Raccoon Mountain Reservoir loop

The Komoot tour for the Raccoon Mountain Reservoir loop is estimated to take approximately 5 hours and 3 minutes to complete. However, this can vary based on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

The terrain is quite varied. While the main Reservoir Loop is a 4.6-mile paved road offering an easy, leisurely pace, the broader Raccoon Mountain trail system includes nearly 30 miles of multi-use singletrack trails. These can range from intermediate to advanced, featuring fast descents and technical sections, with some grades reaching 20 percent. You'll traverse mixed hardwood forests and grasslands.

Yes, the route offers several scenic overlooks with beautiful vistas of the reservoir and the Tennessee River Gorge. The area around the lake is a designated Wildlife Observation Area. You can also learn about the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility at the visitor center. The trail system itself is part of the Raccoon Mountain Reservoir Trail Network.

The area around the reservoir is a designated Wildlife Observation Area. A primary attraction is a wintering population of bald eagles, which can often be spotted around the lake or soaring above the Tennessee River Gorge. Keep an eye out for other local wildlife in the mixed hardwood forests and grasslands.

While enjoyable year-round, winter offers unique advantages. During this season, you have the best chance to see bald eagles around the lake. Additionally, winter provides clearer views of the Tennessee River Gorge that might be obscured by foliage at other times of the year.

Yes, the trails on Raccoon Mountain are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them to maintain the natural beauty and respect other trail users.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access the trails at Raccoon Mountain Pumped Station Reserve. It is freely accessible to the public.

Parking is available at the Raccoon Mountain visitor center, which serves as a common trailhead for accessing the various trails, including the Reservoir Loop. The mountain is easily accessible, located just 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga.

Yes, the route intersects with several other trails within the Raccoon Mountain system. Notable intersecting paths include sections of the Switchyard Connector, Small Intestine Trail, Megawatt, Grindstone Ridge, and Electric Avenue One, among others.

The main 4.6-mile paved Reservoir Loop is relatively easy and suitable for beginners or those looking for a leisurely walk. However, the broader Raccoon Mountain trail system also includes more challenging singletrack trails that are considered intermediate to advanced, so beginners should stick to the paved loop or clearly marked easier trails.

Raccoon Mountain is notable for its comprehensive multi-use trail system, catering to hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. It winds around the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility, offering educational insights at the visitor center. The area also boasts a designated Wildlife Observation Area, particularly for bald eagles in winter, and panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge.