VISITOR'S GUIDE

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park preserves the hallowed ground of two of the most pivotal battles of the American Civil War. As the nation’s first and largest military park, it offers over 9,000 acres of history, monuments, and stunning overlooks. Whether you are exploring the expansive battlefields or the heights of Lookout Mountain, this guide covers exactly how to navigate the park during your stay.

Basecamp Tip

Take a vehicle for Point Park, the mountain roads have steep "hairpin" turns unsuitable for motorcoaches. However, the Chickamauga Battlefield features flat, expansive parking that easily accommodates large rigs.

What to Do: Point Park

(Lookout Mountain, TN) 

Point Park is the site of the "Battle Above the Clouds." It is a "walk-in" park located on the northern tip of the mountain.

  • The Overlook: Offers the most famous view in Chattanooga, looking down 1,000 feet at the Moccasin Bend of the Tennessee River.
  • New York Peace Monument: A massive 95-foot tall monument dedicated to the reconciliation of Union and Confederate veterans.
  • Ochs Museum: A small, historic stone museum perched on the cliffside featuring photos of the battles and the construction of the park.

Dining & Local Provisions

Massey’s Kitchen: The premier "on-mountain" dining destination. It offers an elevated-casual Mediterranean menu with wood-fired pizzas, house-made breads, and a great outdoor patio.

Canopy Coffee and Wine Bar:
Located right next to Massey’s Kitchen. This is your go-to for high-end morning coffee and pastries, or a curated selection of wine, craft beer, and charcuterie in the afternoon.

What to Do: Chickamauga Battlefield

(Fort Oglethorpe, GA) 

The Chickamauga unit is a massive, open-landscape park. Most visitors begin at the Visitor Center to pick up a map for the 7-mile Self-Guided Auto Tour.

  • The Auto Tour: Features 8 primary stops with pull-offs where you can read historical markers and view the monuments.
  • Wilder Brigade Monument: You can climb the stairs to the top of this stone tower for a 360-degree view of the battlefield.
  • Hiking & Biking: The battlefield features miles of flat, paved, and gravel trails that are excellent for a morning bike ride or a long walk.
Wilder Brigade Monument tower and stone obelisk at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

Dining & Local Provisions

Fi Mi Pot Jamaican Cuisine: A high-end "hidden gem" serving authentic Jamaican favorites like Jerk Chicken and Goat Curry. It’s a bold, unique flavor profile just minutes from the park entrance.
BBQ Shack:
A classic, no-frills Southern BBQ joint known for generous portions of pulled pork and smoked ribs. Ideal for a casual, hearty lunch.
Park Place Restaurant:
A Fort Oglethorpe staple for authentic Southern home-style cooking—perfect for beef tips or country-fried steak.
Provisions:
This area features several major grocery stores (including Publix) for guests who prefer to stock up and grill at their executive site.

Know Before You Go

  • Reservations: No reservations are required. The Chickamauga Battlefield is free to enter. Point Park requires a $10 entry fee (ages 16+), but National Park Passes (America the Beautiful) are accepted.
  • Duration: Plan for 2 hours for the Chickamauga Auto Tour and about 1 hour for Point Park.
  • Pet Policy: Leashed pets are welcome on the battlefield and within Point Park.


Location & Getting There 

The park is split into two main locations about 20 minutes apart:

Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center
3370 Lafayette Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
From Hawkins Pointe: It is a straightforward 15-minute drive south.

Point Park Visitor Center
110 Point Park Rd, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
From Hawkins Pointe: A 30-minute drive. Follow signs for Lookout Mountain; remember to use your vehicle for the mountain climb.

Official Park Website

Staying Near the Park Hawkins Pointe RV Park is the perfect central hub for exploring both units of the Military Park.

Aerial view of a Chattanooga with multiple bridges crossing a river, mountains in the background, and buildings lining the waterfront.

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