At Enjoy Unique Stays, with +11 years of experience hosting guests in Chattanooga, we have learned that our guests want to explore beyond city limits, and we’re here to help you discover the best nearby destinations.
From charming small towns to stunning waterfalls, these day trips from Chattanooga offer something special for every traveler.
What We’ll Cover in This Blog
Top Day Trip Destinations from Chattanooga
After hosting many guests in Chattanooga, we’ve fallen in love with this charming city. We’ve put together a list of our favorite day trip spots, including must-visit places and hidden treasures for you to discover.
1. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, about 135 miles from Chattanooga, is a high-energy destination known for live music, great food, and a creative spirit that’s felt everywhere you go. It’s a bigger, busier contrast to small-town Tennessee, but that’s part of the fun.
Location: 35 miles, 2 hours 5 minute from Chattanooga
Best For: Music lovers, foodies, and first-time visitors
Highlights: Broadway honky-tonks, live music venues, vibrant neighborhoods
Our Review: Nashville is all about atmosphere! Walking Broadway and popping into live music bars is a must, even if it’s just for one song. You’ll find incredible food options, from hot chicken to upscale Southern dining, and plenty of neighborhoods like The Gulch or East Nashville that feel more relaxed than downtown.
It’s a great option for groups since everyone can follow their own vibe: music hopping, brunching, shopping, or just soaking up the city’s energy.
Make sure to read our guide for the ride from Chattanooga to Nashville to make the most out of this day trip.
2. Dayton, Tennessee
Dayton, Tennessee, located 38 miles from Chattanooga, is a fisher’s paradise thanks to its proximity to Chickamauga Lake. This charming town combines excellent fishing opportunities with fascinating history and a friendly local atmosphere.
Location: 38 miles, 40–45 minutes from Chattanooga
Best For: Fishing enthusiasts and history buffs
Highlights: Chickamauga Lake bass fishing, historic downtown square
Price Level: Moderate, with great dining options
Our Review: The downtown square is an easy, enjoyable stop with shops, restaurants, and local breweries all close together. Screen Door Café is great for a solid meal, and Monkey Town Brewing Company is perfect for a relaxed craft beer.
This trip works especially well for big groups, since everyone can split up and do what they enjoy: fishing, hiking, coffee, or a cold brew.
3. Monteagle, Tennessee
Monteagle, located about 46 miles from Chattanooga, is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination. This mountain town sits near South Cumberland State Park, which spans over 30,000 acres with 90 miles of hiking trails.
Location: 46 miles, 1 hr 45 min–2 hrs from Chattanooga
Best For: Hiking, waterfalls, and mountain retreats
Opening Hours: South Cumberland State Park trails are accessible year-round
The park offers bouldering opportunities, waterfalls, scenic vistas, and more.
4. Sewanee, Tennessee
Sewanee offers a unique combination of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions, sitting 50 miles from Chattanooga atop the Cumberland Plateau. Home to the University of the South, this college town welcomes visitors with open arms.
Location: 50 miles, 2 hours from Chattanooga
Highlights: University of the South campus, Mountain Goat Trail
Activities: Hiking, biking, shopping, campus tours
Best Time: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery
Our Review: Downtown Sewanee is a great place to walk around and visit special shops that sell beautiful handmade jewelry and local goods. Always have cash with you while attending stores. You can also find yummy food like sandwiches, homemade pizzas, and craft beer.
This day trip is a must-do while staying in Chattanooga. It will make you feel like you’ve discovered a whole new place.
5. Pikeville, Tennessee
Pikeville, about 58 miles from Chattanooga, offers small-town charm with access to some of Tennessee’s most beautiful state parks. The downtown square features historic buildings, boutique shopping, and local treats.
Location: 58 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes from Chattanooga
Nearby Parks: Fall Creek Falls State Park, Cumberland Mountain State Park
Must-Try: Ember’s Ice Cream Shoppe on Main Street
Local Favorite: Oren Wooden’s Apple House for fresh apple treats
Recommendation: Stop by Ember’s Ice Cream Shoppe on Main Street for yummy ice cream, then visit Fall Creek Falls and Cumberland Mountain State Parks. Don’t miss Oren Wooden’s Apple House, where you can try delicious apple dumplings, pies, and fresh apples.
Make sure to have a light breakfast so you can enjoy all the tasty treats at Pikeville. Also, wear comfy clothes and shoes if you plan to explore Cumberland Mountain State Parks. Check the weather to make sure it’s nice for your adventure!
6. Manchester, Tennessee
While Manchester is known for the famous Bonnaroo music festival each June, this town, 70 miles from Chattanooga, offers year-round attractions worth exploring. The historic downtown area and nearby natural attractions make it perfect for day trips.
Location: 70 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes from Chattanooga
Famous For: Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (June)
Activities: Antique shopping, state park exploration, wine tasting
Wine Tasting: Beans Creek Winery for dry reds and fruit wines
Explore downtown Manchester for antiques, crafts, and local goods, then visit Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park for waterfalls and secluded trails. Beans Creek Winery produces excellent dry, full-bodied reds, fruit wines, and sweet whites perfect for tasting.
7. McMinnville, Tennessee
McMinnville, positioned about 74 miles from Chattanooga, offers a wellness-focused day trip experience. This town provides the perfect setting for yoga, healthy dining, and peaceful relaxation by beautiful waterfalls.
Location: 74 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes from Chattanooga
Wellness Focus: Yoga studios, health cafes, peaceful settings
Natural Attraction: Rock Island State Park waterfalls
Our Review: If you are on a trip with friends to Chattanooga, this is the perfect day trip for you! It has everything you need to take a break from everyday life, escape the ordinary as we say at Enjoy Unique Stays, and bond with the people around you.
Wear the right hiking clothes when exploring Rock Island State Park and always take water with you.
8. Tellico Plains, Tennessee
This vintage mountain town sits 77 miles from Chattanooga and serves as your gateway to the Cherohala Skyway, a National Scenic Byway with breathtaking mountain overlooks. The Cherokee National Forest surrounds this charming community.
Location: 77 miles, 1 hour 35 minutes from Chattanooga
Scenic Drive: Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway
Natural Attraction: Cherokee National Forest
Must-See: Bald River Falls – 100-foot cascade
Our Review: The Cherokee National Forest has fun things to do like boating, hiking, fishing, and seeing beautiful sights.
Don’t forget to hike to Bald River Falls to watch the water fall nearly 100 feet down the mountainside. In downtown Tellico Plains, you’ll find shops selling antiques, books, arts and crafts, custom furniture, and handmade soaps. Bring some extra money, just in case you want to buy a special treasure!
9. Sparta, Tennessee
Historic Sparta, about 81 miles from Chattanooga, centers around Liberty Square with its collection of historic buildings, art galleries, and unique shopping opportunities. This town celebrates both military heritage and country music history.
Location: 81 miles, 1 hour 30–40 minutes from Chattanooga
Historic District: Liberty Square with historic buildings and galleries
Music History: White County Heritage & Lester Flatt Museum
Natural Attractions: Virgin Falls, Burgess Falls, Sunset Rock
Our Review: The White County Heritage & Lester Flatt Museum is a charming stop, especially if you’re into local stories or country music, and it’s worth taking your time to look around.
The Rock House Shrine is a quick visit but a fun slice of history, going earlier in the day makes it more enjoyable. End the day at Sunset Rock for beautiful valley views, and try to arrive a bit early since it gets crowded close to sunset.
10. Cookeville, Tennessee
Cookeville, 98 miles from Chattanooga in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region, offers so much to see and do that visitors often return for extended stays. This town provides easy access to caves, lakes, streams, trails, and waterfalls.
Location: 98 miles, 1 hour 40–45 minutes from Chattanooga
Shopping: Boutiques, kitchenware stores, home styling shops
Dining: Local breweries, restaurants, and donut shops
Natural Access: Caves, lakes, streams, trails, and waterfalls nearby
Our Review: This is an easy, feel-good way to spend an afternoon. Poppie’s Boutique is great for dresses and denim, while The Market on the Square is perfect for browsing kitchenware and unique gifts.
When it’s time to eat, Red Silo Brewing Company is relaxed and casual, while 37 Cedar Restaurant and Bar feels a bit more polished. Finish things off on a sweet note with donuts from Ralph’s or ice cream from Cream City, both are local favorites and a perfect end to the day.
Copy-and-Go Day Trip Itineraries
Want an easy plan you can follow without overthinking it? Here are three simple itineraries you can screenshot and use right away. Each one includes a clear timeline, key stops, and an estimated return time so you know exactly what to expect.
Tips for Your Chattanooga Day Trips
Planning your day trips from Chattanooga becomes easier when you stay with us at Enjoy Unique Stays.
Plan Your Route: Most of these destinations are within 1-2 hours of Chattanooga, making them perfect for day trips. Consider the distance and plan accordingly.
Pack Essentials: Bring comfortable shoes, water, snacks, and a camera. Many locations offer outdoor activities that require proper gear.
Check Seasonal Attractions: Some activities, like apple picking, fall foliage viewing, and outdoor festivals, are seasonal. Research what’s happening during your visit.
Support Local Businesses: These small towns thrive on tourism. Stop by local restaurants, shops, and attractions to support the communities you’re visiting.
Stay Connected: Most areas have good cell service, but it’s always smart to download maps offline and let someone know your plans.
Conclusion
Day trips from Chattanooga offer endless opportunities to explore Tennessee’s scenic beauty, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures. From the fishing paradise of Dayton to the mountain wellness retreat of McMinnville, each destination provides unique experiences just waiting to be discovered.
These carefully selected day trips showcase the best of what surrounds Tennessee’s Scenic City.
Ready to start exploring? Book your next getaway with us and let us help you “escape the ordinary” with unforgettable day trips from Chattanooga.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest day trip destinations to Chattanooga?
The closest day trip destinations include Dayton, Tennessee (38 miles), and Monteagle, Tennessee (46 miles). These locations offer outdoor activities, historic sites, and charming downtown areas perfect for day-long adventures.
Which day trips from Chattanooga are best for families with children?
Sewanee, with its university campus and accessible Mountain Goat Trail, Pikeville with Ember’s Ice Cream Shoppe and nearby state parks with family-friendly atmosphere, is excellent for families. Many locations offer easy hiking trails and kid-friendly attractions.
What day trips offer the best outdoor activities near Chattanooga?
Monteagle provides access to South Cumberland State Park with 90 miles of hiking trails. Tellico Plains features the Cherokee National Forest and Bald River Falls, making these top choices for outdoor enthusiasts.
How far should I expect to drive for day trips from Chattanooga?
Most day trip destinations range from 38 miles (Dayton) to 98 miles (Cookeville) from Chattanooga. This translates to roughly 45 minutes to 2 hours of driving time, making them perfect for comfortable day-long excursions without overnight stays.
