Travel and Outdoors

New mountain biking trails open on Aetna Mountain

Take to the trails to explore four miles of mountain biking routes on Aetna Mountain.

August 31, 2023 • 
Kristen Templeton
NOOGAtoday | Mountain biking trails

“This project was designed with community input every step of the way,” said Tennessee River Gorge Trust Executive Director Rick Huffines.

Photo provided by Tennessee River Gorge Trust

Table of Contents
Know before you go

Calling all mountain biking enthusiasts, get ready to add some new trails to your adventures.

The Tennessee River Gorge Trust has announced the opening of a new four-mile mountain biking trail system on Aetna Mountain at the end of September. A grand opening celebration will be held on Friday, Sept. 29 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. featuring an inaugural bike ride, food + drinks, and outdoor vendors — make sure to RSVP.

The trailhead is located at River Gorge Drive (look out for signs displayed in the Black Creek neighborhood directing you to the correct location).

Know before you go

  • Parking is limited at the trailhead (overflow parking is available at the top of the mountain).
  • Mountain bikers can experience beginner-friendly to intermediate-level trails (with optional advanced features built-in for more experienced bikers).

Bonus: An expansion of the trail to include additional segments is planned for the upcoming years.

More from NOOGAtoday
A photo with green trees and bushes lining the border and water from the Coolidge Park fountains spraying up with the Walnut Street Bridge in the background and a blue/cloudy sky.
City
Spring 2026 weather forecast for Chattanooga
Prepare for spring weather in Chattanooga, TN with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
March 15, 2026
 · 
Staff
Large brick fraternity house with tall columns, a wide porch, and Greek letters on top. The building has white trim and a welcoming foyer.
Real Estate
Mansion Monday: Former frat house hits the market in Fortwood
The 9-bedroom Colonial Revival sits just blocks from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
March 13, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
A newly constructed baseball stadium under a cloudy sky, featuring empty stands and a well-maintained field. The modern building in the background has glass windows.
Sports
Opening Day at Erlanger Park is one month away
The Chattanooga Lookouts kick off the season on April 14 at their brand-new stadium — here’s what to know about Opening Week, parking, and food options.
March 12, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Aerial view of a blue truss bridge spanning a wide river. Green trees and a rocky shoreline are visible, with distant hills under a partly cloudy sky.
City
Walnut Street Bridge renovation hits major milestone
Painting is finished and tarps are down as crews enter the final phase.
March 11, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Storefront of Naughty Cat Cafe with a logo of a masked cat. Signs display "30 cats inside" and "Not a strip club," next to a neon "Open" sign.
Small Business
Local love: NOOGAtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Chattanooga Lookouts AT&T Field
Baseball
Own a piece of AT&T Field history
Two upcoming auctions will give Chattanooga Lookouts fans the chance to bid on seats, signage, memorabilia, and more from AT&T Field.
March 9, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Woman smiling in front of a backdrop reading "Greetings from Tennessee." Cartoon raccoon and armadillo with cowboy hats flank her, creating a playful vibe.
City
Chattanooga is heading to SXSW
City leaders will showcase startups, smart traffic tech, and quantum innovation during Chattanooga Day at the Austin, TX festival.
March 9, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
NOOGAtoday | Date night ideas
Play
Date night ideas in Chattanooga
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in the Scenic City.
March 6, 2026
 · 
Staff
A wooden roller coaster with riders, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
Travel and Outdoors
Rides, eats, shows: What’s new at Dollywood in 2026
From adrenaline-pumping coasters to seasonal foods and immersive live shows, Dollywood is bringing fresh thrills and flavors this spring.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A sepia-toned vintage photo in an ornate gold frame shows a woman in a white blouse standing by shelves filled with pottery, exuding a nostalgic aura.
History
Anna Safley Houston: One of the most interesting women in Chattanooga’s history
She amassed thousands of antiques and envisioned a museum for them; after her death, the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts opened to preserve her collection. But that’s just part of her story.
March 4, 2026
 · 
Chloe Morrison