Looking to beat the heat and break a sweat in Chattanooga? When the scorching summer temperatures hit Chattanooga, it's easy to give up on running altogether. No sweat—we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll explore the best places to run in Chattanooga when the weather outside feels like an oven.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, these road running locations offer some relief from the summer heat while providing a fantastic workout. Get ready to lace up your running shoes and discover the coolest spots to keep your fitness routine on track in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
See the bottom of this blog post for more tips on running in the heat.
South Chick Creek Greenway
The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway is one of Chattanooga's newest and biggest inner-city pedestrian paths, starting at the Tennessee Riverpark and making its way south for 12 miles to Camp Jordan in East Ridge. Along the way you will find boardwalks and paths shaded by trees which will provide some much-needed relief for running in hotter temps. This is the closest you could find to the peacefulness of a trail running experience while running through a city on hard surfaces!
Greenway Farms
Located on the other side of the Tennessee River along the North Chickamauga Creek, you can find Greenway Farms. Despite what you may assume from the name, Greenway Farms provides a shaded, hilly route that goes out-and-back (with a small loop as you get closer to the river) that offers great views of the creek and rolling hills of East Tennessee along the way. If you're pushing a stroller, this is a great place to get a trail-like experience in the summer that's paved or gravel.
Tips for running in the heat...
- Be sure to stay hydrated when running in summer temps. You want to drink 16 oz of water per hour you are running. If you're going out for a longer run, we recommend bringing water with you. You can find hydration bottles and packs at our store!
- If possible run during cooler parts of the day, such as earlier morning or later evening.
- Don't expect to be able to sustain the same pace you normally run at for long. Your heart rate will naturally be 5-10+ bpm faster in higher temperatures so pay attention to effort over pace.