Stringer's Ridge

Seven miles of multi-use trail on ninety-two wooded acres, and the remarkable part is where it is: North Chattanooga, minutes from downtown. It exists because of a citizen effort to save one of the last large natural areas inside the city limits, and the Tennessee River Gorge Trust holds a conservation easement on all ninety-two acres in perpetuity.

The trails run directional by day of the week, which is the most sensible rule in any park here and catches out every visitor. On Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday bikers ride counterclockwise and hikers walk clockwise. On Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday it reverses. The trails are steep with limited sightlines; the rule is why nobody gets hit.

Spears Avenue is the trailhead to use - ample parking, restrooms, a bike repair station and a pump track. Four others exist, on High Ridge, Nye Circle, West Bell and Mason Drive, all with limited parking.

The city rates it moderate, surface natural path, and there is an outlook structure near the top of the ridge. It is dog friendly and open sunrise to sunset.