Walnut Street Bridge
Historic, longest pedestrian bridge offering scenic river views and access to Coolidge Park. Currently closed for renovations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular sunset views
Walnut Street Bridge
Best Time
Spectacular sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic, longest pedestrian bridge offering scenic river views and access to Coolidge Park. Currently closed for renovations.
"This walking bridge is super cool. The walk is nice and the views are amazing."
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
Enjoy a leisurely stroll across this historic pedestrian bridge for amazing river views. Takes about 20 minutes one way.
🍦 Grab Ice Cream
There are ice cream shops at either end of the bridge, perfect for a sweet treat after your walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Pedestrian Bridge
One of the world's longest pedestrian bridges, offering stunning river and city views. A true historical gem.
Sunset Views
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the Tennessee River from this iconic vantage point. Perfect for a romantic stroll.
Coolidge Park Access
Directly connects to Coolidge Park, a vibrant city park with attractions for all ages. Great for an afternoon of fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Closure Alert!
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
Enjoy a leisurely stroll across this historic pedestrian bridge for amazing river views. Takes about 20 minutes one way.
🍦 Grab Ice Cream
There are ice cream shops at either end of the bridge, perfect for a sweet treat after your walk.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along! The Walnut Street Bridge is a great spot for a dog walk.
🚗 Parking Tips
Use the ParkMobile app for paid parking or look for free street parking at 212 Walnut St.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
Enjoy a leisurely stroll across this historic pedestrian bridge for amazing river views. Takes about 20 minutes one way.
🍦 Grab Ice Cream
There are ice cream shops at either end of the bridge, perfect for a sweet treat after your walk.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along! The Walnut Street Bridge is a great spot for a dog walk.
🚗 Parking Tips
Use the ParkMobile app for paid parking or look for free street parking at 212 Walnut St.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning photos of the Tennessee River and the Chattanooga skyline. Especially beautiful at sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Walnut Street Bridge as a historic and scenic landmark, perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying sunset views. While the bridge's length and connection to Coolidge Park are highlights, its current closure for renovations is a significant drawback for those planning a visit. Alternative bridges offer pedestrian access but lack the charm of the original.
"We were touring the area and had the idea to walk across the bridge and get ice cream on the other side. Parking was $2.45 ($2 plus a service fee of 45 cents) for an hour using the ParkMobile app. We realized the bridge was temporarily closed for construction when we arrived. However, two nice locals told us that we could still walk across the Tennessee River using either of two nearby bridges: the Chief John Ross Bridge or the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The other bridges are busier and not as nice as the Walnut Street Bridge because there is a lot of car traffic, but they’re still viable alternatives if you’d like to follow a similar plan."
Andrew Zullo
"What a great slice of history. This walking bridge is super cool. It takes twenty minutes to go across. The walk is nice and the views are amazing. They are closing for renovation on 3/17 for two years. I’m happy I got to enjoy this beautiful bridge."
Lisa Smith
"We visited the Coolidge park right across the bridge. Nice location and perfect place for evening stroll. This bridge has historical
Significance and kids enjoyed learning about it.
Sunset view was nice to watch."
pankaj kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Walnut Street Bridge is located in downtown Chattanooga, connecting the North Shore to the downtown area. It's easily accessible by car, with parking options nearby. Public transportation also serves the downtown area.
Yes, there are parking options. Paid parking is available using the ParkMobile app, with rates around $2.45 per hour. Some free street parking can be found, such as at 212 Walnut Street.
Absolutely! The Walnut Street Bridge is bike-friendly, making it a great route for cyclists exploring Chattanooga.
During its renovation, you can use the Veterans Memorial Bridge or the Chief John Ross Bridge, which have converted pedestrian lanes. These bridges are busier with car traffic but still offer river crossings.
The Walnut Street Bridge is a pedestrian bridge and is generally accessible for wheelchairs, offering a smooth surface for easy navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking on the Walnut Street Bridge is completely free! It's a public pedestrian bridge open to everyone.
The Walnut Street Bridge is typically open 24/7, allowing for early morning walks or late-night strolls. However, always check for any temporary closures due to events or maintenance.
The Walnut Street Bridge is closed for major renovations from March 17, 2025, through September 2026.
Coolidge Park, located at one end of the bridge, is a public park and generally free to enter. Some attractions within the park may have separate fees.
Yes, the Walnut Street Bridge is dog-friendly, so you can bring your leashed pets to enjoy the walk with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The bridge itself is also beautifully lit at night.
The center of the bridge offers panoramic views of the Tennessee River and the Chattanooga skyline. The historic plaques along the bridge also make for interesting close-up shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near bridges for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Look for the historical plaques and markers along the bridge that detail its construction and significance. These offer great opportunities to capture the bridge's heritage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river views and the length of the bridge. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the city skyline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the bridge's renovation, consider using the Veterans Memorial Bridge or Chief John Ross Bridge for river crossings. While busier, they still allow families to experience walking across the Tennessee River. The nearby parks and attractions on both sides of the river remain accessible and offer plenty of entertainment for children.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The nearby Coolidge Park is also free to enter, offering a great way to spend an afternoon. While parking can incur a fee, utilizing free street parking or budgeting a small amount for an hour or two via the ParkMobile app is manageable. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help save money, especially if you plan to enjoy an ice cream from one of the shops at the bridge's ends.
couples
Consider grabbing an ice cream from one of the shops at either end of the bridge and enjoying it while watching the city lights come alive after dark. Even during its renovation, the alternative bridges offer a chance to cross the river together and enjoy the city's ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Walnut Street Bridge: A Historic Landmark
This iconic walking bridge has played a crucial role in connecting the North Shore with downtown Chattanooga, fostering community interaction and providing a scenic route for recreation. Its transformation from a functional railway crossing to a vibrant public space highlights its enduring importance. The bridge's length is a notable feature, making it an impressive structure to traverse.
Unfortunately, the bridge is currently undergoing extensive renovations, scheduled to last from March 2025 to September 2026. This closure, while inconvenient, is essential for preserving the bridge's structural integrity and enhancing its features for future generations. Visitors can still appreciate its grandeur from afar or explore alternative pedestrian routes across the river.
Experiencing the Bridge During Closure
Another option is the Chief John Ross Bridge, which also accommodates pedestrians. While these bridges are busier with car traffic and may not offer the same tranquil atmosphere as the Walnut Street Bridge, they provide essential access and allow you to follow a similar itinerary of exploring both sides of the river.
During this period, visitors can also appreciate the artwork by @ebony_bolt recently installed on the Veterans Bridge, inspired by the local community and the bridges themselves. This adds an artistic element to your river crossing experience while the main attraction is under construction.
Photography Tips for the Walnut Street Bridge
When framing your shots, consider the bridge's impressive length and its role as a pedestrian bridge. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the full scope of the structure and the surrounding landscape. Don't forget to look for the historical plaques scattered along the bridge; they offer opportunities for detailed shots that tell a story.
Even during its closure for renovations, the bridge remains a visually striking subject. You can capture its silhouette against the sky or focus on the details of its architecture from afar. The nearby alternative bridges also offer unique photographic angles of the river and the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit