Scenic vantage points abound in Chattanooga area

There's no denying Chattanooga's beauty. The river sparkles at the city's edge. Verdant mountains ripple in every direction.

The landscape is an attraction in itself - Chattanooga passed $1 billion in tourism for the first time in 2015, in part because of its growing reputation as an outdoor destination.

In addition to unparalleled hiking, biking and climbing opportunities, those mountains offer Instagrammable scenes that rival the colorful murals that invigorate the downtown area. In fact, two landed on a recently released list highlighting 2019's most Instagrammable spots in each state - which also named Tennessee the 11th most Instagrammable state and Georgia No. 6.

To help you make the most of all the Scenic City has to offer (and snap a swoon-worthy selfie commemorating your conquests), we compiled a list of some of our favorite easy-to-access overlooks, including the highlighted Cloudland Canyon and Snoopers Rock.

CLOUDLAND CANYON OVERLOOK (No. 5 of 7 spots in Georgia)

34.8395, -85.4840

Accessed through the park's Overlook Trail, Cloudland Canyon's signature overlook provides a stunning preview of all the state park has to offer - should you be compelled to peel yourself from the awesome view. From the fenced ridge, hikers can peer down into the thousand-foot-deep gorge where sandstone walls are lined with lush, green trees, and see one of the waterfalls the park has in store for those who venture onward.

Drive Time: 30 minutes from Chattanooga

Plan Your Trip: With 30 miles of trails to explore, there's plenty for hikers and mountain bikers to do at Cloudland Canyon. To get started, we recommend you take a trip down the strenuous, 2-mile Waterfall Trail, where you'll be rewarded with a close-up of the park's two other picturesque attractions: Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls. Options for golfing, fishing, caving and horseback riding are also available at select locations in the park.

Snoopers Rock offers an excellent vantage point of the Tennessee River Gorge. / Photo: Alan Cressler

SNOOPERS ROCK (No. 6 of 7 spots in Tennessee)

35 06.110, -85 25.450

There's a simple reason Snoopers Rock is one of the most photographed vistas near Chattanooga: It has the best view of the Tennessee River Gorge from any angle, at least in our opinion. Decide for yourself with an early morning trip to this easy-to-reach hotspot in Prentice Cooper State Forest, where you can watch the sun peek over the mountains as the valley fills with mist. There's only one word to describe the scene: magic.

Drive Time: 30 minutes from Chattanooga

Plan Your Trip: If you're hungry for more scenery or just itching to prove us wrong about Snoopers, check out the "Grand Canyon of Tennessee" from the other angles accessible via the trails in Prentice Cooper, most of which are rated intermediate. You can take Mullens Cove Loop (10 miles) to Mullens Cove Overlook, Pot Point Loop (12 miles) to Ransom Hollow Overlook, or follow the Poplar Spring section of the Cumberland Trail (5 miles) to find Lawson Rock Overlook.

EAST OVERLOOK

35.041646, -85.385464

Few downtown-facing overlooks can make you feel as small and reverent as this Raccoon Mountain gem can. From its fenced perimeter, visitors can see everything from Moccasin Bend to the Cherokee National Forest, including the entirety of downtown Chattanooga, which is easily dwarfed by Lookout Mountain looming to the Southeast. If you aren't impressed, come back at sunset to watch the line of golden light retreat from the valley as the city itself begins to glow. We promise you'll be mesmerized.

Drive Time: 15 minutes from Chattanooga

Plan Your Trip: Mountain bikers and hikers may already be familiar with the series of trails that encircle Tennessee Valley Authority's pumped storage facility atop Raccoon Mountain. After taking in the view, take a trip on the 13-mile technical loop, easily accessed from East Overlook, which offers more views of downtown and the Tennessee River Gorge. Or bike the two newer, steeper trails: Livewire and High Voltage. Don't forget to check out the more expansive view of the gorge from the overlook at the Raccoon Mountain Visitor Center 2.3 miles away from East Overlook.

HOOD OVERLOOK

34.651953, -85.372676

Located in Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area in nearby LaFayette, Georgia, this panoramic vista remains a slightly ironic testament to its late namesake, Zilman Smith Hood, a Georgia business owner and preservationist who ran daily even after losing his eyesight in his 30s. The cliff grants visitors an expansive view of everything from the cities of LaFayette and Summerville below to Johns Mountain and Taylor Ridge in the distance. Its wide, open space has also made it a frequent launch point for hang glider pilots.

Drive Time: 1.15 hours from Chattanooga

Plan Your Trip: The wildlife management area is home to several trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, but those are just the appetizers. Just north of Hood Overlook you'll find Pigeon Mountain's blue hole, as well as Ellison's Cave, the 12th-deepest cave in the United States. Climbers can also drop by Rocktown just 1.5 miles away to find boulders for all skill levels.

Farther Afield

While the Greater Chattanooga area can't claim this nearby overlook, it's a popular spot with locals, and one you should see for yourself.

Great Stone Door / File photo

GREAT STONE DOOR

35.4399, -85.6499

Named for the top-to-bottom crack that makes this massive cliff face look like a door left slightly ajar, this rock is a sight to behold - though it's the view from its peak that's the true wonder. From the top of the door, sojourners can see where the three gulfs that make up the Savage Gulf State Natural Area converge, and the simple, paved trail makes the impressive view accessible to anyone.

Drive Time: 55 minutes from Chattanooga

Plan Your Trip: In addition to approximately 55 miles of hiking trails, Savage Gulf offers a buffet of breathtaking overlooks. After you've taken in your fill at the Stone Door overlook, journey to Rattlesnake Point to catch another stunning view of the gulf; Savage Falls Overlook to sneak a peek at the titular waterfall; and Split Rock Overlook to get a better view of Stone Door itself.

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* A portion of this article originally appeared in Get Out Magazine. To read more about all the outdoor opportunities in and around Chattanooga, visit getoutchattanooga.com, where you can also sign up for the free weekly newsletter.