Lookout Mountain rises above Chattanooga offering a wide variety of scenic outlooks and activities. And it's the site of many historic events, including several significant battles in the Civil War. The Battle of Chattanooga, also known as the Battle Above the Clouds, ended with a victory for the North in 1863 and brought the city under Union control.
Located about halfway up the mountain on the Tennessee side, Cravens House is the last of the structures from the Civil War remaining on Lookout. It was used at various times as headquarters by both Confederate and Union leadership, and it was nearly destroyed in battle. Restored in 1866, however, Cravens House remains a wonderful place to reflect on the past as well as find an impressive panoramic view of the city.
Hikes from Cravens House
From Cravens House, you have access to several of the mountain’s best hiking trails, which are moderately technical and difficult.
- The Big Daddy Loop is a 10-mile route featuring fantastic views of the valley and the nearby Sand and Raccoon Mountains. The distance and difficulty, however, make this one for more serious hikers.
- The Guild-Hardy Trail is a 5-mile option that takes advantage of an old railroad bed built in 1887, so the climbs are more gentle.
- Hiking to Sunset Rock from Cravens House Trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back route that is considered a moderate hike because the path can get rocky, but the views are well worth the effort. You'll pass through a popular climbing area and have options to add on a hike to Point Park to extend your trip.
Find a detailed hiking map of Cravens House and other nearby Lookout Mountain Battlefield trails on the National Park Service site.
You’ll find a number of guided tours at the park to help you understand more of the history involved. If you want to explore on your own, there’s a lot of ground to cover, filled with 19th-century cannons and reconstructed log cabins in the grassy meadows.
Check out one of the hike routes put together by the park highlighting stories within Chickamauga Battlefield. Ranging from 5-to 14-mile hikes, these trips have accompanying maps and worksheets.
Most of the actual trails are asphalt, which makes for easy walking. In fact, all those paved trails and roads have made this a popular spot for cycling and running. The Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon takes place entirely in the park.
with you, which provides 12 stopping points each with its own historical information along the trail. You’ll find out about the local whiskey-making history in addition to information about plants and wildlife. You can complete the loop in about two hours, and you’re sure to be impressed by the views of the gorge.
Source: visitchattanooga
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