Hang Gliding. The mountains surrounding the Chattanooga area are ideal for hang gliding. The breathtaking views of the lush ridges and valleys and the gentle weather conditions of the Southeast make fantastic conditions for beginners and experts.
Tandem hang gliding allows beginners to fly to high altitude with a certified instructor by their side. Tandem flights last about 15 minues and soar at 2,000 feet. 
How it works:
The superb handling characteristics of modern hang gliders allow pilots to search for rising columns of air. These "thermals" can lift the hang gliders thousands of feet. Hang gliders have flown over 20,000 feet in altitude. The furthest recorded hang gliding flight is 438 miles.
A first-time tandem flight will generally start with a tow to 2,000 feet or higher by ultralight airplane.
Chattanooga boasts the largest hanggliding school in the country, Lookout Mountain Flight Park, and the Tennessee Tree Toppers hang gliding community in Sequatchie County, TN.
