Walnut Street Bridge
Walnut Street Bridge
4.5
About
One of the finest examples of the Phoenix wrought-iron truss bridges that were build between 1884 and 1923.
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295 within 3 miles
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104 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- KECSGainesville, Florida61 contributionsNice StrollNice little stroll. We went in the evening after the sun set and it felt safe- there were a ton of couples, families and others using the bridge. I imagine going during the day would be nice too. My kids had a blast, we happened to be on the bridge when a bigger ship went under, and they got to watch. I was a little disappointed that the information plaques along the edge of the bridge were so faded I couldn't read them. Even if you don't go all the way across, it's fun to take a short walk along it.Visited December 2022Traveled with familyWritten January 1, 2023
- luv2travelusa6Central Florida, Florida87 contributionsNice Walk good viewsWe went here on a friday and avoided some of the crowds but had a great time. Saw boats on the river and the Hunter Museum from the bridge. Grabbed a Kung Fu Boba Tea on one end and then walking back we grabbed an ice cream. It was a nice pleasant walk.Visited November 2022Written January 10, 2023
- doodleladybugLive Oak, Florida101 contributionsGreat place for walking and fresh airWhat a great old bridge that’s the oldest bridge in Chattanooga! It is used by those walking and running, singles/couples/families, dog walkers and sightseers. Everyone we passed smiled, spoke or waved. It was a beautiful place for a morning walk.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 23, 2023
- jpete02Lansing, Michigan848 contributionsGreat way to see the Tennessee River and walk outsidePedestrian only bridge that has beautiful views of the Chattanooga riverfront, Lookout Mountain in the distance, the Tennessee River, and a small island in the middle of the river. Takes about ten minutes to cross. Most people will be initially walking from the downtown side to the North Shore. Once you reach the North Shore there is a carousel and water features for kids in the park below the bridge. The carousel is open year round (11-7 daily in March) and the water play area is turned on during the summer. There are also some shops and restaurants on the North Shore side. Lots of families and people walking across the bridge while we were there. Parking might be easier on the North Shore and walking back downtown than vice versa. You can walk in about five minutes from the aquarium but you do have to walk up a steep street to reach the bridge entrance. There is a clumpies ice cream on the North Shore by the bridge and a place called the ice cream show on the downtown side of the bridge.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,952 reviews
Excellent
2,168
Very good
663
Average
109
Poor
9
Terrible
3
Ben N
Atlanta, GA5 contributions
Oct 2020
We walked it just after dark on a beautiful cool night in October 2020. The bridge has a great view of the city along the river at night and is great to look at and take pictures. There are however problems that make me doubt I will go back with my kids until they are much older. Just as we walked onto the bridge there was a group of homeless men gathered around an outlet charging their cellphones. One of these men was selling drugs to another person in an open-air drug market. As we walked across the bridge we encountered several groups of people who were smoking weed. I would not say this is a family-friendly environment and not something I want my kids exposed to.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dbae27
Staunton, VA781 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
There isn’t much to the bridge as far as sightseeing but the walk across is wonderful and safe with a great view of the river. We saw people jogging, pushing strollers, riding bikes, walking. This is a great asset to the city and allows visitors a chance to get out and explore more than you could behind the windshield of a car. We really enjoyed it!
Written March 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glennmcf
Washington DC, DC16 contributions
Oct 2020
The Walnut Street, or the walking bridge Connects the city’s north shore district to the area hosting the famous Chattanooga aquarium. Walk across this bridge to get to live minor league baseball at AT&T field or Moss Landing on the river front where the choices run from concerts to marathons. Back on the north shore you can polish your dancing skills with the moves to many well known dances emblazoned in brass into the sidewalks. You can also take in a live stage play at the Chattanooga Theatre Center or ride an antique carousel in Coolidge Park. Don’t miss this area!
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Regina H
8 contributions
Jul 2020
It was a nice evening walk in the evening. Many people began to come over the bridge as the sun went down. It is a nice relaxing stroll with your spouse or friends. However, it ended abruptly as if it was not complete at the end. Construction equipment or closed off, incomplete.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldsmymuse
Chicago, IL309 contributions
Dec 2020
A sunny stroll on the wooden floorboards of this scenic bridge makes you aware of the role of water, specifically the Tenessee River, in this pleasant southern town. You can see the art museum on the bluff and go from old historic to new and modern--including the glass peaks of the acquarium on the other bank. An excellent walk.
Written January 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
southernsue2018
Jackson, MS18 contributions
May 2021
This bridge is said to be the longest pedestrian bridge in the country. I am guessing it once was the only bridge, because now a much more modern one runs alongside it.
It was a delightful place for a stroll and provided nice views of the river. Along the bridge, we spotted a couple of musicians playing for any tips you could provide and also saw a "Poet for Hire," which intrigued me, but I did not investigate. Once you walk across the bridge, you are in another area of Chattanooga. You can walk along street there and shop some, or turn around and walk back.
It was a delightful place for a stroll and provided nice views of the river. Along the bridge, we spotted a couple of musicians playing for any tips you could provide and also saw a "Poet for Hire," which intrigued me, but I did not investigate. Once you walk across the bridge, you are in another area of Chattanooga. You can walk along street there and shop some, or turn around and walk back.
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KECS
Gainesville, FL61 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Nice little stroll. We went in the evening after the sun set and it felt safe- there were a ton of couples, families and others using the bridge. I imagine going during the day would be nice too. My kids had a blast, we happened to be on the bridge when a bigger ship went under, and they got to watch. I was a little disappointed that the information plaques along the edge of the bridge were so faded I couldn't read them. Even if you don't go all the way across, it's fun to take a short walk along it.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mathstud
Mulberry, FL315 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
The bridge was located next to a park and a parking area with reasonable prices, $6 for more than 2 hours. There were also museums, restaurants, and stores nearby. It is a good walk for a nice day. There are great views of the mountains on the west side of the bridge. You can ride your bike or rent one too.
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan G
Plant City, FL196 contributions
Jun 2022
For a 9-year-old to say that this was of interest meant that this was something we were definitely going to do. We were glad we did it, too!
The bridge is located right in the middle of town. Uphill is the art district, while downhill (where the parking is), are the restaurants and aquarium. After eating, we climbed (and I mean, CLIMBED) up a block to the foot of the bridge. There is a small plaza with various shops, one of which was an ice cream parlor that we were happy to visit on our way back.
From the plaza, it's a very enjoyable walk. One has the option of walking on the sidewalks, or down the very wide walkway, which is made of planks. The sidewalks have seating quite often, as well as planters for decoration, however, most places to sit were occupied with either tourists or the homeless. It's maybe a 20-minute walk to the other side, but we turned back before going all the way. The views are incredible, but definitely not for anyone with a fear of heights. I would recommend going, just to say you did it, but I would do it when the weather is much cooler. There wasn't much of a breeze, despite it being over water.
The bridge is located right in the middle of town. Uphill is the art district, while downhill (where the parking is), are the restaurants and aquarium. After eating, we climbed (and I mean, CLIMBED) up a block to the foot of the bridge. There is a small plaza with various shops, one of which was an ice cream parlor that we were happy to visit on our way back.
From the plaza, it's a very enjoyable walk. One has the option of walking on the sidewalks, or down the very wide walkway, which is made of planks. The sidewalks have seating quite often, as well as planters for decoration, however, most places to sit were occupied with either tourists or the homeless. It's maybe a 20-minute walk to the other side, but we turned back before going all the way. The views are incredible, but definitely not for anyone with a fear of heights. I would recommend going, just to say you did it, but I would do it when the weather is much cooler. There wasn't much of a breeze, despite it being over water.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa S
6 contributions
May 2021
This bridge looks very old/historic. Love the views of the river and access to Coolidge Park on the other side of downtown. It has character and often street musicians playing. Worth a scenic walk down the riverfront and bridge.
Written May 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Others places to stay in vacations places by rock city
CWWilliams
Chattanooga, TN68 contributions
All the hotels in Downtown Chattanooga are only 6-7 miles to Rock City. Otherwise, the 20+ hotels at Exit 5 on I-75 are only 13-14 miles from Rock City and Downtown, and are much less expensive that Downtown hotels. Exit 5 has the biggest mall in Tennessee, and there are many restaurants there as well. All of the Exit 5 hotels have free parking.
On Lookout Mountain, there is the Chanticleer Inn, a quaint little place to stay.
Finally, Air B&B places abound in the Downtown area. Most are reasonable.
Walnut bridge - what is distance roundtrip to see if I can walk it
Kristen S
10 contributions
About a half a mile.
pedinurse
Beachwood NJ1,039 contributions
What hours does the electric shuttle run in May?
698paulah
Chattanooga, TN41 contributions
The electric shuttle bus schedule is as follows:
Monday through Friday - 6:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Saturday - 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Sunday - 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
They run every 5 minutes
Tracey M
Chattanooga, TN11 contributions
I am looking at getting married in October on the Walnut Street Bridge and was just look for advice from others who have gotten married on the bridge. The Parks & Recreation Department is telling me that we can only use one lane of the bridge, which doesn't seem like it will leave a lot of room for chairs and things for our guests. I have seen pictures of weddings on the bridge and it looks like they are using the whole center part of the bridge but that is not what they are telling me I can do so just looking for advice from others who have gotten married there. Thanks.
sunshineforever1955
Chattanooga, TN10 contributions
I didn't get married there but the bridge is pretty wide. I think you'd just need to find out the dimensions of it and go from there.
Do they have Christmas lights on this bridge this time of year?
Kevin K
Chattanooga, TN425 contributions
YES! Great stars utilizing environmentally efficient LED lighting.
Mommytraveler1022
Summit, MS32 contributions
Hi! What hotel did you stay at? Also are there shops at the end of the bridge?
Jimmy L
Chattanooga, TN18 contributions
Yes there are several shops and cafés at end of bridge. The bridge goes from downtown to the north shore of Tennessee river. Lots to do. Can even rent bikes and bike all of downtown and north shore. New bike lanes all through downtown.
Tiffany P
Havelock, North Carolina, United States12 contributions
How far is this bridge from the aquarium?
chickychick35217
Birmingham, AL197 contributions
Within walking distance, I would say maybe a 10 minute walk at a leisurely pace. Walking across and back would add to that and if you visited any of the shops or restaurants, the carousel... of course that would add to that but when the weather is nice, it's a great way to see Chattanooga.
Can you drive to the spot where you can see the seven states, or do you have to walk up mountain trail and rocks to get there? Is this spot on Lookout Mountain?
Sharon M
410 contributions
You drive to Rock City and Walk to the view point. There is a charge to enter Rock City but paths are paved and handicap accessible.
WUMom
High Point, NC99 contributions
We're staying at the Staybridge Suites downtown in about two weeks. How far is the bridge from there and the convention center? Also where do you board the free shuttle and where does it take you? Thanks!
mikebham01
Birmingham, AL383 contributions
bout the distance, but everything seems to be within a mile. The shuttle covers a circular pattern through most of downtown.
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Claim your listingWalnut Street Bridge - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Walnut Street Bridge
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Walnut Street Bridge:
- Chattanooga's North Shore & Coolidge Park Guided Segway Tour (From $75.00)
- Historic Downtown Chattanooga Segway Tour (From $82.39)
- Scooter tour (a.k.a. "Little Vehicle") of Chattanooga in USA (1hr) (From $75.00)
- Walking Tour of Chattanooga (From $26.22)
- Crazy Chattanooga Scavenger Hunt (From $27.00)
- Hotels near Walnut Street Bridge:
- (0.05 mi) The Edwin Hotel
- (0.19 mi) Bluff View Inn
- (0.24 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Chattanooga Downtown
- (0.35 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga / Downtown
- (0.32 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Chattanooga Downtown
- Restaurants near Walnut Street Bridge:
- (0.02 mi) The Ice Cream Show
- (0.05 mi) Whitebird
- (0.04 mi) Whiskey Thief
- (0.12 mi) Puckett's Chattanooga
- (0.08 mi) Leapin' Leprechaun
Walnut Street Bridge Information
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