negative was where I had to do down a couple of flights of stairs to go under the highway and then go back up to get back to the trail. Very few people on it but it was a holiday.
Easy trail with plenty of shade for a hot day. There is beautiful scenery along the creek with numerous foot and railroad bridges. Bring your camera.
Five star Hike.
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