Park Plan
The plan for Walden’s Ridge Park is to develop a community park featuring an inclusive network of trails that serve the mountain biking, bouldering, trail running, and hiking communities. Here are some of the main plans for the park.
Mountain Biking
Although Chattanooga has existing mountain biking opportunities, the proposed trails will be the first purpose-built, progressive, downhill trails in the Chattanooga region, offering the potential for more than 10 miles of new options for both local and regional riders. The property will offer a variety of terrain and technicality for many levels of riders. The Walden’s Ridge Park partners engaged the International Mountain Biking Association to create an impressive trail plan for the park.
Climbing
The property will contain several bouldering areas of varying technical difficulty. Many of the boulders are easy to access along a relatively flat trail, located within about a mile of the planned parking area. Southeastern Climbers’ Coalition and their crew of volunteers are leading trail building for access to the boulders.
Hiking/Trail Running
When complete, hikers and runners will enjoy native plants and animals, a natural spring and creeks, and scenic views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Valley.
Three Phases of Construction:
Phase 1
COMPLETED
The first phase will focus on building out the upper half of the park. This allows time for planners to consider long-term options for a lower trailhead. In this phase, an access trail for boulders, a mid-mountain connector, a climbing trail, and descending trails will be completed.
Phase 2
COMPLETED
This phase will focus on the lower half of the park and will incorporate a lower connector, additional climbing trail, several descents, and a trail to Read’s Spring.
Phase 3
2023 AND BEYOND
The final phase of construction will be ongoing as we continue to raise funds for additional trail, as well as ongoing park maintenance.
