This Tennessee Hike Has Been a State Secret for Over a Century
Hiking feels like the Tennessee state sport, sometimes. With so many gorgeous country spots and spaces scattered across the state it’s hard to find one that really stands out. Which is why when we stumbled across Rainbow Lake in southern Tennessee, we simply couldn’t leave it be. We decided to take a look and see just why this fabulous place is worth remembering, and we found a few reasons…
The hike down to Rainbow Lake has been popular since its inception in 1916, when the lake was built as a facet of the Signal Mountain Hotel. Although the hotel is no longer in operation and is now known as the Alexian Village, it is still a great hike for kids and families alike.
You can take the 2.3-mile loop around the lake, and you'll eventually come upon the original dam built in 1916.
You can walk part of the Cumberland Trail, or wander the rocky way to Signal Point. If you choose to take the harder route, you'll be rewarded at the end of a steep climb with gorgeous views of the valleys below.
The hike to Rainbow Lake is phenomenal, mainly because it can be as long, short, difficult or easy as you make it. Great for little ones and seasoned hikers alike, this is a beautiful experience that has been popular for more than a century.
If you're looking to hike to Rainbow Lake on your own, you can find it just off of Ohio Avenue at the foot of Signal Mountain. It's just outside of Chattanooga, which is great if you're located in the middle of the state or even in northern Georgia.
You can always take this gorgeous Nashville hike, if you’d like.
