A High-Energy 3-Day Adventure
Plan your adventure-packed getaway with this 3-day itinerary!
From rugged hikes and epic mountain biking to caving, kayaking, and night hikes under the stars, this 3-day itinerary is built for those who want to go all in.
Day One
Morning:
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Fuel up with breakfast at The Homestead Co, a charming café with strong coffee, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and locally made pastries. It’s a warm and casual start before diving into the day’s adventure.
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Kick off your trip at Cloudland Canyon State Park, one of the crown jewels of Georgia’s park system. The Waterfalls Trail is a favorite for good reason—with dramatic canyon views, dense forest, and two stunning waterfalls. If you want more of a challenge, try the West Rim Loop Trail for sweeping panoramas of the canyon’s cliffs and valleys.
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Afternoon:
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For lunch, head to Petunia’s Silver Jalapeño for Southwest-inspired comfort food. Bold flavors, friendly staff, and a relaxed vibe make this a perfect pit stop before your next ride.
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Spend your afternoon at Five Points Bike Trail, one of the top mountain biking destinations in the Southeast. With a mix of beginner to advanced trails, this expansive network on Lookout Mountain offers everything from fast singletracks to steep technical climbs.
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Evening:
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Make your evening unforgettable with dinner at Skyside, an open-air dining experience perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain. Surrounded by sweeping views and golden hour light, this spot pairs rustic elegance with bold flavors.
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Wrap up the night at Lookout Mountain Flight Park, where you can watch hang gliders soar into the sky—or book a tandem flight if you're ready to take the leap. The views here stretch for miles, and the adrenaline is real.
Day Two
Morning:
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Start your morning with a light but satisfying bite at The Grind. The smell of freshly roasted beans and baked goods greets you the moment you walk in. - Change to something else.
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Next, head to Lula Lake Land Trust, open to the public only on Open Gate Days. The trails wind past towering cliffs, through quiet forests, and eventually lead you to the centerpiece: Lula Falls, crashing down into a rocky basin surrounded by mist and moss.
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Afternoon:
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After a morning hike, bike a portion of the Ironman Bike Course along Lookout Mountain Parkway. With elevation changes and scenic stretches, it’s a rewarding route for those looking to train like a pro.
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Prefer going underground instead of uphill? Grab lunch at Vienna Bier Garten, then explore Pettyjohn’s Cave. This natural cave system is a favorite among experienced spelunkers. Be prepared—this is no light stroll.
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Evening:
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Dinner tonight is at Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye-Q, a local legend for smoked meats and soulful sides. From ribs to brisket, this casual spot delivers bold flavor.
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Cap off the evening with a night hike at Zahnd Wildlife Management Area. This rugged terrain is full of rock outcroppings and wild views, and hiking it under the stars adds a whole new layer of magic.
Day Three
Morning:
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Start your final day with coffee and fresh donuts from Great Awakening Coffee & Donuts. Their rotating donut flavors and locally roasted beans are always a hit with early risers and weekend adventurers.
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Head to Rock Town at Crockford-Pigeon Mountain for a morning of bouldering and exploration. With massive sandstone formations and world-class climbing routes, Rock Town is a must-visit for climbers of all levels. Even if you’re not climbing, the unique landscape is worth the hike in.
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Afternoon:
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Stop in for lunch at Cesario’s Pizzeria, a casual favorite where hand-tossed pizzas and cold drinks hit the spot after a morning on the rocks.
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In the afternoon, hike a portion of the River to Clouds hiking route, a developing trail system that connects downtown Chattanooga to the Cloudland Canyon rim. The route offers stunning natural scenery and a chance to contribute to a growing regional trail network that links rivers, ridgelines, and communities.
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Evening:
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Wrap up your adventure weekend with dinner at Croft, McLemore’s more casual-yet-upscale dining option. With regionally inspired dishes and mountaintop views, it’s a delicious and scenic way to wind down your trip.
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End the night with a kayak session on West Chickamauga Creek. Paddle through calm waters as the sun sets, soaking in the stillness after a weekend full of motion. Keep an eye out for herons, turtles, and reflections dancing across the water. It’s the perfect final chapter to your Walker County adventure.
Spring Seasonal Events
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This unique event combines three of our favorite things—trail hiking, mountain biking, and craft beer. Spend the day exploring scenic trails at the Lula Lake Land Trust and celebrate your effort with local brews and live music. It’s spring adventure done right.
Celebrate the start of adventure season with live music, gear demos, races, and a full lineup of outdoor workshops. Whether you're into climbing, paddling, biking, or just exploring, this festival is a hub for the regional outdoor community.
Lace up for this scenic trail run through rolling farmland and forested ridgelines. With both short and long course options, it’s a rewarding challenge for runners of all levels who want to connect with nature on the move.
Ironman Bike Course Practice Ride
Train like a pro on this segment of the official Ironman course. Winding from Chattanooga up and over Lookout Mountain, then through Chickamauga, it’s a challenging and scenic ride that tests both stamina and focus.
Summer Seasonal Events
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Guided Cave Exploration at Sitton’s Cave
Explore the wild underground world of Sitton’s Cave with a guided tour that goes beyond the beaten path. Navigate narrow passages, learn about cave ecology, and feel the thrill of venturing into total darkness—with expert guides leading the way.
Cycle through history on a guided bike tour of the Chickamauga Battlefield. With smooth paths, interpretive stops, and available rentals from Battlefield Outdoors, it’s a laid-back but engaging way to spend a summer morning.
Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting
The Ocoee River in Tennessee has become the most popular whitewater rafting adventure in America with over twenty continuous rapids and many play spots for miles of endless fun and adventure. Located in the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee River flows through a beautiful gorge surrounded by scenic wildlife and is only an hour away.
Fall Seasonal Events
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5 Points 50: Lula Lake Race & Mountain Bike Festival
One of the Southeast’s premier mountain biking events, this annual race and ride weekend brings together pros, amateurs, and first-timers for a fast-paced celebration of the sport. Expect live music, vendors, and great community vibes.
This trail race blends speed and scenery with well-marked courses and epic elevation changes. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just hiking for the views, TrailBlazer is a high-energy way to close out the season.
Winter Seasonal Events
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Take a winter leap into Lula Lake for the annual Polar Bear Plunge! This icy tradition is all about courage, community, and a little bit of crazy. Bring a towel, a costume if you dare, and a big sense of humor.
Part holiday spirit, part fitness challenge, this festive 5K invites you to dress up, show up, and hit the streets of LaFayette. Great for runners and walkers of all ages—and yes, antlers are encouraged.
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