Chattanooga is on the cusp of change — and it won't be long until we see the signs.

The best time for camping is the first couple of weekends after the air first starts to feel crisp in the morning — that long-awaited departure from the heavy blanket of humidity that greets us on most summer days in Chattanooga. The more pleasant temperatures also usher in the always-stunning effect of the leaves' transformation from shades of green to vibrant yellows, oranges and reds.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Tennessee's Natural Areas Preservation Act, passed in 1971.

Equipped with whistles and flags, more than 100 paddlers arrive before sunrise to find their place among the buoys.

Ground puppy. Snot otter. Lasagna lizard.

It's amazing how quickly nature reclaims an abandoned place.

Davis Stewart describes Synergy Climbing and Ninja as a "climber's gym." The sprawling facility — a partnership between world-famous climber Lisa Rands, Tennessee Bouldering Authority and "American Ninja Warrior" Isaac Caldiero — opened on East Main Street earlier this year, and is already carving out a name for itself, says Stewart.

Looking for a podcast to delve into on your next run? Whether you're looking for straightforward racing tips, engaging stories from experienced runners or conversations about craft beer with some running advice tucked in, there's a podcast for every endurance running enthusiast.

With its stocky blue body, oversized head and shaggy crest, the belted kingfisher is an iconic species found along waterways throughout North America.

There's a new crag in town — well, soon to be, at least. First, the Southeastern Climbers Coalition needs help constructing access points.

When Robby Eskridge and Lindsey Hardesty met, they shared more than just a profession.

As a woman, hitting the trails alone isn't always the best idea for safety reasons. Plus, hiking with a group is more fun and a great way to meet people with similar interests.

Rolling south through rural Alabama on State Route 1, I looked to the driver-side mirror.

Of the 750 kids ages 6-18 who go to the East Lake location of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga, some now see themselves as mountain bikers for the first time, thanks to the recent addition of an urban mountain bike track and launch of a Pedal Up mountain biking program through the club.

In late January, Chattanooga's first-ever snowy owl was spotted perched on a home near Chickamauga Lake, hundreds of miles south of its typical range.

With the world cautiously exiting the pandemic, some running events are remaining virtual this year.

As host of Head of the Hooch, one of the world's largest regattas, Chattanooga is known by many as a rowing hotspot. Fewer people, however, may know that Chattanooga also fosters a dynamic indoor rowing scene — and is home to two of the world's leading competitors.

Last summer was almost a bust for Gracie Fogo.

When it comes to running, the world is divided into two camps: do or do not. The world of competitive running, however, is much more fragmented.

"I'm excited by the feedback I'm getting from it. The biggest compliment I get is everybody says it's unique, and that's important because a lot of stuff out there on social media is just rehashing other stuff." — Rich Moore, aka Semi-Sendy

Fly fishing Great Smoky Mountains National Park is less about catching big fish and more about experiences and the places it takes you.

The dawning of spring means change. Wildflowers burst forth. Birds chirp like it is the first day of their life. The days warm, bookended by still-cool nights. The smell of cut grass hangs in the air, a sign of the life that is returning.

It takes a hike to see the most beautiful scenery in the Scenic City, but most hikers who want to capture the experience spend their time taking selfies rather than enjoying the views.