If you’re visiting Chattanooga TN for some outdoor activities then you’re in for a great time. We’re big fans of all that the outdoors has to offer here throughout the year, no mattter your favorite sport. Today is November 2nd and while it is now chilly outside, reeaching 30 degrees in the early morning, it is warming up enough to be comfortable hitting the trails for a little lunch time fresh air. I’d like to share some of our favorite locations so you can check them out too and maybe we’ll see each other out on the trails or waterways!
Today I headed out to Harrison Bay State Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZSDQzCWaWKEwzwQs6) with my mountain bike for a quick little loop. Harrison Bay State Park is about 12 miles east of Chattanooga Highway 153 on Highway 58. Look for the sign for the park on the left side of the highway and there will be signs pointing you to the marina. The Bay Point Loop Trail (https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7005674/bay-point-loop-trail) is within the park (no fee for entrance or parking) and the trail head is just around the corner from the Harrison Bay Marina. You’ll see lots of boat trailers there for the fishermen who love to drop in here. But like I said, the trailhead is located in the rear of the boat trailer parking area and is well marked.
The trail is 4.3 miles in total length and essentially the entire route follows the irregular shoreline. There are plenty of opportunities to get right up to the water and go swimming or fishing or whatever. This time of year, in the fall, the trail is covered with a fresh layer of leaves and if you’re going here trail running it can be somewhat hard to see the trail for the leaves, but the main danger of that is the areas where there are roots and possible ankle traps. On a mountain bike I found it no problem and just had to be watching for them. You’re definitely going to see lots of squirrels out in mass and likely to see more than a couple deer wandering about.
The trail is open to hikers and bikers alike, so be on the lookout if your traveling fast. It’s also popular to bring dogs out on the trail to exercise them as well.
Around the 2.1 mile mark there are a couple of land bridges, but otherwise it’s very hikeable, runnable, and bikeable. I’m not certain of the hours of the marina, but we’ve been in there for a bite to eat and a beer on hot days and had a good time sitting on the deck.
This is a super trail in good condition and very easy to get too. Enjoy the ride, hike or run!