Here at Lula Lake Land Trust in Lookout Mountain, Georgia (20 miles southwest of Chattanooga,…read moreTennessee), this is a fun little journey, a 4-mile out and back or roundtrip hike getting to experience the prized highlight here...120-foot Lula Falls. The area around Lula Falls is private property. The Board of Trustees are sensitive about protecting the ecology of this land and so...visiting capacity is greatly reduced. In order to visit, you must book a reservation online ahead of time at lulalake.org. It's $16 entry per car, regardless of the number of passengers. Visitation dates are totally out of the norm, outside guests can enter the grounds on the first and last weekends of each month. That's 4 days per month and 48 days out of the entire year! Eye opening when you think about that statistic within the bigger picture of making plans to see Lula Falls. The pathway trail to reach Lula Falls is moderately easy. Follow the gravel dirt road for the first 1.5 out of 2 miles. Along the way, on the left hand side of the trail is a terrific overlook of Lula Falls. Although you can enter down to the falls taking Old Falls Trail, those stair steps are pretty steep. It was suggested to me to walk just a little further down to Lula Falls Trail and follow that pathway to Lula Falls. Upon arriving at the heart of it all, Lula Falls is mighty impressive, a magical wonder of a waterfall plunging 120 feet in a straight free-fall. While the sun was shining, I even caught a rainbow at the base of the falls which made the setting here somewhat of a pause in time moment. Backdrops like these don't come around often, I was relishing it all. Feeling thankful and blessed would describe things well. There's no swimming at the falls and I respect that, just enjoying the beauty of the falls was good enough for me. On the return trip back towards the entrance, you can follow the Bluff Trail above the forest tree-line to a panoramic clearing from high atop Lookout Mountain. It's a good chance to view the Chattanooga Valley from an undisturbed vantage point. You can finish out the hike taking the Bluff Trail almost all the way back to the start, or the Middle Trail is just as good too. But if you enjoy hiking in nature, either pathway will get the job done. Overall, getting to venture out to Lula Lake Land Trust and hike to Lula Falls was a joyous occasion for me, someone who loves the great outdoors and takes nothing for granted. Thank you for having me.

Beautiful hike at Lula Falls. It is about 4 miles round trip. We went in May when it wasn't hot but…read morewas still warm enough that my jacket didn't stay on long. The trails are well maintained and easy except for the last quarter mile to the lower falls. Worth the trek down to the lower falls area. A bit of a challenge for this 62 year old but slow and steady won the day. We enjoyed a nice lunch in the picnic area near the stairs to the lower falls.

This was my first visit here. I started not to go but I am very glad I did. Today was a beautiful…read moreday to be out and doing an outdoor activity. This Fall Festival is well talked about in around Chattanooga and brings in people from miles around. Features: Well, one is that there is the Sequatchie River flowing right beside it. There's also a dam on it too built by early settlers. There's an old two story house on the property that I wish they would let people tour. There is a non- working water powered sawmill on the site with the equipment still there. Anyway you get all kinds of different food here like; fried pies, BBQ sandwiches, roasted sweet potato, roasted sweet corn, kettle corn, local honey, northern beans, turnip greens, chicken on a stick and etc. of course you can get sweet tea here too. They have some talented crafters. One makes things from leather like belts, gun holsters, bill folds, any etc. he was very reasonable too. They have entertainers that come here too where you can sit back in your lawn chair and relax to music. They had two places for entertainers. One at the main stage and the other at the Jammin Tent ( Food Barn). History: Ketners Mill was built in 1868 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The last year that the sawmill operated was in 1955. The last year that Ketners Mill was in full operation was in 1992. Wagon Rides: For only $3 you ride a horse drawn wagon thru the woods. See photos. I really regret not doing this. Extra thoughts: I think Ketners Mill is a place to come and relax and enjoy good food and entertainment. I wished I had brought my lawn chair and stayed longer in front of the stage where people were singing and playing their instruments. There are some shade trees to put them under close to the stage. Directions: I recommend using I 75 and taking exit 155. You can also get here by using exit 158 but 155 is what I will use next time. Once arriving at the site you can park in the open field they direct you to depending upon where you enter. I made a mistake and decided to go through the mountains on the way back and ended up in the Signal Mountain area. I thought I wanted to take more scenic view but it's just a bunch of woods and a winding curvy road that just slows you down big time. I should have gone back the way I came in.

I have visited Ketner's Mill a few times over many years. It is not far from Chattanooga and easy…read moreto find. We got there on a Sunday around 1 PM and left around 3 or so. It got very busy during our visit and the line to enter when we left was long. They have free parking and it cost 7 dollars a person to enter, which I felt was a little steep but we paid. It is a typical farm fair atmosphere with numerous vendors, food, craft and drink (no alcohol). They had everything from carmel corn to chicken on a stick. Lots of homemade jams, honey, bread and other food stuff. We walked around the area and looked at various crafts, which there is a huge selection. They have an animal petting area and also canoes you can rent. They had a rustic stage where musicians played various blue grass and country music. It is a great place to take the family for a nice afternoon get away. I give it a 4 even though I am kind of cheap and personally will not go again for $7. There are too many free or more reasonable festivals all summer.

This sculpture garden is part of The River Gallery. The River Gallery is a gallery space in a turn…read moreof the century home that showcases regional and national fine arts and crafts, while the Sculpture Garden is a captivating outdoor experience in a lovely garden setting that showcases sculptures from their permanent collection as well as sculptures available to purchase. Information regarding sculpture purchases is available through The River Gallery. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the Sculpture Garden. Since we had our dog with us while visiting the area, we walked along the sidewalk on the street while looking down at the Sculpture Garden. From this vantage point, you're still able to admire a snippet of the lovely curved paths and public works of art. This outdoor garden landscape is supposedly on a two-acre space, and it overlooks the beautiful Tennessee River. The garden is also said to feature not only the works of art to admire but also boasts a meditation area, formal garden, and an informal garden with a recycling mountain stream. If you're in the area and dog free, it's certainly worth a visit.

The River Gallery Sculpture Garden sneaks up on you....or at least it snuck up on us. We were…read moredoing a day trip in Chattanooga, stopped to park for coffee and saw one funky statue, went to check it out and saw another, and another, and wait...what IS this place??? ***Googles*** OHHHH....Sculpture Garden! As others have said, this is really a hidden in plain sight spot that rests on a cliff overlooking a river. Very picturesque, and the sculptures range from small and neat (a group of fish pouring into water) to things that are larger than life and causes you to ponder. On a nice and warm day, you can easily find yourself missing a few hours here, especially if you bring snacks from the nearby restaurants. I was not expecting it. This was not on the itinerary, but i'm very happy we stumbled upon the Sculpture garden. It's kinda awesome, and that it's just on the outskirts of town sets the mood for how your time in Chattanooga will be. True, i'm not some artsy fartsy soul...but being allowed to dabble in this art environment was well received, and the next time I return it wont be by accident! Check this place out!!

Reviewing a R O A D?? Haha, why not?…read more Not just any road; gorgeous country road(s) well worth the time to explore. This trajectory happens to take us to many of our destinations, and during these drives there are such unusual and inspiring new things we happen to see along the way, all quaint, all scenic and lovely. And we always see something new. Many parts of the road afford amazing views. Views of the surrounding mountains, and of the waterfalls, forests and wildlife. Just be careful on these roads as they have many twists and turns and also can be dangerous during inclement weather. Many of the twisty-turny parts have narrow passes so be aware of other cars when they approach yours and be patient and polite when drivers's speeds in front of you are a bit slower than yours. [I'm] only being cautious, as it can be dangerous, especially during the decent, even in good weather! As far as when colder weather hits Chattanooga, I haven't come across the road being closed during the Winter months yet, although I've been told the road closes when heavy snow storms mixed with ice and cold hit. Just remember that the elevation on this road is much higher than the average, which typically makes the mountainous areas colder and more icy, and thus, subject to much more abject weather. If you go, one of the best times is during heavy rainfall. That will be when you will 100 percent view the many quickly-falling waterfalls along the sides of the road. This is one of the best things about the drive. Don't worry about being overwhelmed by the roadway getting flooded. There is great infrastructure and planning in place that the engineers have designed. It moves the excess water along extremely well via trenches along the sides of the road which end up cycling the rain down to sea level. That's why Chattanooga is so green! Other times, when the trees are full of leaves and the days are sunny and warm, take the drive and stop at the many turnoffs that will take you to spots with terrific views. Some of these are also within walking distance to nearby trails where you just may find a waterfall inside at the end of your journey. Don't forget to lock your car before you leave it on the turnoff. And don't forget to take your water and camera with you! Have fun and enjoy the nature around you!

If love history and any kind then you must take a few minutes and stop and just take it in. I…read morethink sometimes we forget what this country has gone through and remembering is a way to make the future better for all.

THE BATTLE AT RINGGOLD GAP: A HERO IS REMEMBERED!…read more This little park is easy to miss if you are not looking for it along Highway 41 just east of downtown Ringgold. We drove right past it but realizing what we had missed, we stopped on the return trip. Just look for the stone wall and the large statue. This park consists of a historical monument to General Cleburne and several historic markers commemorating the Battle at Ringgold Gap and the beginning of the Atlanta Campaign. With only 4100 Confederate soldiers, Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne successfully defended the city of Ringgold against an army of 20,000 Union soldiers. The bronze statue, erected in 2003, depicts a man in a reflective posture with a determined expression. It pays great respect to a man who faced a sudden call to lead a demoralized group of men. With the number of men he went up against, it was sheer strategy and tenacity that allowed him to stay in control as long as he did. He became known as Stonewall of the West. This little park is a simple roadside park with picnic tables and not much else. It clearly exists as a Civil War Monument and should be respected as such. I

There are so MANY things to love about Chattanooga, and Walden Town is one of the most charming,…read morelovely places to live and visit. This is an astounding mountaintop retreat. I am calling it a 'retreat', simply because it is definitely somewhere you might want to make your domicile. If you are in the Upper-upper Middle Class. You know, the class in Chatty that owns yachts, race horses, and the ones who go on vacations twice, maybe three or even four times a year, and stay at either their second home or the bougie hotels we all covet. The homes up here on Walden Town are bougie-fabulous, and are priced only for the upper crust of Chattanooga's movers and shakers. Everyone knows or has known or seen people like this. You might compare these million-dollar-homes to places on the West Coast in California like La Jolla, or even tony Bel-Air, California. There are several differences to these homes vs California homes: 1). In Walden Town, for a million dollar plus home, it will cost you far less vs the same home in California. Replicate homes in Cali will set you back more than a few mil more than these in Walden Town, easily. I've taken the square footage of these comparable homes into consideration, meaning . . . I'm comparing apples to apples as best as I can see from comparing Zillow' listings. Except land mass. 2). Comparing the amount of land between the two states that these homes sit on is that the amount of land derived here in Walden Town is generally larger, though there are exceptions. Most of these thickly-wooded lots in Walden appear to be firmly 2+ acres. In over-crowded Cali, can you get that much space with the same home? Sure you can, but it's going to cost you an additional million or more for those amenities. Enough with the housing. I didn't take any pictures of anyone's home because I kinda felt it a bit intrusive. Especially since I was taking a sunny Sunday drive. Lots of residents were out and about, walking up and down hills with their walking sticks, their families, and their furry friends. As we drove by them, mostly all waved "Hello". Friendly folks. And that you will find is true in all of the 'nice' neighborhoods of Chattanooga. Friendly. That view though. WOW! Breathtakingly gorgeous! I also have to say, this is a wonderful spot to take in the most lovely views of the Tennessee River Gorge due to the high elevation in this location. We were not able to stop to do this, since there only were driveways to the homes of the peeps living there. The paved road is narrow and we did not see any turn-outs, except the ones on someone's land. Still, we were able to take in breathtakingly-fleeting views going down and several freely-running waterfalls. Again, no turn-outs for the waterfalls. The foliage and vegetation growing all over the place is a sight to behold! Beautiful rainbow colors abound everywhere, and the thick trees are just a lovely difference from the lack of dense woods in most states elsewhere. I've heard the roads are so hazardous when it rains at sea level because, since we're talking high elevation, it snows up there guys . . . as you traverse to the top. I've also been told that, because of the snow and icy roads during these times, 'Walden' homeowners have the luxury of staying inside, because the city actually closes the roads leading up to Walden town. The only drawback I can see. But is it? I mean, multi-millionaires have the luxury of working from home 365 days a year. Don't they? *****FIVE FABULOUS STARS*****

Chattanooga Music Man is an interesting sculpture by artist James Simon and it's been here since…read more2012. The artwork itself is in good condition - the bow and fiddle are still intact - but the caption is very peeled and the QR code is illegible. The artist's statement: "Dramatic, larger than life, unexpected, and elegant, the sculpture depicts a fiddler serenading to folks as they walk or drive by. The fiddler ties into Chattanooga's rich music and working class culture, both past and present. The music composition creates a universal ambiance of remembrance of times past, joy for the present, and future." The sculpture is made of fiber-reinforced concrete and oxide pigment and is over 8 feet tall. The face is quite expressive and joyful. [Review 18812 overall - 348 in Tennessee - 2335 of 2022.]

A few months ago, I stopped in Madison Wisconsin to visit another state capitol and while I was…read moretouring the grounds of the Capitol, I spotted a statue of a foreigner, Hans Christian Heg https://www.yelp.com/biz/hans-christian-heg-statue-madison?hrid=XXaF9ApjxFiZMTAbLLsyyQ. There are multiple foreigners who came to help the American colonies win the war over the British, but this man was not dressed in colonial garb. Who is he and why is he represented here? Those questions led me to research. I learned that Colonel Heg was a Norwegian-American who commanded a volunteer regiment of Scandinavians from Wisconsin to fight for the Union. He was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga, the highest ranking officer from Wisconsin killed in the Civil War. So now I'm here in Chattanooga and touring the battlefield. I was able to find this monument. It is a shell monument, i.e., a triangular pyramid of eight-inch shells, ten feet tall. It is on Viniard Field where it intersects with LaFayette Road at Auto Tour Stop #5. There are signs pointing the way nearby. [Review 18841 overall - 548 in Georgia - 2364 of 2022.]