Chattanooga is the First National Park City in the U.S.

Chattanooga in 1969 was a city of 50,000. TennesseeThe U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare once named the as one of the most polluted rivers in the country because of unregulated emissions from coal plants, railroads, and industrial factories. most heavily polluted places In the nation. This little city in the Appalachian foothills has worked hard to clean itself.

Chattanooga was named the first city in the United States to host the World’s First Annual International Conference on the Internet. National Park City In the U.S. The distinction has nothing to do with the National Park ServiceThe National Park Service manages national monuments and historic sites throughout the country. Instead, the city received the designation from the National Park City Foundation, an U.K. nonprofit organization that aims to change the way people view cities and their relationship with nature. The organization gives the title to cities around the world that are rethinking their urban design, and making them more friendly for both the environment and people who live in them.

It took decades to earn the National Park City designation. The application process began about two years ago. Since the 1970s. the city has taken bold steps Clean up the environment through voluntary and legislative actions. The result is a city that feels like it grew into nature—not over it.

Hannah Hammon said that the movement was a grassroots success, spurred by passion for community and collaboration. “Residents, non-profits, businesses and city leaders began to rally around a vision of Chattanooga in 2023 as a “city in a garden.”

Hammon hopes that the award will encourage other destinations to realize that beautiful cities and vibrant urban centers don’t need to be mutually incompatible. 

She said that Chattanooga is a great example of how community collaboration and bold environmental actions can help create cities in which people and nature thrive together. “Chattanooga shows that community-led collaboration, paired with bold environmental action, can create cities where people and nature flourish together,” she said.

Chattanooga makes a perfect urban getaway for those seeking a green escape. Over 70 parks are found in the city, along with 35 miles of trails. The city is home to over 70 parks and 35 miles of trails. South Chickamauga Creek GreenwayA multi-use trail, it winds through wetlands forests and wildlife corridors. It offers a taste (often overlooked by visitors) of the area’s rich biodiversity.

Additional highlights include Stringer’s RidgeThe reclaimed urban forest offers tranquil views of the skyline and the Tennessee RiverwalkThe scenic route that runs through the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. Visitors can also stroll through Bluff View Art DistrictThe city is known for its sculpture gardens along the riverfront. You can also ride the century-old Incline Railway on Lookout Mountain to get a beautiful view of the landscape.