Stage Race
Find out more about the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race at wildtrails.org.
A good trail run just isn't complete without a good view. One of our favorite companions on our runs is naturally flowing water. So we got Randy Whorton, director of Wild Trails, to give us insight to some of the best local trails with must-see water features.
Lower Truck Trail
Length: Approximately 4.8 miles
Access: Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center (Admission fee required.)
Details: This trail has some great views of Lookout Creek as it takes runners about 2 1/2 miles out to Skyuka Springs. It's also great for hikers and mountain bikers. "I've heard the springs have been tested and that it's perhaps the cleanest water anywhere around here, coming from deep, deep underground," Whorton says. "It's a cool spring, especially after a big storm."
Lula Lake North and South Creek Trails
Length: Approximately 1/2 mile each
Access: Lula Lake Land Trust
Details: "I definitely have fallen in love with Rock Creek through Lula Lake," says Whorton, explaining that Wild Trails has helped to fund and build the loop trail that runs to the base of Lula Falls. The North and South Creek Trails stretch out alongside the creek, with North Creek Trail winding runners around to Lula Lake where they can hop on the connector trail to the falls.
Middle Creek Trails
Length: Various Access: Rainbow Lake
Details: The Middle Creek section of Signal Mountain is just one of the locations being featured in the upcoming Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race June 17-19. Whorton points to the Julia Trail in this section as a must-run. "It's an absolutely stunning trail that winds around Middle Creek," he says. Just park in the Rainbow Lake parking lot, but instead of turning left, turn right and stay on the Orange Trail. It dumps out onto an ATV trail where you'll turn right, taking you down to Middle Creek.