Edward's Point: a Tennessee River Gorge-ous Hike
- ventureswithvictoria
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hike Stats
Trail: Signal Point to Edward’s Point via the Cumberland Trail
Distance: 5.2 mi RT
Elevation Gain: 825 ft
Location: Signal Mountain / Chattanooga, TN
Date Hiked: multiple times
Whenever people visit my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, I always recommend that they hike to Edward’s Point. It features some of the best views in the area which is saying something as Chattanooga is full of incredible hikes! There are a few ways to get to Edward’s Point, but I would recommend starting at Signal Point Park on Signal Mountain. Signal Point is actually part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park which protects and teaches about major area battles that took place during the Civil War. Signal Point was used by US soldiers as part of a signaling system at high points along the Tennessee River as well as a place to observe Confederate troop movements. The park has free parking and restrooms however it is gated and only open during daylight hours.
After passing through Signal Point, you’ll descend down a series of stairs affectionately dubbed the “mousetrap.” They’ve been given a makeover in the past few years with fresh wooden steps but they are still exhausting to climb back up!
Not long past the mousetrap, there is a large rocky outcrop called the Julia Falls Overlook that overlooks the Tennessee River and the tall but seasonal Julia Falls across the gorge. If you’re just looking for a short jaunt, then this is a great place to hang out for a bit before turning around.
Past the overlook the trail narrows and becomes a rocky singletrack until it reaches Middle Creek. Along the way you can hear (and potentially see in winter) a waterfall named Rainbow Falls but take note that there is not currently a safe way down to it. After reaching the creek, you have the option to continue straight instead of crossing the creek, where you’ll quickly reach Rainbow Lake, a small manmade pond with a cascade over its dam.
Returning to the creek crossing, you’ll find a bridge* over some large boulders in the creek that are a perfect spot for a break. The creek can run quite fast after a big rain so take caution around the water.
*Unfortunately the lovely suspension bridge that spanned the creek for many years was taken out during a storm in 2025. It was really old (ahem, charming) and due to be replaced anyway but it has sadly been replaced by a boring ugly bridge. I'm sure it was a lot of work but I'm sorry, it's ugly. Here’s to hoping they will replicate the once magnificent swinging bridge in the future!
After crossing the bridge, take the white-blazed trail to the left where you’ll start climbing back up towards the bluff. Keep an eye out to the left for Lockhart’s Arch, a small rock arch that is easy to miss, as well as a small seasonal cascade.
Once on the bluff, you’ll get glimpses of the surrounding gorge as you hike. I always love this section; nothing like a good ridge walk!
At 2.6 miles you’ll reach Edwards Point, a rocky outcropping of the bluff you previously looked out over at the Julia Falls Overlook. It’s a great spot to sit along the edge, have a snack, and watch the Tennessee River travel through the gorge back towards Chattanooga before heading back to Signal Point.
If you only have time for one hike while in Chattanooga, definitely choose this one! It’s the quintessential ‘Nooga hike and most reasonably fit people can do this. With Civil War history, Tennessee River Gorge views, ridge walking along bluffs, waterfalls, and creeks, there is something for everyone!
Trail Tips
This is a great year-round hike in the Chattanooga, TN, area. It can get quite water logged in the spring however so be prepared for muddy and wet conditions and possibly high water levels in the creek.
If you start at Signal Point Park, be sure to be out by sunset or you may be locked in. If you want to do a sunrise or sunset hike, you’ll need to park at the Rainbow Lake Trailhead and start down that trail which will take you down to Rainbow Lake and the bridge, bypassing the “mousetrap.”
There are steep drop offs along this hike so watch your kids and accident-prone friends.
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