Tennessee River Gorge

The scenic terrain of the Tennessee River Gorge creates a unique diversity of land forms.  the land provides habitats for more than a thousand varieties of plants, ferns, trees, grasses and flowers as well as a rich wildlife population.  Many of these are rare or endangered species such as the Mountain Skullcap and birds like the osprey and bald Eagle.  Dozens of archaeological sites bear evidence of man’s presence in the gorge for at least 10.000 years.  For directions and more information about the TRG, visit:  www.trgt.org

Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Plant is a viewing area for the Tennessee River Gorge and is home to Bald Eagles in Winter, Sharp-Shinned, Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks, osprey and Northern harrier.  White-tailed dear frequent the area.  Binoculars are spotting scope recommended.  Best hawk-watching is mid September to October, midday, after a cold front.

Directions: From )-24 west of Chattanooga, take 174.  Travel 2.5 miles northwest on US routes 42N/64W/72W.  Turn right at pumped storage plant sign.  Call 423-825-3100

The Pot House is a biological learning station with a 3.5 mile loop trail for observing vegetation and wildlife of the gorge. This is the only nesting area in this region of the American Redstart. Call 423-266-0314