South Chickamauga Creek Greenway

Trail Overview

Distance: 13 miles one-way | Currently 11 miles accessible
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Surface: Paved (north), gravel (south levee), extensive boardwalks
Elevation Gain: ~711 feet total
Time: 2-7 hours depending on distance
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Fees: Free
Best Season: February-November
Activities: Walking, running, biking, paddling

IMPORTANT: Temporary Closure

1.5 miles closed November 2024-Summer 2027 (Camp Jordan to Brainerd Road) for stormwater construction. Remaining 11 miles from Brainerd Road to Tennessee River open. Cannot currently access Camp Jordan from north.

What Makes This Trail Special

Completed in 2022 after 30 years of planning, the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway (aka "So Chick Greenway") is defined by extensive elevated boardwalks winding through oak-hickory forests above the creek. These create a treehouse-like experience as you float through the canopy. The creek's meandering path through metro Chattanooga packs surprising natural beauty into an urban corridor.

Key Trailheads & Parking (North to South)

All trailheads free parking.

Riverpoint/Lost Mound (North End) 3716-3726 Amnicola Highway | Restrooms, water, kayak launch | Connects to Tennessee Riverwalk

Sterchi Farm Park (Middle - Recommended Start) 3000 Harrison Pike | Restrooms, historic 1900 silo, kayak launch | Best access to signature boardwalks

Faith Road 3639 Faith Road | Newer boardwalk sections, interpretive signage

Shallowford Road/Brainerd Levee Near airport | Kayak launch | South of here becomes gravel

Brainerd Road Greenway View Drive | Currently southern terminus

Camp Jordan (South - Closed) 315 Camp Jordan Road | 275-acre park, inaccessible until 2027

Trail Sections

Northern (Riverpoint to Sterchi Farm): 2.5 mi Signature section with extensive elevated boardwalks through oak-hickory forest. 80% shaded. Paved asphalt/concrete. Mostly gentle grades. Treehouse-like experience above creek.

Middle (Sterchi Farm to Faith Road): ~5 mi Continues boardwalks through marshes, farmland, neighborhoods. Interpretive signage. Crosses active railroad bridges (stay off tracks). Historic features: Civil War-era bridge pilings, 1867 flood mark, Trail of Tears crossing.

Southern (Faith Road to Brainerd): ~3.5 mi Transitions to Brainerd Levee with rough gravel/patchy pavement. Wetlands attract migrating songbirds and waterfowl (spring/fall). More exposed, flatter. Strong crosswinds possible.

Wildlife & Features

• Boardwalks: Extensive elevated sections place you in mid-canopy for unique perspectives
• Birds: Wetland areas excellent for migrating waterfowl, songbirds
• Creek: South Chickamauga Creek meanders through corridor—calm paddling
• Forest: Oak-hickory canopy provides shade in northern sections
• History: Train trestles, Civil War-era structures, Sterchi Farm silo (1900)

What to Bring

• Water (limited sources—only at some trailheads)
• Sunscreen (levee sections exposed)
• Snacks for longer distances
• Bike repair kit if cycling

Note: Restrooms only at Riverpoint and Sterchi Farm. No water fountains along trail. Plan accordingly.

Accessibility

Northern sections (Riverpoint to Brainerd): Quality paved asphalt/concrete with wooden boardwalks with railings. Mostly gentle grades (5% or less), some steeper sections at mile 4.6-4.7. Wheelchair/stroller accessible with assistance—avoid steep sections. Designated accessible parking at main trailheads.

Southern levee: Rough gravel/patchy pavement. Challenging for road bikes, strollers, wheelchairs. Strong crosswinds.

Connections

Tennessee Riverwalk: At Riverpoint, connect to 11-mile Riverwalk from downtown to Chickamauga Dam. Combine for 22+ miles. Fully lit with half-mile markers.

Paddling: Four kayak/canoe launches. Calm creek suitable for beginners.

Camp Jordan Loop: Once reopened, add 2-mile paved loop.

Best Times & Tips

Time: Mornings/evenings quieter. Weekday mornings/afternoons see commuter traffic. Weekends busier.

Season: Year-round. February-November best. Spring/fall ideal for birds. Summer hot/humid (80% shade helps north sections).

Best Boardwalks: Park at Sterchi Farm, do out-and-backs 2-3 miles each direction.

Start North: Visiting? Start Sterchi Farm or Riverpoint. Northern sections have best scenery and better surface. Southern levee less scenic, rougher.

Signage: Poor signage reported. Download map or use AllTrails app. Easy to miss turns at road crossings.

Heat: Bring extra water. Summer temps/humidity high. Southern levee exposed.

Wellness Benefits (Brief)

This urban greenway proves nature access needn't require long drives. Extensive boardwalks create immersive forest experiences despite metro setting, offering daily respite for commuters and accessible outdoor time for families. Mostly gentle grades remove barriers for building fitness or managing mobility limitations. Locals use it to avoid traffic stress while staying active. Wetland birds provide engagement beyond exercise.

Nearby Attractions

• Tennessee Aquarium (15 min)
• Lookout Mountain (20 min): Ruby Falls, Rock City, Incline Railway
• Chattanooga Riverwalk (connects north end)
• Coolidge Park, Walnut Street Bridge (downtown)
• Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park (15 min)

Contact

Outdoor Chattanooga: (423) 425-6311 | outdoorchattanooga.com/south-chickamauga-creek Trust for Public Land: tpl.org/our-work/south-chickamauga-creek-greenway