Tennessee

The Best of Chattanooga: Trains, Waterfalls and Battlefields

Program No. 19022RJ
Discover the southern gem of Chattanooga as you learn about rock formations, waterfalls, Civil War battlefields and historic trains, Appalachian music and more!

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Chattanooga is a Tennessee gem — where Southern charm and grand Victorian mansions meet a thoroughly modern metropolis. Embark on unique field trips to places like a wood carving school, a river aquarium and an antique carousel. Discover Cherokee and Civil War battlefields and walk across the world’s longest pedestrian bridge. Stand in the shade of the sandstone boulders of Rock City as you learn about their geological history. Feel the cool spray of America’s deepest waterfall. And soak in the sounds of Appalachian music and the charming chug of a historic Chattanooga choo choo. From high up on Lookout Mountain to the underground Ruby Falls cascade, explore Chattanooga from top to bottom.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile. Some stairs. Standing in museums for docent talk.

What You'll Learn

  • Ride one of the city’s original rail lines through rolling vistas and the Missionary Ridge horseshoe tunnel, and learn about train engineering at the repair shop.
  • Explore Lookout Mountain and Ruby Falls, the nation's largest and deepest underground waterfall.
  • Journey to Chickamauga Battlefield to learn what happened there in 1863 and how it impacted the Civil War.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jonathan Mies
Dr. Jonathan Mies routinely teachs courses in physical geology, structural geology, tectonics, hydrology, X-ray diffraction, field methods, and geology field experience (Basin and Range, Colorado Plateau, and Central America). During the summer, he also teaches at the University of Missouri's Geology Field Camp (Branson Field Laboratory) and in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. His current research interests are focused on the origin of joints in folded sedimentary rocks of foreland fold and thrust belts.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Justin Strickland
Justin Strickland View biography
Justin Strickland has been fascinated by trains his entire life. His first "railroad" job was with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at the age of 15, where he eventually became a conductor. Justin has also worked with the Southeastern Railway Museum, Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. He authored the only book dedicated to the Terminal Station in Chattanooga and has been interviewed for the railroad documentary "Tracing the Tracks."
Profile Image of Maury Nicely
Maury Nicely View biography
Maury Nicely is a lawyer and historian in Chattanooga, Tenn., and author of the “Chattanooga Walking Tour & Historic Guide” and the “East Tennessee Walking Tour & Historic Guide.” Maury has served on the boards of Chattanooga History Center and Cornerstones, Inc., Chattanooga's historic preservation organization.
Profile Image of Carol Burton
Carol Burton View biography
Carol Burton attended Dalton State College, where she began her 16 years as a Road Scholar coordinator with its Center for Educational Adventure. Married to her childhood sweetheart, she grew up in Hampton, Va., and moved to Georgia in 1970. Carol said she was born with a love for animals and volunteers with her local humane society.
Profile Image of Jim Ogden
Jim Ogden View biography
Jim Ogden is a historian who became interested in the Civil War the summer between 4th and 5th grade. His interests in that period of history have continued to grow and broaden. He started his career at The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in 1982. He then had stints at Russell Cave National Monument in Bridgeport, Ala. and Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park in Fredericksburg, Va. He returned to Chickamauga and Chattanooga in 1988. He was born and raised in Southern Maryland.
Profile Image of Jonathan Mies
Jonathan Mies View biography
Dr. Jonathan Mies routinely teachs courses in physical geology, structural geology, tectonics, hydrology, X-ray diffraction, field methods, and geology field experience (Basin and Range, Colorado Plateau, and Central America). During the summer, he also teaches at the University of Missouri's Geology Field Camp (Branson Field Laboratory) and in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. His current research interests are focused on the origin of joints in folded sedimentary rocks of foreland fold and thrust belts.
Profile Image of Tom Morley
Tom Morley View biography
Tom Morley’s musical career spans thirty years and a host of genres. He's played Celtic, bluegrass, classical, swing, Americana and country honky tonk, earning a gold album for his work with “new traditionalist” country artist John Anderson. Classically trained with a degree in music education, Tom's followed his passion for Irish traditional music for the past two decades. Tom teaches privately and at fiddle workshops and string camps around the U.S., including Boston's Fiddle Hell Gathering and the John C. Campbell Folk School.
Profile Image of Anthony Hodges
Anthony Hodges View biography
Dr. Anthony Hodges attended the University of Alabama, graduated from University of Tennessee/Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences in Memphis with a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree in 1981. He recently retired from dentistry after 35 years. He became interested in early American and Civil War history as a child thanks to family oral history and began collecting Civil War artifacts as a boy. He served as a National Park Service living history interpreter for more than 30 years.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
  • Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
  • May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
  • Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
  • Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
5 nights
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
5 nights
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
5 nights
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
5 nights
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
5 nights
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
5 nights
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
5 nights
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
5 nights
Chattanooga
The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.





Recommended For You

loading spinner