Collegedale

Day Trips

Rise early to the soft light filtering through the trees as you lace up your boots for a guided hike along the South Chickamauga Creek Wildlife Management Area. The cool air carries the scent of pine and wet earth, and the sound of rushing water guides you deeper into the gorge. Pause at scenic overlooks to watch sunlight dance on mossy rocks and capture photos of the cascading waterfalls.

Refuel at a riverside picnic spot with fresh sandwiches and fruit while listening to birdsong echo off the canyon walls. Continue your trek on the rugged trails, encountering hidden pools perfect for a quick dip or meditation break. End the afternoon with a brief rock-scramble to admire sweeping panoramas of the surrounding ridges.

Return to town for homemade wood-fired pizza and locally brewed craft beer at a cozy bistro. As twilight falls, stroll through brightly lit Main Street, stopping at a coffee shop for a rich espresso or decadent dessert. Settle in on a bench near the fountain to watch the stars emerge against the night sky.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the university cafeteria, savoring fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee. Join a student-guided campus tour to admire the Gothic-style architecture, lush arboretum, and the impressive Hagood and Chan Shun libraries. Learn about the school’s history and its role in the community from enthusiastic ambassadors.

Attend a hands-on art workshop in the campus studio where you can try painting, pottery, or fused glass under the guidance of student artists. Wander through the on-site greenhouse to discover rare plant species and learn about sustainable horticulture programs. Grab a casual lunch at the campus food court, sampling international dishes prepared by culinary students.

Catch an evening concert or theatrical performance in the university’s state-of-the-art auditorium. Mingle with students and faculty during a post-show reception, enjoying light bites and live acoustic music. End the night with a leisurely walk along the landscaped walking paths, illuminated by soft garden lighting.

Head into nearby Cleveland for a vibrant morning exploring the city’s colorful street art murals that tell stories of Appalachia. Join a local artist for a walking tour, learning about each mural’s inspiration and techniques. Stop at a sidewalk café for a freshly baked pastry and artisan coffee while watching the city come to life.

Dive into the bustling Farm Market, sampling homemade jams, locally cured cheeses, and seasonal produce from friendly vendors. Participate in a cooking demo featuring farm-to-table recipes, then purchase ingredients to recreate the dish later. Snap photos of heirloom tomatoes, wildflower bouquets, and handcrafted pottery lining the market stalls.

Enjoy dinner at a farm-to-fork restaurant that sources ingredients directly from the market’s growers. Chat with the chef about sustainable agriculture and menu inspiration as you savor each course. Take a twilight stroll through the adjacent city park, where twinkling lanterns create a magical atmosphere.

Launch your kayak at a scenic riverside access point as the morning mist rises off the Tennessee River. Paddle along gentle currents beneath towering bluffs, keeping an eye out for osprey swooping overhead and river otters playing on the banks. Pause for a mid-morning snack on a secluded sandbar, savoring the peaceful solitude.

Continue downstream, exploring hidden coves and historic riverfront landmarks from the water. Join a guided eco-tour to learn about the river’s ecology, conservation efforts, and the endangered mussel species that call it home. Return to shore for a picnic lunch prepared by your guide, featuring fresh salads and local smoked meats.

Dry off and head to a riverside grill for barbecue ribs, tangy coleslaw, and sweet tea on a shaded deck. Watch the sunset paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples as live bluegrass music drifts through the air. Cap the night with s’mores around a campfire by the riverbank, swapping stories under a canopy of stars.

Begin at a family-run bakery for flaky biscuits, savory quiches, and homemade jams paired with freshly brewed espresso. Meet the baker to learn about traditional Appalachian recipes passed down through generations. Wander the open-air dining room as you savor each bite, soaking in the warm hospitality.

Hop on a guided food truck crawl to sample global flavors alongside Southern classics, from Korean tacos to pulled pork sliders. Chat with vendors about their craft and watch them grill, stir-fry, and assemble your next culinary delight. Cool off with a gourmet ice cream sandwich made from scratch.

Dine at an upscale farm-to-table restaurant renowned for seasonal tasting menus and wine pairings from regional vineyards. Enjoy live jazz in the dining room while the chef presents each dish with stories about local farmers and ingredients. Conclude your meal with an indulgent dessert and a handcrafted cocktail infused with fresh herbs.

Fuel up with protein-packed breakfast burritos and fresh fruit before strapping on your helmet and gloves. Hit the trails at the Collegedale Mountain Bike Park, weaving through pine forests, jumping log features, and conquering bermed turns. Feel the rush of wind as you speed down singletrack sections designed for all skill levels.

Refuel at an on-site snack shack offering smoothies, energy bars, and electrolyte drinks. Try out a pump track clinic led by pro riders to sharpen your cornering and jumping techniques. Then tackle the advanced downhill loops for an adrenaline-filled challenge amid scenic ridge-top views.

Return your bike and head to a nearby taproom celebrating outdoor culture with craft brews named after local trails. Recline in a hammock while sharing trail tales with fellow cyclists over loaded pretzels and charcuterie boards. End the day with live acoustic folk music drifting from the outdoor patio.

Journey into downtown Chattanooga for a guided walking tour of historic landmarks like the Walnut Street Bridge and the renowned Chattanooga Choo Choo. Hear captivating stories of Civil War history, river trade, and the city’s transformation into a modern metropolis. Pop into a riverside café for breakfast tacos and a strong coffee to start your exploration.

Visit the Hunter Museum of American Art perched atop a cliff overlooking the river, admiring both contemporary and classic works. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the museum café while gazing through floor-to-ceiling windows at the scenic vista. Then head to the Creative Discovery Museum for hands-on science and art exhibits that delight visitors of all ages.

Dine at a renowned rooftop restaurant offering panoramic skyline views and inventive Southern cuisine. Sample a flight of bourbon cocktails as the city lights twinkle below. Finish your evening with a ride on the illuminated Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain for a breathtaking nocturnal panorama.

Begin with a hearty brunch at a countryside café before donning harnesses and helmets at the challenge park. Navigate high ropes obstacles, swinging bridges, and balance beams suspended among towering trees. Feel your confidence soar with each triumphant step across sky-high elements.

Launch into an exhilarating zipline tour spanning creeks, ridges, and forest canopies, with expert guides ensuring safety and excitement. Pause at a scenic mid-course platform to sip water and admire valley views. Land gracefully and celebrate with a light picnic lunch featuring gourmet trail mix and fruit.

Head back to town for a laid-back dinner at a lakeside tavern specializing in wood-fired steaks and craft cocktails. Relax on the deck overlooking the water as fire pits glow and gentle music plays. Conclude the night with a paddleboat cruise under string lights for a serene end to an action-packed day.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of omelet specials and fresh-squeezed juice before heading to the observatory grounds. Take a guided tour of the facility, learning about telescope mechanics and the history of astronomical research here. Explore the interactive exhibits and planetarium to gear up for the night’s celestial show.

Hike a short trail to a peaceful meadow for a midday picnic lunch beneath ancient oak trees. Attend an afternoon talk on regional astronomy, discovering tips for backyard stargazing and astrophotography. Return to town to rest and recharge with light snacks and coffee.

Return after dark for an immersive stargazing session under a pristine, unpolluted sky. Peer through the 24-inch reflecting telescope to glimpse planets, nebulae, and distant star clusters with expert commentary. Warm up with hot cider and discuss cosmic wonders as the Milky Way arches overhead.

Wake to the sound of songbirds and prepare a healthy smoothie bowl at the eco-lodge kitchen. Join a guided morning yoga session on a wooden deck overlooking rolling hills and forest canopy. Embrace the gentle breeze and ambient nature sounds as you move through each posture.

Savor a light vegetarian lunch grown in the sanctuary’s organic garden, then explore meditation paths winding past waterfalls and fern grottos. Indulge in a forest bathing experience led by a certified guide, tuning all your senses to the sights, sounds, and scents of the woods. Treat yourself to a balancing reflexology session using local essential oils.

Gather for a farm-to-table supper under a canopy of twinkle lights, featuring seasonal vegetables and house-made breads. Share reflections around a communal fire pit as dusk settles, roasting marshmallows and sipping herbal tea. Retreat to your cozy cabin to drift off to the soothing sounds of nature.