Gravity-fed, mountain bike-optimized,
singletrack heaven.
Chattanooga has been on the outdoor recreation map for quite some time, but there were a few gaps in the area’s singletrack scene. Thanks to overwhelming grassroots support, the community secured resources and forged partnerships to make their dream of a free-to-the-public, downhill-centric trail system a reality. Then, just months later, did it again to complete a fresh batch of beginner-friendly trails. The best part? Both systems are just minutes from downtown.
Next Level Trails at Walden’s Ridge
This is a project of partnerships. Community engagement sparked a fervor of support early on: Walden’s Ridge received one of IMBA’s first Trail Accelerator Grants and remains IMBA's largest Dig In fundraiser to date. The park was planned, designed, and constructed by IMBA Trail Solutions with an emphasis on intermediate and advanced gravity riding, along with hiking-only trails and climbing access.
Something for Everyone at Aetna Mountain
The newest addition to the quiver of trail systems in Chattanooga proper is located just southwest of downtown, a 10-minute drive, in Lookout Valley. The master plan for this 300 acres calls for 12 miles of beginner-to-intermediate trails in a network called “Aetna Mountain Trails” – planned, designed, and built by IMBA Trail Solutions.
Timeline of Progress
- The planning/design of the Walden’s was funded through IMBA’s Trail Accelerator Grant program in partnership with the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy and SORBA Chattanooga.
- The IMBA Trail Solutions team partnered with Southeast Climbers Coalition, Land Trust for Tennessee, Southeast Conservation Corps, and Hamilton County Parks & Recreation on this project.
- Aside from this being the first bike park-style gravity riding in the area, the park also features sections of bouldering ranked by the Southeast Climbers Coalition and shared-use paths for trail runners and hikers.
- This landscape was meant for gravity riding experiences. The hillside drops 900 feet in elevation - perfect for chunky downhill and jump-line experiences.
Hear from the Community
Walden's Ridge Park came online in early 2023. Situated on a steep slope of Signal Mountain, this system contains 10 miles of multi-use trails with an emphasis on intermediate/advanced gravity, bike-only trails. Alongside the SCC, the team also identified over 30 bouldering opportunities throughout the park and wove hiking trails into the design specifically for climbers to enjoy.
POV of Downhill Pumptrack
In 2021 Mike Repyak, IMBA Trail Solutions Director of Planning & Design, donned his GoPro to give us a first-person perspective of the newest trails on the ground in Chattanooga, TN. Mike said,“From a riders point of view these two trails have it all for the intermediate rider looking to hone their skills. Rocks, drops, tables, hips, chunk, and smooth flow. Add in the opportunity to session the trails with the crew that built them, that made the experience so much more special.”
High Stoke in the "Scenic City"
This quick interview with Les Warnock, President of SORBA Chattanooga, and Tylor Brackett & Harrison Dixon, two IMBA Trail Solutions Trail Specialists, will give you a peek into the high stoke level in the "Scenic City."
Full Speed Ahead at Walden's Ridge Park
See the highlights of some of the phase 2 construction, including uncovering rock gardens on an advanced gravity line, compacting sections of the intermediate bidirectional trail experience, and sculpting in a hub that has jumpstarted an advanced, resort style jump section.
