Live Wire 2 Trail
- Type: Out and back
- Distance: 4.4 miles if you stop at the switchbacks
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 3 hours
- Drive time from downtown: 15 minutes
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Highlights: A river, lots of shade and some views if you tag on some extra distance.
- Directions from AllTrails
Today’s hike is a little bit closer to Chattanooga and part of the Raccoon Mountain trail system. While Raccoon Mountain is mostly known for mountain bikers, there’s plenty of room for hikers and their pups on the trails too.
According to AllTrails user Sandy, the trail isn’t very well-marked but it can be accessed across from the boat ramp on Raccoon Mountain Road. The trail can be rocky at times and is uphill there and downhill coming back.
AllTrails user Jason has one great tip if you want to go an extra few miles.
“The route on the AllTrails map is indeed a 2.2 miler each way; however, whoever recorded it stopped at a series of switchbacks and turned back. The trail continues up those switchbacks (not bad) and comes out onto a flat trail further up the hill and with the best views on the hike (in early March, at least; I am sure spring and summer would be greener with less of a view). Live Wire 2 is actually a 3.3 mile trail one way (6.6 out and back) if you want to do the whole thing, and you should.”
If you go, be sure to send us pictures at editor@getoutchatt.com, and send us your trail recommendations so we can feature them in future editions of Trails Less Traveled.