Free Chattanooga Photo Spots

In today’s blog, I’m going to dive into some of my favorite free Chattanooga photo spots. Chattanooga is known as the Scenic City for a reason! There are so many beautiful outdoor spaces and parks throughout the Chattanooga area. So it makes sense that local Chattanoogans and visitors love to get family portraits outside when the weather permits.

If you are considering updated family portraits, a senior session, or maternity session, let’s chat! I love working with clients to design a timeless, joy-filled, low stress photography session that produces images you will treasure for years to come. You can see some of my latest work here.

1. Coolidge Park – Chattanooga Photo Spots

I can’t think of a more iconic Chattanooga location than Coolidge Park. With it’s to blue bridges and paths that curve along the Tennessee River, there are many photo worthy locations within this park. A great variety of ornamental trees offer blooms and color throughout the spring and fall. Ample parking can typically be found (much of it is paid parking, but there are a few free spots if you know where to look). Even if iconic views of Chattanooga don’t interest you, next door Renaissance Park offers a more wooded, natural feel. Occasionally Coolidge Park hosts events and festivals, so it is worth checking the city calendar before planning to use this free Chattanooga photo spot.

2. Greenway Farms

For a more rural feel, check out Greenway Farms in Hixson. It offers large open spaces, wooded paths, and a walkway along a creek with iron bridges. If your client is up for a hike, there’s also an old quarry that can offer an interesting backdrop. Greenway Farms has plenty of free parking. This space also hosts occasional events, so check the calendar before scheduling a session here.

3. The Riverwalk

The Chattanooga Riverwalk spans over 16 miles. In recent years, connector trails like the North and South Chickamauga Creek Extensions have been added. There are so many little scenic gems along this trail. However, some sections are heavily trafficked by bicyclists and runners on the weekend and during the evenings. If planning a session with young children, it would be best to schedule the session during a less populated time or on a less populated section of the trail.

4. Downtown Chattanooga

The city itself offers many beautiful areas that are certainly picture worthy. West Village, Aquarium Way, Ross’ Landing and the Hunter Museum are particularly pedestrian friendly. While the Bluff View Art District is a stunning setting, do note that a paid permit is required for photography sessions there; so it doesn’t make the list of free Chattanooga photo spots.

5. Heritage Park

East of the city, near Hamilton Place Mall sits Heritage Park. This quaint little park features a charming small creek, covered bridge, and several open meadows. There is plenty of parking in both paved and gravel lots. Many of the photo areas are situated close to the parking. The park is fairly level making it a fairly accessible option.

Free Chattanooga Photo Spots Outside the City

If your family isn’t opposed to driving outside of the city, Chickamauga Battlefield and Raccoon Mountain are also worth considering.