Aetna Mountain Trails
Neighborhood Trails for Everyone
DIRT DEETS
Total Miles: 8 miles
Trail Breakdown: 2 green · 2 blue
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Land Manager: Tennessee River Gorge Trust
Primary Trailhead: Aetna Mountain Trailhead, River Gorge Drive
Parking: Free
Special Notes: No restrooms or facilities on site
Eat, Stay, Play:
Tucked into Chattanooga’s Black Creek neighborhood on the slopes of Aetna Mountain, this trail system initially opened in fall 2023 with Phase 1 and quickly became one of the most talked-about new builds in the region. Supported by an IMBA Trail Solutions Accelerator Grant and managed by the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, the now complete 8-mile system delivers modern, purposeful design with big personality packed into every turn. The figure 8 system with progressive stacked loops allows for confidence building and riders to bite off what they can handle. A smooth green loop warms up legs and confidence before the blue intermediate loop kicks things up with playful features, engaging elevation changes, and flowing corners that keep the pace lively. Designed for multi-directional use and shared with hikers and runners, Aetna represents Chattanooga trail building at its most current: thoughtfully designed, community-driven, and adaptive bike friendly.
Recommended Routes
Aetna Mountain Flow Loop
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 610 ft
Difficulty: Intermediate
Start/End: River Gorge Drive Trailhead
Begin on the Green Trail clockwise for a smooth, rolling warm-up, then transition onto the Blue Trail counterclockwise for a more dynamic pace with playful features and flowing corners.
Why ride it: A quick-hit ride with big personality — perfect for after-work laps.
Intermediate Route:
Distance: ~10 miles
Elevation Gain: ~900 ft
Difficulty: Intermediate
Start/End: East Overlook TH
The Blue Lollipop is the perfect introduction to Raccoon Mountain’s technical style. This intermediate loop blends flowing singletrack, manageable rock features, and rolling elevation into a fun, confidence-building ride. It delivers the Raccoon experience without the relentless demands of the full Outer Loop, making it ideal for strong intermediate riders or mixed-ability groups.
Why ride it: A balanced mix of flow, tech, and scenery that’s challenging yet approachable.