Signal Point
Signal Point
4.5
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Kristian C
Boston, MA5,649 contributions
Not many people know that only a few minutes away from downtown Chattanooga is the fourth largest river gorge east of the Mississippi. After the Tennessee River flows around Moccasin Bend and Williams Island, it travels between Signal and Raccoon Mountains forming one of the most beautiful landforms in Tennessee. There are several different vantage points, but Signal Point is one of the best.
From the parking area a paved path takes visitors to the overlook of the river gorge; when visibility is good the river can be seen for miles. The overlook was used during the Civil War to transmit messages to Union troops in a encrypted version of morose code. The park is little used and there are usually only one or two other groups standing there with mouths agape.
If the overlook does not quench the thirst for incredible views, a trail takes hikers to Edwards Point, an even higher and breathtaking vantage point. The trail is moderate and crosses a small stream by way of a rock bridge not unlike the one at Rock City.
For anyone on Signal Mountain, or in Chattanooga looking for a breathtaking, off the beaten path site to experience, Signal Point can make a good stop or day's activity if the hike is taken.
From the parking area a paved path takes visitors to the overlook of the river gorge; when visibility is good the river can be seen for miles. The overlook was used during the Civil War to transmit messages to Union troops in a encrypted version of morose code. The park is little used and there are usually only one or two other groups standing there with mouths agape.
If the overlook does not quench the thirst for incredible views, a trail takes hikers to Edwards Point, an even higher and breathtaking vantage point. The trail is moderate and crosses a small stream by way of a rock bridge not unlike the one at Rock City.
For anyone on Signal Mountain, or in Chattanooga looking for a breathtaking, off the beaten path site to experience, Signal Point can make a good stop or day's activity if the hike is taken.
Written March 17, 2008
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.
GoVols79
Chattanooga, TN3,985 contributions
Nov 2017
Signal Point is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Point and is located atop Walden Ridge (the town on top of the mountain is Signal Mountain, the mountain itself is actually called Walden Ridge). This area was controlled by the Union troops during the siege of Chattanooga in the fall of 1863. It was used for communication purposes and to observe the movements of the Confederate army. A sign at the site details the codes that were used to convey the various messages.
The site is easy to find and is just a few minutes off Taft Highway. There are multiple signs in the area. You arrive at a small parking lot and a short walk down from that leads you to the overlook. A covered pavilion with a picnic table is down by the overlook. There is a great view of the Tennessee River below and Racoon Mountain is directly across. Lookout Mountain is off in the distance to the left.
There are multiple trails in the area and it even connects to the Cumberland Trail. I haven't been on any of these yet but I look forward to doing so in the future. There are also restrooms available by the parking area.
Signal Point is a great place to start a hiking adventure or just to get a great view of the Tennessee River and the surrounding mountains.
The site is easy to find and is just a few minutes off Taft Highway. There are multiple signs in the area. You arrive at a small parking lot and a short walk down from that leads you to the overlook. A covered pavilion with a picnic table is down by the overlook. There is a great view of the Tennessee River below and Racoon Mountain is directly across. Lookout Mountain is off in the distance to the left.
There are multiple trails in the area and it even connects to the Cumberland Trail. I haven't been on any of these yet but I look forward to doing so in the future. There are also restrooms available by the parking area.
Signal Point is a great place to start a hiking adventure or just to get a great view of the Tennessee River and the surrounding mountains.
Written December 1, 2017
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.
Seven7777
Louisiana1,606 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This place got me right with Jesus and I'll be starting a new workout regimen when I get home. Even if you park and simply walk to the lookout, it's still 100 yards down a hill, which you then have to walk back up.
It's gorgeous, well maintained, and there's a bathroom, but if you are fluffier like me, make sure someone in your party knows CPR.
It's gorgeous, well maintained, and there's a bathroom, but if you are fluffier like me, make sure someone in your party knows CPR.
Written June 28, 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.
W8859HCmarkl
Wichita, KS61 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
If you are truly looking for a still quite place to take in the breath taking views of this area of the United States I do not think you could a better place!
Written October 23, 2019
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.
Bryan C
Stockbridge, GA28 contributions
Jul 2018
Great look out point at a National Park. The view is breath taking. There is a trail that winds down the side of the mountain that you can hike. It is steep and not really for beginners.If you decide to hike the trail on your right maybe take a hiking stick with you.
My husband and I did drive 0.3 miles from signal point literally right around the corner to "Rainbow Wilderness" (tip from a local). You can hike to a water fall, swim in the shallow part, and have a picnic. If you hike past the water fall and over all of the rocks you will find a swinging bridge where the trail continues. Most all of the trail leading up to the water fall is shaded by the trees.
My husband and I did drive 0.3 miles from signal point literally right around the corner to "Rainbow Wilderness" (tip from a local). You can hike to a water fall, swim in the shallow part, and have a picnic. If you hike past the water fall and over all of the rocks you will find a swinging bridge where the trail continues. Most all of the trail leading up to the water fall is shaded by the trees.
Written September 17, 2018
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.
Rosemary K
Newport, KY429 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
Our youngest daughter moved to Hixson, Tennessee. My husband and I love to hike no matter where we may be if trails are available. We have hiked the Tetons, Glacier, Mount Rainer, and the likes, but this never detracts from trying a new place, even on a less than grand scale.
On the way up to Signal Point, there is a small town to get gas and pick up any supplies you may have forgotten. There is ample parking at the trail and the trails are extremely well marked. Once you attain some elevation, you basically stay there, but the woods are pretty nonetheless. Be aware that these trails fluctuate from gentle strolls, to steep stairs, and even some tricky rock work across small steams. I would categorize this as moderate due to some of the challenging inclines starting and ending. The rivers are crossed with swinging bridges which add to the fun. We were there prior to the spring leaf arrival, but can only begin to imagine that this would be beautiful with the colors of the fall.
On the way up to Signal Point, there is a small town to get gas and pick up any supplies you may have forgotten. There is ample parking at the trail and the trails are extremely well marked. Once you attain some elevation, you basically stay there, but the woods are pretty nonetheless. Be aware that these trails fluctuate from gentle strolls, to steep stairs, and even some tricky rock work across small steams. I would categorize this as moderate due to some of the challenging inclines starting and ending. The rivers are crossed with swinging bridges which add to the fun. We were there prior to the spring leaf arrival, but can only begin to imagine that this would be beautiful with the colors of the fall.
Written April 9, 2015
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.
jmkay4
Baton Rouge, LA66 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
Signal Point is a free park that's a fairly easy drive to get to. Parking is also free and unless you go at a peak time, there are generally several spaces available. It's got beautiful views of the TN River and you can see a great deal of the valley from the overlooks they have along the trail. The first part of the hike is straight downhill along several sets of natural and rock stairs. I'll be honest, it's not the easiest hike for those less experienced and you need to go slow and be very careful - but once you get past that it's maybe a 10-15 minute hike to a beautiful bluff overview. After that it's pretty flat, easy hiking until you get to a small suspension bridge (maybe another 20-30 minutes) and then a much large suspension bridge a few minutes after that. If you go beyond that, you will find Rainbow Falls where people like to hang out and go swimming. It's a little harder to find though and the path was covered with leaves when I went so I had to turn back. There's an alternate entrance behind the Alexian Way Retirement Center, but I never went to that one. I was told it started directly at the waterfall though. Always be careful hiking, take a fully charged cell phone and let someone know your plans. I worked in emergency services and we had a couple rescues a year from people falling off the waterfall.
Written February 17, 2015
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.
Fred F
Jasper, TN382 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
A Great place to spend a little time and even hike down to Rainbow Falls. The hike is not for the faint at heart, but very doable for the healthy person.
Read the historical markers to give yourself a blast back into the past when the Yankees were Invading the South, The Civil War.
Read the historical markers to give yourself a blast back into the past when the Yankees were Invading the South, The Civil War.
Written April 27, 2014
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.
Diane B
North Canton, OH1,985 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Views are amazing. Trails are not well marked. Hard to know if you are going the right way, especially at a fork in the path. There was no map at the trail head.
Must be careful at the rock outcroppings with young children. Could be dangerous. The trail was difficult for little 6-year old legs.
The rock ledges are cool and the hiking is great for adults. View of the Tennessee River valley and Judy Falls is the shortest hike.
Must be careful at the rock outcroppings with young children. Could be dangerous. The trail was difficult for little 6-year old legs.
The rock ledges are cool and the hiking is great for adults. View of the Tennessee River valley and Judy Falls is the shortest hike.
Written April 4, 2019
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.
lovetravel2
936 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
This is a beautiful out of the way place, the view from Signal Point was breathtaking. The town of Signal Mountain is adorable as well. There is a hiking trail here with some steep descents and slick rocks. There are restrooms, though they are not maintained very well. It is well worth the time to see.
Written May 21, 2018
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.
The parking area and around rest rooms are all paved. The slope to the edge is a mix, Steps and grassy. The paths around the mountain from the edge are all natural, be careful if it's your first time on those paths but going down to the point is well worth the effort and doable for most.
Written March 16, 2015
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