Day Trips From Chattanooga by Car: 8 Places Within About 2 Hours

Some of the best days out start right here. Within about 2 hours of Chattanooga there are canyons, waterfalls, an underground lake, a Saturn V rocket and a whiskey distillery.

Here are eight day trips, closest first. Drive times are from downtown Chattanooga, from Google Maps in October 2026. For longer drives, see my road trips from Chattanooga post.

1. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

About 35 minutes

On the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon has canyons a thousand feet deep, sandstone cliffs, caves and waterfalls. Take in the views from the top, and if you want more, head down to the waterfalls. If one day isn't enough, the park has cottages and yurts.

Good for: hikers, families and fall color.

2. Sewanee, Tennessee

About 55 minutes

Sewanee is home to the University of the South, and its 13,000-acre campus, which Sewanee calls the Domain, is full of trails. The Perimeter Trail is a 19-mile loop around much of the Domain, so pick a section that fits your day.

Good for: walkers, a quiet Saturday and fall leaves.

3. Little River Canyon and DeSoto Falls, Alabama

About 1 hour

Little River flows for most of its length on top of Lookout Mountain. Little River Canyon National Preserve has waterfalls, overlooks, trails and picnic areas. Nearby DeSoto State Park has the 104-foot DeSoto Falls, and the town of Mentone is close by.

Good for: waterfall lovers and photographers.

4. Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

About 1 hour 10 minutes

Fall Creek Falls is Tennessee's highest waterfall at 256 feet, and the park has five other falls. A tornado hit the park in August 2023 and a few areas are still closed, so check the park's page for closed trails before you go.

Good for: families and big views.

5. The Ocoee River, Tennessee

About 1 hour 15 minutes

In 1996 the Ocoee Whitewater Center hosted the first Olympic whitewater event ever held on a natural river. The visitor center burned in 2022, but the trails and parking have reopened, so you can still picnic by the river and hike or bike the trails.

Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee depends on TVA's water release schedule, so check it before you plan a rafting day.

Good for: active couples and families, and rafting.

6. The Lost Sea Adventure, Sweetwater, Tennessee

About 1 hour 20 minutes

The Lost Sea is America's largest underground lake, 140 feet below ground. The guided tour goes through Craighead Caverns and ends with a boat ride on the lake. It is a good pick for a rainy day.

Good for: kids, grandparents and rainy days.

7. Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee

About 1 hour 35 minutes

The distillery offers several tours, so look at the options and book ahead. Then take a walk around Lynchburg before you head home.

Good for: whiskey fans and a day out with friends.

8. U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama

About 1 hour 45 minutes

It is an official NASA visitor center, with roughly 1,100 artifacts on display and a Saturn V rocket in its Saturn V Hall. It has been the home of Space Camp since 1982.

Good for: kids, grandkids and space fans of every age.

Before you go

• Check hours the day you go. Parks, tours and attractions change their hours by season.
• Mind the time zone. Lynchburg and Huntsville are on Central Time, an hour behind Chattanooga.
• Get there early on fall weekends. The popular parks get busy.
• Bring cash or a card for parking. Some parks charge a parking or day-use fee.

Want company? Come with the Travel Club

Denise and I take the Awaken Travel Club on day trips from the Chattanooga area. Our next one is the Cullman Christkindlmarkt in Alabama on Friday, December 11. You can see the day trip and sign up, or join the Travel Club to hear about the next one.

Ready for something bigger?

When a day trip leaves you wanting more, tell me about your trip. You can also email [email protected] or call our office at (423) 401-9997.

Talk soon,

Cindi