Edwards Point
Hike to breathtaking overlooks of the Tennessee River Gorge, featuring waterfalls and a charming suspension bridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Edwards Point
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to breathtaking overlooks of the Tennessee River Gorge, featuring waterfalls and a charming suspension bridge.
"Gorgeous views and a good workout make this hike unforgettable!"
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
The trail has rocky sections and can be muddy. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🗺️ Use a navigation app
While trails are marked, a navigation app like AllTrails can help with tricky sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Edwards Point Overlook
Signal Mountain
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge await. A perfect spot for photos and a well-deserved rest.
Rainbow Falls
Trail to Edwards Point
A scenic waterfall along the trail, adding natural beauty to your hike. A refreshing sight on your journey.
Suspension Bridge
Trail to Edwards Point
A charming wooden suspension bridge offers a fun crossing and a touch of adventure on the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Navigation & Markers
Weekend Crowds & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
The trail has rocky sections and can be muddy. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🗺️ Use a navigation app
While trails are marked, a navigation app like AllTrails can help with tricky sections.
🐶 Dogs are welcome (leashed)
Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but ensure they are leashed.
💧 Be prepared for water crossings
Several water crossings are part of the trail, so be ready to navigate them.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
The trail has rocky sections and can be muddy. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🗺️ Use a navigation app
While trails are marked, a navigation app like AllTrails can help with tricky sections.
🐶 Dogs are welcome (leashed)
Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but ensure they are leashed.
💧 Be prepared for water crossings
Several water crossings are part of the trail, so be ready to navigate them.
📸 Perfect for photographers
This spot offers stunning views and photogenic areas, ideal for engagement and wedding photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Edwards Point for its breathtaking Tennessee River Gorge views and rewarding hike. While the trail offers a good workout with its rocky and steep sections, the scenic beauty and photogenic spots make it well worth the effort. Some hikers note that trail markings can be inconsistent in places, and weekend parking can be limited.
"A somewhat challenging but worthwhile hike. Went here for the first time Memorial Day weekend and was not disappointed. The views are gorgeous and trail wasn’t too busy. Everyone we passed was friendly. Will do this again."
Kelly Burr
"As wedding photographers (The Nelsons Photography), this location couldn't be more beautiful. It is easily accessible, centered on Signal Mountain, and has multiple photogenic areas. This is a gorgeous place to shoot engagement/wedding photos and we were so happy with how our photos turned out."
Andrew & Emilie Nelson
"Excellent! Beautiful sights and a good workout. We started at the trailhead location at Ohio Avenue. The trail to Edward's Point Overlook has trees marked with white paint. We experienced a waterfall, running creek and Overlook views that made the challenge all worth while. We hiked the end of October 2022 and stayed at a hotel in downtown Chattanooga. The fall colors were beautiful. There are moments when you will want to take the time to place your foot carefully as you are stepping over tree roots and rocks. I twisted my ankle a couple times, but never injured myself. This usually happened when I was trying to hurry."
Brent Wentzel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common trailheads are from Rainbow Lake Wilderness Park or Ohio Avenue. Parking at Rainbow Lake Wilderness Park can be limited, especially on weekends.
There are discussions about overnight parking for backpacking trips. It's advisable to check local regulations or contact park authorities beforehand.
Edwards Point is located on Signal Mountain, just outside of Chattanooga. You'll typically drive to a trailhead like Rainbow Lake Wilderness Park and then hike.
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the Edwards Point Trail, making it a great option for hikers with canine companions.
The trail is marked with white blazes on trees, but it's recommended to use a navigation app like AllTrails for assistance, especially in less clear sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no explicit mention of an entrance fee for Edwards Point itself. Access is typically through public trailheads like Rainbow Lake Wilderness Park.
The trailheads generally do not have strict operating hours, but it's wise to be mindful of daylight and local park closing times if applicable.
No advance booking is required for hiking Edwards Point. It's a public trail accessible on a first-come, first-served basis.
Typically, no special permits are needed for day hiking Edwards Point. However, if planning an overnight backpacking trip, it's best to verify local regulations.
The trail is beautiful year-round, but late October offers stunning fall colors. Spring and summer provide lush greenery, though can be hotter.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike is typically around 6 miles out and back from Rainbow Lake Wilderness Park, offering a moderate challenge.
The trail is generally considered moderate, with some steep inclines, rocky sections, and occasional tree roots to navigate.
Expect spectacular, panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge from the overlook. The hike itself also offers beautiful scenery.
Restroom availability can vary by trailhead. It's advisable to check specific facilities at Rainbow Lake Wilderness Park or Ohio Avenue before your hike.
The trail is marked with white blazes on trees, but some sections can be less clear, making a navigation app helpful.
📸 📸 Photography
The main overlook provides stunning vistas. The suspension bridge and the waterfall are also highly photogenic spots along the trail.
Absolutely! The scenic overlooks and natural beauty make it a popular and gorgeous location for engagement and wedding photography.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light for photography, but morning light can also be lovely. Consider the season for foliage.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local park authorities or the National Park Service for any restrictions before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The trail's natural features, like the suspension bridge and potential for seeing wildlife, can keep kids engaged. Consider starting early to avoid the biggest crowds and the midday heat, and be prepared for the 6-mile round trip distance. Leashed dogs are welcome, so if your family includes a furry member, they can join the fun too!
🐶 Dog Owners
Be prepared for potential mud and water crossings, and make sure your dog has appropriate footwear if they are sensitive to rough terrain.
Bringing extra water for your dog is also a good idea, especially during warmer months. The overlook at Edwards Point provides a beautiful spot for a rest and a photo opportunity with your furry friend. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The varied terrain and natural elements offer diverse backdrops for engagement shoots, wedding photography, or simply capturing stunning nature imagery. Consider visiting during the golden hour in the late afternoon for the most dramatic lighting, or capture the serene beauty of the morning.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Edwards Point Trail
The trail features a mix of terrain, including rocky ascents and descents, tree roots, and occasional muddy patches, especially after rain. This variety makes it a moderate challenge, requiring sturdy footwear and careful footing.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, the trail between Rainbow Lake Wilderness and Edwards Point is suitable for short overnight trips. However, it's essential to research and confirm regulations regarding overnight parking and camping permits with local authorities before planning such an excursion.
Photography Opportunities at Edwards Point
Beyond the main overlook, the trail itself presents charming photographic subjects. The suspension bridge adds a unique element to photos, offering a sense of adventure and scale.
Additionally, the Rainbow Falls provides a beautiful natural feature, especially after rainfall, adding a dynamic element to your shots. Photographers often find the late afternoon 'golden hour' to be particularly magical for capturing the gorge, but the morning light can also yield beautiful results, depending on the season and desired mood. This location is highly regarded by professional photographers for engagement and wedding shoots due to its scenic beauty and accessibility.
Trail Conditions and What to Expect
Mud can be a factor, particularly after periods of rain, so wearing sturdy hiking boots is highly recommended to ensure good traction and comfort.
The trail also features several water crossings, which add to the adventure but require awareness and appropriate footwear. The overall experience is an out-and-back hike, typically around 6 miles, offering a good workout and plenty of scenic beauty along the way. While the trail is generally well-marked with white blazes, some hikers have noted that certain sections can be less clear. For this reason, utilizing a navigation app like AllTrails is a common and helpful practice among visitors to ensure they stay on the correct path.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit