In 2025, Chattanooga officially became America’s first National Park City.

And no, we didn’t bribe anyone. (That we know of.)

This is a global designation that honors cities going all-in on outdoor access, green space, clean air, and community well-being. Basically, if your city feels like a national park and still has good coffee and Wi-Fi, you’re on the right track.

So yeah, we earned it. And then we made a t-shirt. Because that’s what we do.

Introducing: the National Park City Tee
Designed for trail dust, river dips, and snack breaks with a view. But first, here’s why Chattanooga earned the crown.

What Even Is a National Park City?

Think less “Yellowstone” and more “your backyard, but awesome.”

The National Park City movement started in London and recognizes cities that bring nature into everyday life. Cities that say, “Hey, what if you didn’t have to drive two hours to touch a tree?”

Now Chattanooga is leading the charge in the U.S. Which feels right, honestly.

Why Chattanooga?

Let’s break it down with some real-deal reasons this wasn’t just a fluke or a good PR move. The process involved years of planning, public input, and some big commitments:

• Over 40 organizations and community leaders endorsed it

• Hundreds of locals shaped the vision through surveys and events

• We committed to improving air quality, biodiversity, and access to green space

• The goal? Make sure everyone can walk to nature from their front door

It’s not just about being outdoorsy. It’s about building a city where nature is baked in.

Trailheads Are Basically Our Stop Signs

With 150+ hiking trails, you could hike a different one every weekend for the next three years and still not run out. Some favorites:

• Sunset Rock – Short hike, big payoff

• Edward’s Point – Classic Chattanooga overlook vibes

• The Cumberland Trail – A monster of a trail that snakes right through the region

We have trails in the city. You can go from coffee to cliffside in 20 minutes flat.

Dirt Jumps and Singletrack Dreams

Chattanooga is also a mountain biking paradise, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-send thrill seeker.

• Walden’s Ridge – Fast, technical, spicy

• Raccoon Mountain – 20+ miles of singletrack glory

• Stringer’s Ridge – Perfect lunch break loop

• Cloudland Canyon – Elevation for days, views for miles

There are few cities where you can bomb a trail and still make it to your dinner reservation downtown. This is one of them.

Oh Yeah, We Paddle Too

The Tennessee River literally cuts through the middle of town. That’s not just pretty. It’s practical.

Kayak, paddleboard, or just float while holding a beverage. Head to Nickajack Lake or Chickamauga if you want to escape a bit further. We don’t just visit the water — we live on it.

Fun Fact: We Used to Be Filthy

Like… real bad. In 1969, Walter Cronkite called Chattanooga the “Dirtiest City in America.”

The air was so thick with pollution, people were told to stay inside. You couldn’t even see the mountains through the smog. That’s when the city said: nope.

Fast forward a few decades and we’ve gone full phoenix. River cleanups, green energy projects, smart city tech, massive trail investments — the glow-up is real.

Celebrate With Us (Or at Least Look Good Doing It)

This moment felt big enough to commemorate the best way we know how: with a tee.

The National Park City Tee is a locally printed, soft-as-heck shirt built for muddy boots, sweaty backs, and full-on nature appreciation.

🎽 Grab Yours Here
Just like the best campsites, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

TL;DR

Chattanooga is wild in the best way. We’ve got the trails, the bikes, the rivers, the green initiatives, and the comeback story to prove it. Becoming a National Park City isn’t the end. It’s the trailhead.

If you like your air fresh, your shirts soft, and your hikes scenic — you might already be one of us.