There's No Better Place To Cool Down This Summer Than The North Chickamauga Creek Gorge In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published August 19, 2020
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The summertime tends to end itself to the fun and excitement of outdoor adventures, and Tennessee is one of the best places in the nation to experience mountains and rivers and creekside pools. If you’re on the south side of the state, more specifically outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, then a visit to the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge just might be the perfect warm-weather experience. Bring the kids and your swimsuit, friends, and perhaps a pair of hiking books. North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area is waiting.
North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area straddles both Hamilton and Sequatchie Counties and is made up of 7,093 acres. The gorge itself is cut deep into Walden's Ridge on the Cumberland Plateau.
The split in the rocky earth resulted in a series of sandstone bluffs, waterlogged coves, and trickling creekbeds. The state natural area is flush with diverse wildlife and a cacophony of insect species.
Chickamauga Creek is a popular kayaking location and the natural area itself presents a challenging experience for hikers. You'll find folks taking a dip in the chilly waters, too!
The oak forests and sandstone glades make for beautiful photos if you're looking to fill the family photo album. The natural area is also known as a trailhead for the famed Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail, the state's only linear state park.
The natural area itself was designated in 1999 and acres have been added ever since. The Bowater Pocket Wilderness area was eventually transferred to the state natural area.
Visitors have claimed to see bald eagles and peregrine falcons, and you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of flowering wildflowers and those shelves of sandstone. They're a sight to see, and truly unbelievable. The beauty of Tennessee is unmatched.