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    Red Clay State Historic Park

    4.9 (18 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Brandi H.

    Red Clay State Park is AMAZING, let me get that out of the way. The park itself is about 250 acres. The museum alone is such a fitting tribute to the history of the land and the Cherokee who consider this land sacred. Outside of Chattanooga, this land was the permanent government seat of the Cherokee nation until they found out about the Indian Removal Act and were forcibly removed from the Southeast. This is considered the start of the Trail of Tears. When we went, it was raining, hard. So, we didn't see the Blue Hole Spring, or many of the replicas of buildings on the site. But, we did spend more time at the museum than we've spent in other parks. It's well curated, gorgeous, and moving. It tells the story of the Cherokee in a way that I feel is accessible to anyone. I can not recommend enough.

    The blue spring. The picture doesn't do it justice.
    Joe K.

    This park might not get the attention of others, but it very pleasant to visit. The blue spring and creek is amazing. So beautiful. The visitors center is also really cool. It's good to read about the history of the Cherokee Nation. So sad. I would recommend a day trip here. It's not a huge park and you can check it all out in just a few hours.

    Inside barn.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    TN State P.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Magical and historic place, peaceful, not a lot of crowds! Worth the drive out in our mind

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    5 years ago

    This place is so full of history. If you've never been it's definitely worth a day trip and a picnic.

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

    So relaxing here. The water is perfect. Great place for family. Plan to visit frequently this summer.

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    7 years ago

    What an amazing place to swim!. Natural spring fed water that must have health benefits!! Very cool place to visit!!!

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    7 years ago

    Very beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The water is a gorgeous blue color. I would definitely recommend this park.

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    14 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Red Clay State Historic Park

    You don't mention the stained glass honoring the Cherokee people.is it still there?

    Yes, we still have the stain glass windows that depict the Trail of Tears.

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    Review Highlights - Red Clay State Historic Park

    Also, I could just imagine the Cherokee using this spring water and being here hundreds of years before.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Sunset Rock Climbing

    Sunset Rock Climbing

    4.7(28 reviews)
    23.1 mi

    LOL --- this is my first "non-food" review, but this place is so beautiful --- it needs to be…read moreshared! I was looking for somewhere beautiful to get a panorama of Chattanooga (+ more) from an awesome vantage point, and I found this spot on Google. It's a bit of a winding drive to eventually arrive to the site, and when you do, parking is extremely limited. It's either you got luck or God on your side, to park right where the "rock" is, but I was very fortunate. The steps are very large and irregular getting to the actual "site", and if you are not fit --- just go slow. However, once you arrive --- it's like heaven. A view from the heavens overseeing the Tennessee River Gorge, Prentice Cooper State Forest, and valleys. Spending 20-30 minutes after getting up their will clear your mind. A view that you should not pass up!

    This trail was a bit more challenging than others we've done. For context, I enjoy long hikes on…read morerelatively flat, well-defined paths--l'm not a hardcore hiker. So, from my perspective, I'd rate this as a moderately difficult hike. The trail is about 3.5 miles round trip and took us around 2 hours, not including the time we spent enjoying the view at the top. The summit is absolutely worth the effort-the view is breathtaking. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Thankfully, the trail has lots of shade, which helped keep us cool and protected from the sun.

    Photos
    Sunset Rock Climbing - Pathway down to cliffs

    Pathway down to cliffs

    Sunset Rock Climbing
    Sunset Rock Climbing

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    Bald River Falls - 6/25 before the new BRF bridge

    Bald River Falls

    4.9(19 reviews)
    52.2 mi

    Cool 90' waterfall near the TN end of Cherohala Skyway. After a 2 year long closure, BRF just…read moreopened 3 weeks ago (May 30,2025). It had a great setting with strong cascades after much rain in the Cherokee National Forest. Since August, 2023 much of the roads, parking and the original 1933 Bridge were updated and new observation decks from the Bridge make it enjoyable even for the mobility challenged. The base of the falls and swimming holes can be accessed. I dipped my toes in and the water was warmer than expected on a hot humid (80s) day. There are 2 access roads along the Cherohala Skyway and are easy to miss. River Road is easier and seems to show up on GPS. Turkey run is NOT marked, newly paved but had a big fallen tree blocking much of the road. Parking is limited, about 15 parking spots and a steady stream of cars waiting on a weekDay afternoon. It's worth a stop but be prepared for the crowds and limited parking. No restrooms nor anything else. Leave No Trace!

    If you're wanting a nice scenic drive (especially in the fall) and a beautiful waterfall, Bald…read moreRiver Falls is your place!! The waterfall itself is easy to get to as it accessible by car, but note the bridge is CLOSING in August 2023 for repairs! There is parking just past the bridge and a great place to stretch your legs and get a good view. To the left there is a rocky staircase that can take you down to the bottom of the falls. I say staircase, but that's being generous. It's more of a variety of rocks stacked and over time have settled into the earth to allow you a way to get down and up. The water is calm enough to get into on the sides, but I wouldn't recommend going too far in near the falls as the current is quite strong.

    Photos
    Bald River Falls - Bottom view

    Bottom view

    Bald River Falls - 6/25 Bald River Falls

    6/25 Bald River Falls

    Bald River Falls - View from the top

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    View from the top

    Fall Creek Falls State Park

    Fall Creek Falls State Park

    4.4(158 reviews)
    51.8 mi

    I'll make it short & sweet. July 15, 2026, I called Reservations (can't remember the name of the…read moregirl who took my reservations, although I wrote it down somewhere but when I hear it, I'll know it) & booked the dates of July 18th, Saturday, to July 21st, Tuesday of 2026; B65 was the location. I explained to the female that I had trouble with self-reservation online & I couldn't see the rest of the information in the dropdown box whenever I clicked, what looked like a location was available or as I understood it to be available. She took my reservation, REPEATED IT BACK to me correctly (in between putting me on hold about 2 or 3 times) and then gave me the price. I paid for it and she sent the email confirmation. I looked at the email and saw the date I called, the time & "18th - 21st." Cool. That Saturday morning of July 18th, I drove over 9 hours (got lost a little bit because of highway construction and GPS) but made it there. Went to the office lobby, gave my name & the campground location. "Brandy" is what the front desk girl asked me as my name. "No..." I responded and repeated my name. Well, long story short, she said Brandy had my spot, I was offered another location, I took it, showed her my confirmation and saw that the reservation girl had listed me as "Tuesday, August 18, 2026 arrival" and departure "Friday, August 21, 2026." I told the young lady at the desk of the conversation of my reservation and stated that although I didn't notice the month and days were incorrect, the reservationist spoke it correctly, so that's what I saw. The part that really got me, she said I had to pay $17.00 extra to go to the new location. I refused. I have worked in hospitality for years and I know how it works. I told her I wasn't upset with her but I shouldn't have to pay for their mistake. I asked for a refund. Then I drove another 10 or so hours back home (because of traffic & getting lost trying to leave Spencer, TN). I'm just now leaving this review because I tried to forget what happened but each time someone asked me, who hadn't seen me since I returned, how my vacation went, as I replay the scenario, my emotional feelings of frustration, some anger & the memory of how exhausted I was, returns. I slept for 2 days because I had missed so much sleep just driving to TN then immediately returning home. Will I ever return to this campground? I doubt it. NO, I shall not. No one even apologized to me. All I heard was, "That'll be $17.00." My response, "17.00 for what? I'm paying?" Nooooo, I believe I'm done. Thanks for reading.

    Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground Review: Campground C - Site 148 - The site is not level and…read moreour fifth wheel would not self level. We manually had to level our rig with our jacks. Many sites in campground C have a minimum to major slope to the concrete sites as they fall to a valley. All utilities are in the back corners of sites that include water spigot, a power pedestal with 20AMP, 30AMP, 50AMP electricity, and sewer connection. The campground did have decent guest WiFi, but we utilized our own StarLink satellite for internet. The park is amazing with golf, lodge, trails, and falls.

    Photos
    Fall Creek Falls State Park
    Fall Creek Falls State Park - Fall Creek Falls State Park

    Fall Creek Falls State Park

    Fall Creek Falls State Park - The water falls behind  me was beautiful  love how cool it was in 86 degree weather

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    The water falls behind me was beautiful love how cool it was in 86 degree weather

    Red Clay State Historic Park - parks - Updated September 2026

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