15 Exciting Chattanooga Weekend Getaways You’ll Love
Looking for a weekend getaway that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed? If you live in Chattanooga, Tennessee, you have lots of terrific options! From romantic getaways to family-friendly adventures, these Chattanooga weekend getaways are sure to please you.
Chattanooga is a city with endless opportunities for weekend getaways. Whether you’re looking for wine-tasting excursions, exploring the outdoors, or some relaxation time, here are 15 of Chattanooga’s most exciting weekend getaways.
Best Chattanooga Weekend Getaways
Several great weekend road trips can be taken from Chattanooga. Many exciting cities and towns are also within easy reach, as well as state parks, hiking trails, and lakes. Here are a few of our favorites!
1) Nashville, Tennessee
Distance from Chattanooga: 134 miles (2 hours)
The city of Nashville is known as the home of country music. Many best-known country music genre legends were born or raised in Nashville, including Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, and Jason Aldean. The city’s rich history and culture can be explored by visiting its historical attractions. The city is also home to delicious southern cuisines and local and world-class eateries that can showcase this.
2) Franklin, Tennessee
Distance from Chattanooga: 138 miles (2 hours, 5 minutes)
Franklin is a city south of Nashville and home to two critical sites exploring the 1864 Battle of Franklin. Carter House and Carnton Plantation, including the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, are downtown. Walking down the charming downtown streets, you’ll fall in love with the many Victorian storefronts and buildings framed by trees and flowers.
Franklin’s downtown is a bustling district with plenty to see and do. Locals call it America’s favorite Main Street District! There are many galleries, antique shops, and restored Victorian buildings on Main Street.
3) Dahlonega, Georgia
Distance from Chattanooga: 106 miles (2 hours, 8 minutes)
Dahlonega is a quaint, small city located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is perfect for visitors looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. This rustic getaway is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of your busy life. You’ll be immersed in the serenity of nature with plenty of hiking trails while enjoying a relaxing stay in a secluded cabin. Dahlonega offers rustic pubs, lovely wineries, and scenic overlooks.
4) Helen, Georgia
Distance from Chattanooga: 127 miles (2 hours, 39 minutes)
The town of Helen revived itself in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a quaint re-creation of a traditional Bavarian village. This provided a taste of the Alps in North Georgia! Today, visitors can enjoy charming shops, restaurants, and inns that offer views of the surrounding mountains and the Chattahoochee River. Helen offers various recreational activities like river tubing, ziplining, hiking, and fishing.
5) Blairsville, Georgia
Distance from Chattanooga: 101 miles (2 hours)
Blairsville isn’t a big or bustling mountain town in North Georgia, but that’s why some travelers like it. Located in Union County, it’s a convenient central location to some of the tallest mountains in Georgia. A couple of lakes are nearby, including Lake Chatuge and Nottely Lake. So you can spend the entire day outdoors, enjoying the scenery, and then head to one of the fabulous restaurants in downtown Blairsville for a great meal.
6) Hiawassee, Georgia
Distance from Chattanooga: miles (2 hours, 8 minutes)
Hiawassee is a small town in the Appalachian Mountains, just outside Atlanta. The Southern Highroads Trail passes through Hiawassee, alongside one of the largest reservoirs in the Southeast – Lake Chatuge. Several entrances to the Appalachian Trail are close to each other, making it easy for hikers and horseback riders to access this beautiful area.
7) Bryson City, North Carolina
Distance from Chattanooga: miles (2 hours, 8 minutes)
Bryson City is a small mountain town in the Great Smoky Mountains known for its natural beauty, including the mountains, the Tuckasegee River, and the Nantahala River. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The Deep Creek Winery is a top-rated family-owned winery that offers a variety of red and white wines from around the world. They use grapes from different parts of the world to create unique flavors and aromas in their wine.
8) Cherokee, North Carolina
Distance from Chattanooga: miles (2 hours, 8 minutes)
Nature lovers will also appreciate Cherokee, a small mountain town located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The town is full of great places to visit that are steeped in memories of the past centuries. It has a variety of natural environments filled with endless beauty and diverse foliage, as well as great locations for outdoor experiences and sports.
9) Birmingham, Alabama
Distance from Chattanooga: 147 miles (2 hours, 10 minutes)
Birmingham is a beautiful, historic city that offers an exciting variety of things to see and do. From museums and historic landmarks to sports, theater, and delicious restaurants, there is something for everyone in Birmingham!
10) Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Distance from Chattanooga: 108 miles (2 hours)
From waterfalls to scenic overlooks, there is a lot of outdoor fun you can experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are short and easy hikes like Clingmans Dome or more challenging hikes like the 5.5-mile trek to Mount Le Conte.
11) Highlands, North Carolina
Distance from Chattanooga: 158 miles (3 hours, 11 minutes)
Highlands, located on the highest plateau of North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains, enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and fly fishing.
The Mountains Water Scenic Byway is a scenic route from Franklin to Cashiers, North Carolina, with Highlands located about halfway between the two towns. The byway has several picturesque waterfalls that can be explored, like Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and Glen Falls.
12) Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky
Distance from Chattanooga: 195 miles (3 hours, 15 minutes)
13) Mammoth Cave
Distance from Chattanooga: 203 miles (3 hours, 43 minutes)
Mammoth Cave National Park is a popular tourist destination with rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the longest known cave system. The park is home to thousands of years of human history and rich plant and animal life diversity.
The cave system is the longest on earth. So far, explorers have mapped 412 miles of it, the distance from Boston to Baltimore. Explorers are still discovering new passages, saying there’s no end to exploring this fascinating geographic feature. There is a gift shop, places to eat, and plenty of history to learn in the area.
14) Asheville, North Carolina
Distance from Chattanooga: 227 miles (3 hours, 42 minutes)
As you walk through Asheville’s vibrant city center, you can feel the energy of the mountain community. This feeling has lured visitors to this region time and again. There are plenty of opportunities to see the great outdoors with hiking trails, waterfalls, and part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
15) Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Distance from Chattanooga: 273 miles (4 hours, 40 minutes)
If you’re looking for a beautiful hike, the state of Kentucky offers the beautiful Red River Gorge. Try the Auxier Ridge Loop, which might be the best hiking trail in the entire state! On the hike, you’ll discover a scenic vista with panoramic views. There are also spectacular rock formations, including the Courthouse Rock and Double Arch.
Bottom Line
Chattanooga is a beautiful city with many exciting things to do – make sure to check out these 15 Chattanooga weekend getaways! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or an activity-packed adventure, these destinations are perfect for a weekend getaway.
