Raccoon Mountain Recreation Area and Trails

Why have I never heard of this place?
We toured Racoon Mountain Caverns today and I wondered if that road went to the top. I had no idea what we would come across at the top. Amazing overlooks with awesome views of Chattanooga. The drive around the lake at the top where it is real narrow really bothered my wife but I loved it. We took a short hike on one of the trails and loved every minute of it.
The visitor center is closed due to remodeling but it sounds like it will be very impressive when it opens back up.
This will be a great place for a picnic and hike.

I’ve lived in Chattanooga for 5 years now and didn’t know this place existed. Thought I had discovered all of the areas with parks, trails, etc. This is the most beautiful spot. Big area with lots of overlook points. You can see the whole city of Chattanooga, downtown and beyond. Then on the other side you see the whole Lookout Valley area. Love the road you can drive over the dam.
Lots of hiking and biking trails, places to take your dog, even a park for picnicking and baseball/​kickball, etc. TVA sure knows how to make the outside pretty. Great place and I can’t wait to go back and explore some more.

Ever wanted to driver around the very edge of a lake while on top of a mountain? Raccoon Mountain Pump-​Storage Facility can accommodate. This TVA run park always seems quiet and low-​key whenever I have visited. I’ll recommend it for hiking, or for a drive.
They used to give free tours of the hydro-​electric workings of the facilities, but these have stopped some time ago. As far as I know, this is still the case.

The trails were made by volunteers for mountain biking rather than hiking. All the trails are relatively flat and easy, although there’s a lot of tripping hazards from small tree roots jutting out from the ground. My reviews of the trails below are from the eyes of a hiker.
Start at the Visitor’s Center — there’s a map highlighting where the trails are generally — not 100% accurate in terms of twists and turns. Be sure to take in the view from observation deck out back of the Tennessee River and Nickajack Reservoir. Don’t ask me how I know, but its possible to fall into the gigantic turbine head on display and get stuck — watch the kids.
Fenced-​off Raccoon Mountain Reservoir itself is uninspiring, but be sure to stop by the pumping station at Nickajack Reservoir (a fishing spot) on your way up or down. The East Overlook has the best view of Chattanooga — its definitely the place to picnic, although its has limited parking and picnic tables (no bathrooms). Laurel Point has more picnic tables in the woods, bathrooms, and a poorly maintained baseball diamond.
– Tennessee River Gorge (Trail 4) — An easy, flat hike though the woods for the family. There’s only one picturesque overlook, which is near Laurel Point, and the rest of the time, you’re peeking out at the views through the woods. Tread lightly and beware of the rock bluffs.
– Table Rock (Trail 3) — Switchbacks and more switchbacks! Many times, you can see where the trail continues back in the opposite direction. I’d actually recommend this trail as a nice long run through the woods rather than a scenic hike — there are no picturesque views. One end of the trail is not clearly marked, and I ended up on Lower Chunky (Trail 6)… in a rainy thunderstorm. If you get lost like me, listen for the familiar buzz of transformers at the TVA Switchyard and follow your ear.