Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
A 317-acre sanctuary near Chattanooga, offering peaceful trails, a magical treehouse, and a wildlife sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See larger wildlife
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
Best Time
See larger wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 317-acre sanctuary near Chattanooga, offering peaceful trails, a magical treehouse, and a wildlife sanctuary.
"Offers a peaceful escape from the city, with breathtaking natural beauty at every turn."
🎯 Support Conservation Efforts
Consider a membership; it's the primary way the arboretum stays operational. :heart:
☀️ Beat the Sun
Bring sun hats and wear sunscreen, as parts of the main trail can be quite sunny. :hatched_chick:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Discovery Forest Treehouse
Discovery Forest
An enchanting treehouse designed to celebrate childhood magic and the beauty of nature.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife Sanctuary
See native animals like red wolves, bobcats, and sandhill cranes up close.
Wildflower Gardens
Wildflower Gardens
Explore vibrant native wildflowers, especially beautiful during peak bloom seasons.
Peaceful Hiking Trails
Various trails
Enjoy a 3-mile gravel loop offering scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Hours & Fees
Best Time for Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Support Conservation Efforts
Consider a membership; it's the primary way the arboretum stays operational. :heart:
☀️ Beat the Sun
Bring sun hats and wear sunscreen, as parts of the main trail can be quite sunny.
🛶 Canoe Adventures
Canoeing is a popular activity here and a great way to explore the waterways. :canoe:
🌿 Native Plant Purchases
You can buy native wildflower plants from the greenhouses. :seedling:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Support Conservation Efforts
Consider a membership; it's the primary way the arboretum stays operational. :heart:
☀️ Beat the Sun
Bring sun hats and wear sunscreen, as parts of the main trail can be quite sunny.
🛶 Canoe Adventures
Canoeing is a popular activity here and a great way to explore the waterways. :canoe:
🌿 Native Plant Purchases
You can buy native wildflower plants from the greenhouses. :seedling:
🚶♀️ Easy Nature Walks
The trails are perfect for a peaceful adventure, suitable for most fitness levels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Reflection Riding Arboretum as a peaceful escape with breathtaking natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. The staff are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, particularly in the wildlife sanctuary and wildflower gardens. While access to some wildlife may be limited on weekdays, the overall experience is highly recommended for its conservation efforts and serene atmosphere.
"The cost of membership to reflection riding is well worth the price for canoeing alone, but there are so many other things available including hiking, classes, summer camps, The Wildflower Gardens and greenhouses where you can buy native wildflower plants not to mention the wildlife sanctuary where they have several injured animals that they keep to teach and inform people.
Memberships are how this place stays operational and apparently they have been in business since the seventies helping to teach conservation and such.
The staff are also wonderful. Shout out to Will at the front desk. Brianna who gave us the tour in the wildlife sanctuary. And Paige who runs the Wildflower Gardens."
Scott Tackett
"I did a wildlife encounter last weekend. The guide was wonderful and very informative and engaging, and we really enjoyed the experience. They have some very cool animals like red wolves and a bobcat. It’s very clear they care for the animals well and have conservation in mind. I want to come back!"
Kristen Haberkorn
"We went on a Tuesday and couldn't see the wolves or any of the larger wildlife. We was told the public could only enter that part on Friday and Saturday cause they didn't want the animals exposed to to much human activity. Which I think is a good idea. We did get to have a nice talk with Danielle about the snakes they have and she was very nice and informative about their behavior. I highly recommend this place to visit and say hi to Danielle."
Mike Rollins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reflection Riding Arboretum is conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga.
Yes, parking is available for visitors. Specific details about parking availability and any associated fees can be found on their website.
Yes, there are trails suitable for driving, offering a different way to experience the natural beauty.
The 3-mile gravel loop is highly recommended for a peaceful adventure, offering views of wildlife and plant species.
Information regarding public transport accessibility is not widely available. It's best to check local transit options or plan for private transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reflection Riding Arboretum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 AM to 4 PM.
A visitor day-pass and donation-based fee are required for entry.
While advance booking isn't explicitly mentioned, it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and potential reservations.
Specific discount or free entry days are not widely advertised. However, students at the University of Minnesota get free entry to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, which is a different location. It's best to inquire directly with Reflection Riding Arboretum about any potential offers.
Memberships offer unlimited access and are crucial for supporting the arboretum's operations and conservation efforts. Many members find the cost well worth it for the amenities like canoeing and access to various gardens and sanctuaries.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the enchanting Discovery Forest Treehouse, the vibrant Wildflower Gardens,
and the peaceful 3-mile hiking loop.
Yes, guided tours are offered, including wildlife encounters and tours of the wildflower gardens. Staff like Cory Hagen and Danielle are noted for being knowledgeable and engaging.
You can see native animals such as red wolves, bobcats, and sandhill cranes in the wildlife sanctuary. Access to these animals may be more restricted on weekdays.
Absolutely! Families can enjoy the treehouse, explore peaceful trails, and learn about nature. It's a great spot for a fun-filled outing.
The 3-mile gravel loop is a popular choice for a peaceful walk with scenic views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site dining facilities mentioned. Visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the natural beauty.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a great idea to maximize your time enjoying the arboretum's scenery.
Since Reflection Riding is close to downtown Chattanooga, you'll find a wide variety of dining options in the city center.
No specific food recommendations are available for the arboretum itself, but enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature is highly recommended.
Information regarding alcohol policies is not readily available. It's advisable to check the arboretum's official guidelines or contact them directly.
📸 📸 Photography
The Discovery Forest Treehouse,
Regulations regarding drone usage are not specified. It's best to consult the arboretum's official policy or contact them directly before flying a drone.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones.
Capturing the magical treehouse, the colorful blooms in the wildflower gardens, and any wildlife encounters will make for memorable photos.
For professional photoshoots, it's recommended to contact Reflection Riding Arboretum directly to inquire about permits or specific guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The peaceful hiking trails are perfect for little legs, and the wildlife sanctuary provides an exciting opportunity to see native animals like red wolves and bobcats. 🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Conservationists
Budget-Conscious Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wildlife Sanctuary
Beyond the larger mammals, the sanctuary also houses other fascinating creatures, such as snakes, which visitors can learn about from informative staff members like Danielle.
The Enchanting Discovery Forest Treehouse
Designed to spark imagination and celebrate the connection between childhood and nature, this whimsical structure is a delight for visitors of all ages. It provides a unique vantage point and a sense of adventure, making it a memorable stop during your visit. The treehouse is nestled within the arboretum's natural surroundings, offering a peaceful escape and a place to simply enjoy the forest ambiance.
It's a perfect spot for families looking for a fun and engaging activity, encouraging exploration and imaginative play. +1 Many visitors find it to be a highlight of their trip, adding a touch of wonder to their nature walk. Hiking and Nature Trails
The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of scenic views, making them suitable for visitors of all fitness levels.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for varying sun and shade conditions along the paths. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit