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.
Chattanooga residents Ryan and Hope Maum remedy this sad truth with Experience Chattanooga, their business providing guided hikes along with professional photography.
Ryan says he captures both candid moments and, of course, those necessary posed shots in front of waterfalls. "I try to tell a story with the photos," he says. The edited images are put in a digital photo gallery clients can access online.
The Maums' guided hiking service also eliminates the need to research everything from trail difficulty level to the length of time it takes to water levels that could make paths impassable at certain times of year. Throwing the pandemic into the mix only adds to the amount of planning typically required, as parking areas fill early at some popular spots and force an unexpected change of plans.
Plus, "People feel safe knowing they won't get lost," says Hope.
Experience Chattanooga offers six tours year-round and nine during the summer, with the most popular being the seven-hour Best of Tennessee tour that combines both panoramic mountain views and a waterfall visit.
Contributed photo courtesy of Experience Chattanooga / Ryan and Hope Maum of Experience Chattanooga offer guided hikes with professional photography in the Chattanooga area.The Maums say about 50-75% of clients reach out before they book for help selecting a hike from their menu. For families, for example, they recommend the Lula Lake tour. The couple has permission to visit the private land trust outside of the days it's open to the public by reservation only, which in peak season can book up months in advance, they say.
Hope's favorite hike is their Soul Therapy tour. "I love people's faces when they see a waterfall," she says. "We have a tour that fits for everyone."
The couple provides transportation to the trailhead - in a fully sanitized car with everyone masked during the pandemic - or guests are welcome to follow along in their own car.
All trips are private, so you and your group won't have to share your journey with strangers.
In addition to hiking, some tours include stops at local gems off the beaten path, such as the state's oldest family-owned bakery opened in 1908.
"With us being local, we have Chattanooga knowledge," says Ryan. "After spending one-on-one time and getting to know these people [on the tour], we can provide personalized restaurant recommendations and other things to do in Chattanooga." Everyone gets a coupon for a discount at local restaurants like Tony's Pasta after their hike, he adds.
Learn more at experiencechattanooganow.com.