Trail Running in Chattanooga, TN

This 6-mile roundtrip out-and-back route requires quite a bit of climbing, but the rewards of bombing down gorges and crossing swinging bridges make it all worth it.

Running on the Cumberland Trail is rarely easy, but the rewards are great. The Rock Creek Loop and Trail offer a variety of terrain that will interest runners of all levels.

Some say that Bigfoot roams the steep slopes of Laurel-Snow, and while that bit of history is unverified, it’s true that the hills once shook from horrific explosions that belched fire out the mouths of coal mines.

North Chickamauga Creek has magnificent scenery, swimming holes, and rugged terrain to challenge any runner, all just a few minutes from Chattanooga.

This 9-mile Skyuka Springs loop offers a longer, more challenging route for those of you looking for something a little tougher.

Just a few minutes from Chattanooga, this trail is inspiring in both its scenery and its surprising industrial history.

Urban nature doesn't get anymore wild, and yet as easily accessible as Stringers Ridge. It's a great place to trail run; the ascents don't kill your legs or morale, and the descents are fast and fun.

A fun section of the Cumberland Trail, the Poplar Springs segment is a great workout for dedicated trail runners.

Rugged climbs and descents past towering bluffs, historic sites, and boulder-filled creeks make Soddy Creek Gorge North a strenuous but extremely interesting section of the Cumberland Trail.

Named as one of the country’s top 25 trails by Backpacker magazine, Fiery Gizzard Trail is a great challenge for veteran trail runners or if you’re training for an ultramarathon.

Fire up those quads and get your blood pumping in the first two miles of the Clemmer trail—the climb starts in the parking area and gives you no time for an easy warm-up.

This 12-mile loop overlooking the Tennessee River Gorge is the Holy Grail of trail running in Chattanooga.

This 10-mile loop, located in the Prentice Cooper Wilderness Area, offers breathtaking views of the Tennessee River Gorge and wonderful hiking and trail running opportunities.

One of the most popular trail runs in Chattanooga, and a favorite among the RootsRated staff, this scenic route is a perfect place to enjoy an afternoon run.

The Blue Blazes Trail at Moccasin Bend is a short and easy 3-mile loop that is great for quick post-work trail runs or casual family strolls with young children.

A relatively easy and relaxing run or hike along Lookout Creek.

Point Park offers the most beautiful view in all of Chattanooga. Here's a great approach by trail rather than asphalt.

The trails at Raccoon Mountain are a great place to spend your after-work hours or weekend mornings having a nice, technical trail run over a 13-mile loop.

The Upchuck 50k is a very technical and demanding trail race that will challenge even the strongest of runners.

The Savage Gulf Marathon is one of the toughest marathons in the Southeast, featuring two steep descents and climbs into and out of Savage Gulf on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau.

Use this historical Civil War house as a home base for exploring the multitude of surrounding trails in the area.

The Beast of the East! This course gives you a bit of everything: high mileage, steep climbs, fast descents, stunning views, and lots of trail cred.

The Skyuka Trail is a relatively mild run in terms of difficulty but is far from mild in terms of beauty!

This 50-mile race is the crown jewel of the Salomon Rock/Creek Trail Series.

Well maintained, shaded trails make Enterprise South Nature Park a great destination for those seeking a break from the asphalt.