The Chattanooga Nature Center focuses awareness on native flora and fauna by encouraging interaction between guests and the environment. Located in one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America, the CNC provides a tremendous opportunity for everyone to experience and connect with nature.

Hiking: Hikers of all levels will enjoy the trails at the CNC, including the handicap-accessible Blue Heron Boardwalk, which takes visitors through the heart of the center's seasonal wetlands and along the edge of Lookout Creek. Trails adjacent to the center include the Blue Beaver Trail (7.3 miles), Skyuka Springs Trail (8 miles), and the trail to Sunset Rock (5 miles).

CNC visitors will also enjoy exploring the George S. Bryan Discovery Forest Treehouse, Snake Tale Alley, the CNC Fragrance Garden, and the Wildlife Wanderland. The Wanderland is home to several non-releasable native animals including a bobcat, two red tailed hawks, a raccoon, and two federally endangered red wolves (programs daily at 3:00 pm).

Kids will enjoy the hands-on exhibits and the Discovery Forest backpacks full of fun tools for young naturalists, including a CNC scavenger hunt, binoculars, magnifying glass, guidebook, spyglass, and more!

Related Activities: flat water paddling, wildlife viewing

Address:
400 Garden Road
Chattanooga, TN

Distance from Outdoor Chattanooga HQ: 10 minutes

Map(s) and directions: Chattanooga Nature Center

Take Broad Street south toward Lookout Mountain. Follow the signs for Ruby Falls. Go under RR overpass. Follow Cummings Highway past the sign to go up the mountain to Ruby Falls. After the Lookout Valley and Mountain View apartments, take a left onto Old Wauhatchie. Take the next right onto Garden Road. Follow this until it dead ends in the Nature Center parking lot.

Activity type: family, leisure, ADA accessible

Dates/Hours: closed Christmas and New Year's Day. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Open Sundays April thru October from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Estimated Time: 1 to 3 hours