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Blue Blazes Trail
4.1 ★★★★☆ 136 Google reviews · Running trail in Chattanooga, Tennessee · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Blue Blazes Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
2-mi. loop trail along ancient shorelines via forests & swamps, with a Tennessee River overlook.
What runners say about Blue Blazes Trail
“Now recently cut back back a beautiful trail to experience nature and admire the Tennessee River.”
“The Blue Blazes Hiking Trail is a beautiful yet easy trail in the Moccasin Bend area.”
Very muddy after it rains, but its a really good loop and you dont run into a ton of people. Plus in the late winter/early spring, the trees let off gases that turn the water to either a rainbow color or pink.
Removed some trees and limbs, but still a bit over grown in some spots. This is a muddy trail and worth a hike. Now recently cut back back a beautiful trail to experience nature and admire the Tennessee River.
This is a very easy trail. No expertise needed. Easy enough to navigate for children who are supervised. Has 2 side trails that go down to the water. One is very difficult to get down and up, but it's a sandy beach area, and the other is pretty easy, but it's nothing but rocks and no shade. Still beautiful though.
Nice trail. Far enough away from downtown that feels remote but it's only a 10 minute drive from the Broad Street area. Nice thick pine Forest that quickly mixes to deciduous. The oak tree that is about 5 minutes into the hike is worth seeing. It's huge and has a lot of history in it's twisted trunk.
Trail conditions & character
“Now recently cut back back a beautiful trail to experience nature and admire the Tennessee River.”
“Trail was very muddy and a under several feet of water towards the back, we had to turn around and back track.”
“Very muddy after it rains, but its a really good loop and you dont run into a ton of people.”
“The trail is mainly flat terrain and easy walking.”
“Make sure to pack tick/bug spray and that you’re dogs have been treated before you go!”
Plan your run at Blue Blazes Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(423) 821-7786
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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