North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Trailhead (Pocket Wilderness)

This is one of my family's favorite spots. There is several spots for the kids to get into the water and plenty of hiking. This location is also very popular for kayaking.

A wonderful place to hike and swim. The trail is now connected to the Cumberland Trail. Lots of copperheads. Hike 5 miles in and camp at one of the best swimming holes on the creek. Make sure you are fit and have plenty of food, medical supplies, water, (the water is clean enough to consume if you boil it or use a filtration system). Also make sure to bring the proper gear. Clothing, shelter, etc.. It can get chilly down in the gorge at night. Hammock camping is the way to go in my opinion. It keeps you up off the forest floor, which comes to life at dusk. And please DO NOT under any circumstances install a rope swing. Many people have died in the gorge because of climbing to, swinging on and installing them. If you happen to only be severely injured, it will take a long time to be rescued, depending on where you are in the gorge. Limited/No cell service. Learn CPR/First Aid. Teach it to your children, have a plan and let someone know where you will be and how long you will be there.

One of my favorite places to go.. depending on the day of the week and the time. Parking sucks. But plenty of places to swim and relax

This is a beautiful area. I have been going here for almost 20 years! It used to be one of my favorites but has become so crowded that it isn't very enjoyable any longer. Chances are you won't be able to find a place to park; if you do, expect to find lots of people at every good swimming hole. The crowds have just ruined what used to be a local treasure.nnLastly, this is more about people in general than this spot, but there is trash everywhere! So many people here have zero respect for anything and just toss their trash everywhere! My family takes a trash bag with us when we do go here and fill it up every time with other people's discarded waste. The ease of access here seems to exacerbate this. People, if you pack it in, pack it out! Those are the reasons why I give one of my favorite spots 3 stars. In itself it deserves 10, but people have ruined it in my opinion.

Have been visiting this wonder since I was a kid, grew up right down the road. One of the many gems of Chattanooga’s outdoor offerings. A moderately easy hike to the top yields gorgeous views, and it’s a lovely swim during the summers in the cool mountain water. Since population increase, parking can be nearly impossible on busier days in the summer; also, Please leave without a trace- it has saddened me to see an increase in trash over the years, but I see an improvement. Just look at the photos!