Chattanooga can be a busy city, and with all of the traffic it’s easy to get stuck in gridlock.
If you’re looking to avoid the congestion, there are a few alternate routes into or out of town that can help you get where you need to go without hassle.
Where Is Chattanooga?
Chattanooga is located in southeastern Tennessee and is nestled between two mountains, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. The city sits near the state’s border with Georgia and Alabama, making it easy to access from both states.
Unfortunately, because it sits right in the middle of the three states, it can be difficult to drive around Chattanooga if you’re trying to avoid the traffic. But there are ways to get around the city without feeling your patience tested by gridlock.
The other downside to avoiding Chattanooga is that it’s no easy feat. In fact, all routes around Chattanooga are blocked by Lookout Mountain or Walden Ridge, and there’s no way to avoid the Tennessee River, which runs straight through the city.
When Should I Avoid It?
The worst times to try to go through Chattanooga are during rush hour, which is from 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm. During those times, the streets are crammed with commuters, so trying to move through them can be a nightmare.
In addition to this, Chattanooga gets a lot of tourist traffic throughout the year. The city is home to several popular attractions such as the Tennessee Aquarium and Lookout Mountain, so it can get particularly busy during the summer months.
Best Alternate Routes To Avoid Chattanooga
If you’re looking to drive around the city without dealing with heavy traffic, there are a few alternate routes that can help you do this.
1. I-24 through Chickamauga Battlefield
The most popular route is to take Interstate 24 West out of town, which will take you around Lookout Mountain and through the Chickamauga Battlefield. This scenic drive offers beautiful views of the countryside without any major traffic.
The benefit to this route is that it passes by some of the area’s most popular attractions, so if you have time on your hands you can stop and explore a little bit, or make a mental note to visit later. It’s one of the best drives for site seeing.
2. State Route 58 through Trenton
The second alternate route takes you north out of Chattanooga on State Route 58. This route takes you through the small towns of Trenton and Red Bank, both of which offer some interesting sights.
It’s also significantly less congested than the main highways leading out of town, so if you’re looking for a more leisurely drive this is the route for you. Plus, it passes by some beautiful countryside that’s worth taking in.
3. Highway 27
Another option is to take Highway 27 North, which bypasses downtown Chattanooga and takes you right up to Soddy-Daisy.
This route is slightly more congested than some of the other alternatives since it passes through some of the suburbs, but it’s less congested than going through the city.
It also offers a much quicker way out of town than taking one of the more scenic routes because it’s slightly more direct, and you won’t get distracted by all of the fun things to see!
4. State Route 153
The last route is State Route 153, which passes through the northern part of Chattanooga.
This road is surprisingly open and uncongested compared to some of the other routes, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to get away from traffic quickly.
Plus, it takes an interesting path up Walden Ridge that offers some nice views as you pass through the area.
Is Chattanooga Hard to Drive Through?
Chattanooga can be tough to get around during rush hour and when the city gets a lot of tourist traffic, but there are ways to drive around it without dealing with gridlock.
Taking one of the alternate routes mentioned above will help you avoid traffic while still allowing you to take in some beautiful scenery.
Another problem with driving through Chattanooga is that people tend to speed. On average, people will drive 15-20 miles per hour over the posted limit, which makes it hard to get around safely.
So make sure you watch your speed and be mindful of other drivers when driving in Chattanooga.
What Highway Goes Through Chattanooga?
If you’re looking to avoid Chattanooga, then it’s best to avoid U.S. Route 27. This highway goes right through the heart of the city and it’s usually quite congested.
If you’re looking for a quicker way out of town, then take one of the alternate routes that I’ve mentioned.
Interstate 75 and Interstate 24 both pass through Chattanooga, though they tend to be more congested than some of the other highways.
However, if you’re looking for a scenic drive then I-24 can be quite nice and it passes by Lookout Mountain and the Chickamauga Battlefield.
Why Visit Chattanooga?
If you’re simply passing through, Chattanooga may not be a destination for you. However, if you’re looking for something to do, then the city has a lot of offer.
Whether you want to explore some natural beauty in Lookout Mountain or check out some of the local art galleries and museums, there’s plenty of activities to keep you busy in Chattanooga.
The Tennessee Aquarium and the Hunter Museum of Art are two popular attractions, while outdoor lovers can enjoy rafting down the Tennessee River or enjoying some hiking in the surrounding area. There’s something for everyone in Chattanooga, so it’s definitely worth a visit!
Additionally, the food scene is booming in Chattanooga and there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. So if you’re looking for a place to explore and experience something new, then Chattanooga is definitely worth considering as a destination.
The bottom line is that driving through Chattanooga can be tricky, but with a little bit of planning you can find some great routes that will get you where you need to go quickly and with minimal traffic.
Be sure to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and don’t forget to check out some of the attractions while you’re there!
Other Alternate routes;
Final Thoughts
Chattanooga can be a difficult place to drive through due to its large population and narrow roads, but there are ways to get around it safely.
Taking alternate routes such as I-24 or State Route 58 will help you avoid heavy traffic while still allowing you to take in some of the beautiful sights that the area has to offer.
Just remember to watch your speed and be mindful of other drivers when driving in Chattanooga.
Happy travels!
Through this blog, I want to share all of my hints and tips, along with reviews of the best RVing accessories. I hope this blog will help others with their RV trips, and make traveling easier for you.
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