Shipping Containers for Sale in Chattanooga, TN

GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. — Two new state parks have opened that are within easy driving distance of Chattanooga and join the state park system as recommended day trips for outdoor-minded viewers.

Fiery Gizzard State Park, dedicated Monday, preserves the famed Fiery Gizzard Trail and surrounding forestland in Grundy and Marion counties. The park includes more than 20 miles of trails with waterfalls, bluffs and scenic overlooks that draw hikers from across the region. Tennessee State Parks lists Fiery Gizzard as a newly named park in its system.

Head of the Crow State Park, dedicated Tuesday, protects more than 4,200 acres taken from the Lost Cove section of the former South Cumberland complex. The park includes the headwaters of Crow Creek, Sewanee Natural Bridge and ridge-top habitats prized for their biodiversity. Tennessee State Parks identifies Head of the Crow as one of the newest parks and describes the park’s recreational offerings and contact information for visitors.

How long to drive from Chattanooga, Nashville

Fiery Gizzard is reachable from Chattanooga in roughly one hour, depending on traffic and your starting point in the city. Most routes take travelers west on I-24 toward Tracy City and nearby trailheads. Travel time is commonly reported at about 55 to 70 minutes.

Head of the Crow is about a one-hour drive from Chattanooga as well, with Sewanee and Lost Cove area trailheads located on the Cumberland Plateau northwest of the city. Typical driving estimates place the trip at roughly 50 to 60 minutes.

From Nashville the drive to FieryGizzardStatePark takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on your route and traffic.

Similarly, the drive from Nashville to HeadoftheCrowStatePark is roughly 1 1/2 hours, making either park a feasible day-trip from the state capital.

A brief history of the land

The Fiery Gizzard area has long been celebrated by local hikers and conservation groups. Large conservation purchases and easements over the last decade helped protect thousands of acres in the Fiery Gizzard watershed and keep the trail corridor open to the public. Federal and state conservation programs, along with local land trusts, played major roles in assembling the protected lands now managed as a state park.

Head of the Crow was created from a portion of South Cumberland that had been managed as Lost Cove. The split and renaming brought the Lost Cove holdings together with adjacent conserved lands under the new park name, preserving natural features that include the Sewanee Natural Bridge, headwaters and unique plant communities found on the plateau. The University of the South and local conservation partners have been involved in planning and stewardship discussions for the tract.

Visitor notes

Tennessee State Parks recommends checking park web pages for trailhead locations, regulations, hunting seasons, and volunteer opportunities before you go. Some trailheads require high-clearance vehicles or limited parking. Expect rugged terrain on Fiery Gizzard and bring water and appropriate footwear.

Viewers interested in visiting can find more information, maps and official guidance on each park’s page at Tennessee State Parks.

The Enterprise South Nature Park near Chattanooga, TN, features one of the area’s most accessible and popular mountain bike trail networks. The 2,800-acre park has long been maintained as a protected natural forest and is home to over 60 miles of trails and roads, which provide access to this beautiful natural area. That might soon change due to a land swap proposed by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp.

On paper, the land swap doesn’t seem too bad: Wamp calls for turning over 500 acres of land in Enterprise South for an industrial development while simultaneously preserving an adjacent 1,300 acres at the McDonald Farm. However, the 535 acres proposed for development at Enterprise South include the Atlas mountain bike trail.

While official documents claim that the park offers 60 miles of trails and roads, only 15.5 miles are bike-legal singletrack. The threatened Atlas trail comprises about 38% of that mileage, at six miles long. It’s also widely regarded by local riders as one of the best trails in the network.

And the local advocacy group, SORBA Chattanooga, didn’t learn about the proposed development until it came out in the news.

Local MTB advocacy group reacts to unexpected land swap proposal

“Like many of you, we learned about this plan from the public announcement and have since been in communication with the County to better understand what it could mean for trails and recreation access,” wrote SORBA Chattanooga on Facebook. “The proposal still requires approval at the city, county, state, and federal levels—so now is the time for our community to learn, ask questions, and share feedback.

“This is an important reminder that access to trails is never guaranteed,” they continue. “As advocates for sustainable mountain biking trails, SORBA Chattanooga remains committed to being a constructive partner while representing the interests of our broader trail community. We’ll continue to push for mountain bike access, explore new trail opportunities, and share updates as we learn more.”

Future MTB trail development opportunities on McDonald Farm

While Wamp noted that the proposed 1,300-acre addition to the park could be used for future recreational development, there aren’t currently any mountain bike trails located on that parcel of land, and the proposed industrial development could destroy an existing trail. However, a survey conducted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in early 2025 found that local residents want the land preserved for recreation, and mountain bike trails ranked highly among the proposed uses.

SORBA Chattanooga has already had preliminary discussions with the County “about trails being a viable option that could serve as both a recreation hub and as an economic driver for the community of Sale Creek,” according to Sunshine Loveless, Executive Director of SORBA Chattanooga, in a statement to Singletracks. “Since the announcement of the proposed land swap, I’ve initiated a site visit to McDonald Farm next week with the Hamilton County Parks & Recreation Director, the Executive Director of the Chattanooga Audubon Society, the individuals who started the change.org petition to Save Enterprise South Nature Park and other stakeholders to better understand the property and its potential for trail development,” they continued.

A false dichotomy?

Many residents have pointed out that choosing between developing 535 acres of Enterprise South and preserving 1,300 acres of McDonald Farm is a false dichotomy. There’s no reason the county couldn’t preserve both parcels of land.

“Citizens are given a false choice here with the ‘in exchange for preserving 1300 acres at McDonald farm.'” wrote Zack Johnston on SORBA Chattanooga’s Facebook post. “Preserving both is possible, and no one that lives and works in Chattanooga is using McDonald farms’s (non-existent) trail systems regularly. [sic] Defend Enterprise or in a few years it’ll be another 600 acres gone.”

SORBA Chattanooga echoed this sentiment. “We’re advocating for the preservation of both properties for outdoor recreation and conservation,” wrote Loveless. “It shouldn’t be a choice between one or the other. We believe the county is capable of and should be preserving both. We’ve encouraged the county to provide more transparency with this proposal and process.”

The future of the Atlas trail is unknown

Even though Wamp claimed that the proposed industrial development would not disturb any existing recreational activities, local mountain bikers quickly took to social media to fact-check that claim, showing the undeniable impact on the Atlas trail, which runs through the proposed parcel.

Haley Burton, a spokesperson for Wamp, subsequently confirmed the parcel does include the Atlas trail. However, “if land appraisers end up pointing out that acreage, including the trail, is valuable for development, the county will work on moving the Atlas trail up into the main body of the park and out of the southern end,” according to an article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

While 535 acres have been proposed for industrial development, it’s not yet clear which portions of land could be deemed viable for development — and whether or not that land would include the Atlas trail. “The acreage the county puts up for development may shrink to as much as half that amount by the end of the appraisal process,” according to the article.

While the Atlas trail measures six miles long, it’s unclear how much of the trail would be destroyed. Maps indicate that only a portion of the trail crosses into the proposed development parcel.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that the Atlas trail has been threatened, according to Loveless. “Earlier this year, TDOT released a design concept for the Hilltop Drive Extension, intended to relieve traffic congestion, which would impact the Atlas Trail,” they wrote. “The project was approved in August 2025 with a budget of approximately $22–25 million. It’s currently in the design phase, expected to take one to two years to complete.”

Public presentations could take place soon before both the Hamilton County Commission and the Chattanooga City Council. Initial votes by those bodies would determine whether or not the proposal will advance. If it does, it will have to be approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior. However, at this time, the land swap hasn’t been added to any Hamilton County Commission meeting agenda, according to an email from Wamp.

“The proposed plan remains in its early stages,” writes Wamp. “Public input will be considered and additional features will be incorporated before seeking authorization from the Hamilton County Commission and Chattanooga City Council.”

For their part, SORBA Chattanooga “is responding […] by engaging directly with the parties involved in the proposal and decision-making process,” according to Loveless.

Even if some or all of the Atlas trail is impacted by industrial development, all is not lost. “County officials have stated (and reiterated to SORBA) that if Atlas is affected, there are options to relocate and build additional trails within the park boundary to offset the loss,” wrote Loveless.

A Change.org petition to “Save Enterprise South Nature Park” has gathered 3,780 signatures, but residents are encouraged to get involved by contacting their local, state, and federal representatives directly to share their opinions.

Halloween is almost here, and with it come community trunk or treat events all over the greater Chattanooga area. Take a look at our list, put your costumes on, and enjoy a fun night with family and friends!

City of Lafayette’s Scare on the Scare: Halloween night from 5:30 – 7:00pm. This is a safe alternative from going door to door as you and your friends will load up on all the candy you need during Scare on the Square.

Chattanooga YMCA Trunk or Treat: Chattanooga area YMCAs are hosting several trunk or treat events this year!o

Brainerd North Georgia Trunk or Treat: Grab your best disguise and drop by Brainerd North Georgia between 4pm and 6pm on October 25th for some family-friendly fun! Attendees will have the opportunity to “trick or treat” from trunk to trunk! This event will be RAIN OR SHINE and will last until our candy is gone! If the weather is bad, we will move inside the building and kids can go door to door. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mainstreet Cleveland Downtown Halloween Block Party: Halloween night from 5:00 – 10:00pm. It’s Cleveland’s biggest event of the year: the 37th Annual Downtown Halloween Block Party! Visit Treat Street for lots of Mars chocolate compliments of Mars Wrigley! Live music, great foods, the WCLE Mix 104.1 Costume Contest, plenty of treats and tons of Mars Chocolate on Treat Street!

Yong-In Martial Arts Trunk or Treat Party: This is a great trunk or treat and a Halloween party with fun games and lots of candy. Event Location: 3900 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37415.

Community of Christ Second Annual Trunk or Treat: Join us for the Community of Christ’s Second Annual Trick or Treat event on October 25th, 2025, from 5-7 pm at 2508 Glass Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406! Bring the whole family for an evening full of fun, including exciting games, tasty candy, and amazing prizes. Get ready to enjoy a festive atmosphere with Halloween decorations, treats, and lots of community spirit. Don’t miss out on the fun, mark your calendar and come celebrate this spooktacular night with us!

Boo-tique Trunk-or-Treat: Join us for our Boo-tique Trunk or Treat! This is a free, public event for our community, and all children are encouraged to dress up, enjoy sweet treats, and discover the exciting programs happening at the Family Resource Center. Girls Inc. participants and their household members can also shop the boutique at no cost! Date: Saturday, October 25th Time: 5 PM-8 PM Location: 4505 Brainerd Rd., Suite 100, Chattanooga, TN

Community Trunk-or-Treat: Trunk-or-Treat is back, and this time it’s SUPER! Join us for our annual Trunk-or-Treat event on October 10th from 5:30p-8p for an action packed evening of superhero fun that’s geared for the whole family. Lookout Valley Sports Association and Chattanooga Community Development are teaming up to bring you this fantastic event, so don your superhero gear and get ready for some serious excitement. Whether you’re a superhero or a super villain, we can’t wait to see you there. Location: John A. Patten recreation center, 3202 Kellys Ferry Rd, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Trunk or Treat Extravaganza: We are hosting our annual Trunk or Treat event at 400 Vine Street. CRAZY trunks, TONS of candy, drinks, and MUSIC! The event is family friendly in a well lit lot + security and has something for everyone. Join us in the parking lot of our building. Open to the public, this event is absolutely FREE! 400 Vine Street, Chattanooga, October 26th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Miracle League Trunk or Treat: Ready to Fall into Fun? Join us for Trunk or Treat at the Miracle League! October 25 from 9 am – 1 pm at the Rotary Field at Warner Park. Trunk or Treat, Costume contests for volunteers, players and spectators, Fall goodie bags, Face painting…and more! This event is FREE and open to the public! Location: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404-2306.

Trunk or Treat Fall Festival: Saturday, October 25, we will be out at the car show bros car show and trunk or treat in Chickamauga. The event is going on downtown in the square. Vendors and music will be across the street at the mansion.

Morning Pointe Trunk or Treat: Join Morning Pointe of Happy Valley for a fun and safe Trunk-or-Treat on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 4–6pm at 2989 Happy Valley Rd, Rossville, GA. Families can enjoy decorated trunks, costumes, candy, and festive fun, while vendors can participate for free to share treats and promote their businesses. Don’t miss this spooktacular community event full of laughter, creativity, and sweet memories!

Starbucks Trunk or Treat: Join Starbucks Northshore for a fun-filled Trunk-or-Treat on October 30th from 5–7pm at 20 Cherokee Blvd, Chattanooga, TN. Enjoy candy, costumes, and trunk displays from local businesses as we celebrate Halloween with our amazing community. Bring the whole family — kids, pets, and all — for a night of treats, smiles, and spooky fun!

Hamilton Place Trunk or Treat: We invite the community to join us for our first Trunk or Treat event on October 17 from 6 – 8pm! We’d love to see you there for a fun and festive time. If you are interested in volunteering, donating unopened bags of candy, or being a vendor, please email CHATT_GM@hilton.com.

Chattanooga, city, seat (1819) of Hamilton county, southeastern Tennessee, U.S. The city lies along the Moccasin Bend of the Tennessee River, near the Georgia border, about 115 miles (185 km) north of Atlanta. Chattanooga is a headquarters for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) power system, which since the 1930s has been an important element in its economic growth.

The site was settled about 1815 when John Ross, who was later made a Cherokee chief, established a trading post (Ross’s Landing) on the river. In 1838 it was renamed Chattanooga, derived from a Creek word for nearby Lookout Mountain meaning “rock rising to a point.” The settlement developed initially as a river port, and its growth was stimulated by the arrival of the railroads in the 1840s and ’50s.

Chattanooga was a strategic Confederate communications point during the American Civil War and was a major objective of the Union armies. Fighting there culminated in the decisive battles of Chickamauga Creek and Chattanooga (September and November 1863, respectively), after which Union forces occupied the city and used it as a supply centre for the Atlanta campaign of General William Tecumseh Sherman. The city’s historic environs have been preserved in Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (established 1890), which encompasses about 13 square miles (33 square km) over several locations in Tennessee and Georgia. The park includes the major battlefields and sections on Orchard Knob, Lookout and Signal mountains, and Missionary Ridge. Chattanooga National Cemetery in the city has the graves of James J. Andrews’s Union raiders, who became famous for stealing the Confederates’ wood-burning locomotive The General.

Iron and steel mills were built there after the war to exploit area mineral resources. By the late 1960s air pollution had become a major problem, but over the next 25 years a successful cleanup effort turned the situation around. Chattanooga’s economy is now highly diversified. Production of electricity by the TVA, services (including health care, education, and government), insurance, and transportation (trucking) are major factors. Manufactures include processed foods, appliances, carpet, yarn, metal products, asphalt, boilers, fire hydrants, and engines. Chattanooga is also a popular tourist destination and convention site.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga dates from 1886; other educational institutions include Southern Adventist University (1892) at nearby Collegedale, Chattanooga State Technical Community College (1965), Tennessee Temple University (1946), and Covenant College (1955) at nearby Lookout Mountain, Georgia. The city’s cultural assets include a symphony and opera association, community theatre, ballet, and the Hunter Museum of American Art. The Tennessee Aquarium, opened in 1992, is the world’s largest freshwater aquarium. Among the city’s unusual attractions are the National Knife Museum, the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Siskin Museum of Religious Artifacts.

A steep incline railway ascends Lookout Mountain, inside of which is a cave containing Ruby Falls, a 145-foot (44-metre) waterfall; at the top of the mountain are a swinging bridge and odd stone formations known as Rock City. Raccoon Mountain on the southwestern corner of the city offers tours of caves and a TVA power plant. The annual Riverbend Festival is held in June. Nearby Chickamauga Lake, impounded by a TVA dam on the Tennessee River, also provides recreation and is the site of Booker T. Washington and Harrison Bay state parks. Inc. town, 1839; city, 1851. Pop. (2010) 167,674; Chattanooga Metro Area, 528,143; (2020) 181,099; Chattanooga Metro Area, 562,647.