Signal Point Trail

We were in Chattanooga for the weekend and wanted to visit Signal Mountain. In our limited research we heard that Signal Point was a special place to visit. We learned there are different ways to get to the top of Signal Point but all are pretty dang curvy and steep. We enjoyed our drive and the area appears to be very charming and peaceful. The Signal Point park is located adjacent to a residential neighborhood and is very well marked and easy to find. There are approximately 20 designated parking spots. It was a very cold afternoon so we bundled up and walked down to the overlook. It was really beautiful, with the Tennessee River flowing below and the array of rock ridges. The history of the area is incredible as well, there are signs within the park to help educate guests on the challenges of those who came before us. We learned that during the Civil War the river was a natural highway through the region but sections of rapids were impassable for large vessels. Supply boats bound for Chattanooga had to be pulled by ropes through the man-made side channels which strengthened the Union army for Sherman's advance on Atlanta in 1864. We also learned when the Confederate forces laid siege to Chattanooga in September 1863, they cut off telegraph lines to the city. The Federals, in order to move messages from Chattanooga, a series of signal stations were established. One of these stations was Signal Point. Incredible history and beautiful location all in one. We would highly recommend to others visiting or living in the area.

This overlook near Chattanooga apparently carries some significant Civil War history, but I didn't get much of a taste of that. I was there for the views. One can park near a splendid overlook of the river below. I underestimated the time to do a loop through the Rainbow Falls area and walk back. It was mostly a small path on fairly steep hills and parts required some care. That loop took me two hours or so. It delivered a variety of interesting plant and animal life. For the most part, I didn't get to see waterfalls but there were some around. There was no fee to get in, and it was remote enough not to be crowded on a day when a lot of things are crowded.

We went on a spur-of-the-moment adventure to find Signal Point overlook on a misty, rain-soaked day. Without a GPS, we just went off the beaten track and followed the small signs along the way, seeing large quaint old Plantation-style, Craftsman-style homes, as well as many 60s Modern marvels along the way. Once we reached the pinnacle, we found ourselves 672.57 feet up and surrounded by trees, dead quiet and a self-park area. We started the walk to the overlook. It's not a bad hike, but would have been better had we worn our proper hiking boots. We did not and there were many sets of wet stairs that were on a continuous decline, so we had to step gingerly. Except for when we reached Signal Point, where it became a bit rocky. The rocks were more slippery than the stairs, so we alternately walked in the grass. The view was worth it! Our breathtaking view once we got to Signal Point was enshrouded in clouds below us, hovering over the Tennessee River 'narrows' and trailing above. It is simply one of the most gorgeous things I have ever seen! History of Signal Point: During the Civil War in the Spring of 1863, Confederate forces cut off the telegraph lines to the city. Signal Point became a vantage point for US Army Signal Corp. They used telescopes and binoculars and sat in the trees to more closely view the passage. The 'Narrows' were a natural highway that extended for several miles downstream toward Paducah, Kentucky. This section was a treacherous stretch of rapids that made it almost impassable for large vessels that were bringing in reinforcements and supplies. The signals, comprising of square flags and torches, signified secret codes that were translated into numbers and words. Their signals flashed over to upriver 'Stringers Ridge'. Since there is a strong downriver current, the Union Army had to "warpup" the boats along man-made side channels lining the shore and physically pull the boats. The Union Army was led by Major General William T. Sherman. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) now operates a series of dams to allow navigation along the River. There is an additional trail in this park, directly to the right of the overlook, past the rock wall and beyond the cross-fencing. This trail is rated a 'strenuous' hike. It leads to Julia Falls, a wet-weather waterfall. Along the way are several notable rock formations, including 'Mushroom Rock' and a suspension bridge that leads to the waterfall. We will be back to tackle that more difficult trail once the leaves turn, which should be very soon. I would label this trek to the Point as 'Easy'', but keep in mind that rainy days will make the stairs slippery and a bit more difficult as there are no handrails. Wear hiking boots and bring a backpack with snacks and water! After we had our fill of fresh air, serene quiet and cool breezes, we made our ascent back. Once we were halfway back we discovered a dirt path leading directly to the parking. We decided to take that path and avoid the slippery stairs. A smart decision.

The entrance we took traveled through the forest where we caught glimpses of the overlook. There were steep declines and inclines. This hike would have been better to explore. This place would be better to hike when the ground is not wet. There was another path we took back to avoid all those stairs. The incline was sturdier when we hiked up. The hike started with several stairs but then continues as we hiked towards the overlook. The path curves and reaches some rockiness at the bottom and there were several puddles that made me hesitate. Then I stepped down into the overlook where we spent time. Julia Falls Overlook can be accessed from Signal Point and has a panoramic unobstructed looked into wide open space of the Tennessee River Gorge. There is a wooden staircase called "Mousetrap" drops a couple hundred feet before it levels out. This hike is difficult and is about a mile. There is a waterfall at the end. It The trail has sudden drops and narrow paths. Plus it has rocky terrains around the steep rock formations.

During my staycation this week, my dog buddy and I have been revisiting woodsy spots I enjoyed while growing up. Signal Point is one of them. Midday there were just a handful of people already on the nearby trail or pulling up. The temperature was perfect mid-70's. The sky was blue and clear. We enjoyed walking through the trees to the view to relax by for a bit. Highly recommended.

I went on this hike a Tuesday morning. Not many people were there, so the hike was very serene and enjoyable. The trail confused me a bit, but I would definitely do it again.

Awesome overlook right at the parking lot! Was difficult to find, I think you have to put in "Signal Point NPS" in your GPS. The 0.3 hike to the first falls is a little steep and slippery even with the hand rails so be careful. The falls was interesting but the cliff rock was cooler in my opinion. Hopefully I can come back to check out the rest of the trails. It's a definite must if you have a couple of hours to spare in Chattanooga. It's just past the bridge, 15 minutes out of Downtown.

Beautiful scenery, and not a hike to get to the overlook!! But there are hikes you can take from Signal point as well if you'd like! Edwards point and the Cumberland trail are just to the right of the overlook.

Rainbow lake and waterfall at Signal Point was a fun hike for a late Saturday morning. We arrived to find 3 little birdies that had just been born in a nest at the trailhead. So cute. We walked for the almost mile down the trail and made it to the waterfall. There are a few rocky stopping points, benches and a bridge along the way. Once you get to the bottom there's a 12' waterfall. It's not super impressive but still kinda cool. There would have been more water over the edge if it wasn't so dry and just had rained. The hike up the hill was a good bit more taxing as to be expected, but it worked up our appetite for lunch and made us feel grateful to be able to enjoy the outdoors. It's a great place to enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Moderate trail with short hike to the falls, while I was there a few people were swimming around so bring swimming clothes and something to change in to. I'd recommend wearing water shoes since the water is fairly murky in some parts.

Surreal scenery! Definitely worth the trek. They did a fabulous job of creating a hiking trail that maintains the integrity of the nature scape it was created in. Majority dirt and rock trail, a few steps at the beginning. Short cut options that are more steep for those go-getters. The trail itself is fairly narrow but a ways from the ledge. It is predominantly shaded from the woods with the exception of the rock bluffs that you can walk out on. Beautiful rock bluffs to relax that overlook the Tennessee River. Stunning. As a visitor to Chattanooga, I would highly recommend this trail and visit over Rock City. It's free and personally I found it to be much more serene. I will definitely be returning whenever I am passing through. GO!

The Cumberland Trail from the Signal Point scenic overlook (plenty of parking) runs along the rim of the Tennessee River gorge with fantastic views along the whole trail. The narrow dirt path through lightly wood areas requires some rock hopping and hugs the canyon with many treacherous drops/bluffs - so not recommended for clumsy kids and people with a fear of heights. The moderately difficult trail has gentle uphills and downhills, and hopping up and around rocks and downed trees is harder than the actual hills. The path is clearly marked with white patches painted on the trees. From the trail information bulletin board, a series of rickety (but safe!) stairs drops hikers from the scenic overlook to the trailhead. The first awe-inspiring view is approximately 0.5 mile down the trail - a rocky cliff overlooking the entire gorge. (You can see the rock cliffs at Edward's Point directly across the valley.) From there, the trail descends and veers inland to cross Middle Creek at the second rickety (but safe!) bridge, approximately 1.0 miles further on the trail. If you don't cross the bridge and continue inland, there's a low man-made dam and mini waterfall - perfect for a rest and a snack break. Crossing the second bridge, Edward's Point is approximately 1.5 miles further where three more rocky cliffs jut into the gorge for amazing views. Also, before Edward's Point, there's a few mini caves that have been formed by water erosion into the rock walls - perfect for hide-and-go-seek. The trail continues further forever, but at this point, I turned back for a nice 6.0 mile trek roundtrip. (As a side note, at scenic overlook, there's a plaque explaining the significance of Signal Mountain during the Civil War. But that's it, and its not worth the visit as a Civil War site.)

The park is closed due to the pandemic...when open it has great views, but is a strenuous and technical trail with lots of rocks and boulders. Make the hike a loop by going around to rainbow lake. Makes a 2.75 mi hike.

Seriously one of the most breathtaking views around. When I first came to visit Chattanooga, my brother lived up on Signal Mountain and this was one of the first places they brought me to. It's just beautiful and so peaceful. When I moved here and felt homesick I would go to the park and just look out at the expanse of the Tennessee Valley and the river and I felt good about my decision to be here. We even had family photos taken here when my mom and sister also came out to visit. Simply gorgeous.

This is an amazing trail, and even more beautiful in the fall. I agree with other yelpers that it is more of an intermediate hike, so I wouldn't recommend this for children. It has many breathtaking views of the river and mountainside, and has a nice mix of ups and downs so you won't get too tired too quickly. One word of warning, save some energy for the stairs on the way back. The steps are very large/steep, so it takes quite a bit of energy to get back to the starting point. One other great feature is there is a parking lot for this trail, which many others on signal point mountain do not have. I will definitely be back!