Top 5 Hiking Trails in Marion County

Marion County, Tennessee should top the list when people talk about great hiking destinations. Tucked away just outside Chattanooga, this region is full of dramatic ridges, deep forest trails, and views that genuinely stop you in your tracks. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk in the woods or a leg-burning adventure, there’s a trail here that fits.

Here are five of my favorite hikes, broken down by difficulty. A mix of easy, moderate, and advanced. All of them are worth your time.

1. Easy: Meadow Trail at Marion County Park

Let’s start simple. If you’re new to hiking or just want a relaxing stroll by the water, the Meadow Trail at Marion County Park is a solid pick. It’s short, flat, and follows the shoreline of Nickajack Lake with some lovely picnic spots along the way. This one’s ideal for stretching your legs, bringing a dog, or just clearing your head.

2. Moderate: Snooper’s Rock Trail

Snooper’s Rock technically sits in the Prentice Cooper State Forest but is within Marion County lines, and it’s probably one of the most photographed spots in the area. The view from the top overlooks the Tennessee River Gorge in a perfect horseshoe bend. It’s not difficult to see why it gets so much love.

The trail itself is around 6 miles round-trip, depending on where you start. It’s moderate, mostly because of the terrain. You’ll get a few climbs, a few roots to watch out for, and maybe a little mud after rain. But the payoff? Worth it.

3. Moderate: Foster Falls Climber's Loop

This one might surprise people. Foster Falls is mostly known for its dramatic 60-foot waterfall and climbing routes, but the Climber’s Loop is a moderately challenging trail that wraps around the gorge and gives you multiple views of the falls. It connects to the Fiery Gizzard trail system too, but on its own it’s about 2 miles.

There are some rocky sections and a little scrambling, so it’s not a walk in the park. But it’s short and varied enough to feel like an adventure, especially if you’ve never been around serious rock climbers before.

4. Advanced: Fiery Gizzard Trail

Let’s not sugarcoat this one. The Fiery Gizzard Trail is tough. It’s rocky, technical, and long. The full trail runs 12.5 miles one way, so most people either plan a shuttle or turn back at Raven Point. The hike features just about everything: streams, waterfalls, boulder fields, dense forest, and panoramic overlooks.

If you’re in decent shape and ready for a real challenge, this trail will reward you over and over again. But you need to be prepared. It’s not the kind of trail you just wander into.

5. Advanced: Ritchie Hollow Trail

If you’re looking for a trail that’s a little off the radar but still delivers a solid challenge, the Ritchie Hollow Trail is a great pick. It starts near the TVA trailhead off TVA Road and climbs steadily through hardwood forest, gaining over 1,200 feet in elevation. You’ll pass by Bluff Overlook and Bluff Creek Falls, which is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the county, especially beautiful after rain.

The terrain is rugged and the incline pretty relentless, which earns it a spot on the advanced list. But it’s quiet, well-maintained, and gives you a sense of real solitude.

Marion County’s trails are as diverse as they are beautiful. Some ease you in. Others push you hard. But each one has something real and memorable to offer. Whether you’re walking beside the lake or climbing through a gorge, the quiet beauty of this place sticks with you.