Hamilton County’s next outdoor adventure destination has officially opened to the public. Located on the flank of Signal Mountain, Walden’s Ridge Park features over 10 miles of trails to include mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and bouldering. The trails at Walden’s Ridge Park will elevate the standard for mountain bikers in the Chattanooga region as they are the first purpose-built, progressive, downhill trails.
“This mountainside park sets a new standard for outdoor recreation in our county that will be a point of pride for our citizens and is sure to become a national destination for countless athletes and tourists each year,” said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. “A park as unique as this one, located just ten minutes from downtown, speaks to the natural beauty and the versatility of Hamilton County.”
"The opening of this park marks the addition of a landmark asset to our already remarkable inventory of outdoor amenities. Mountain Bikers from far and wide will be coming here to enjoy these thrilling,
black-diamond grade trails, the first of their kind in the area, and our local mountain biking community will finally have a crown jewel they can be proud of,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “My administration has been working hard to breathe new life into Outdoor Chattanooga, so the City is proud to help make this dream a reality."
Partnership is at the heart of the project – a range of public and private entities joined forces over the last seven years to fundraise, design and build a world-class trail system, and guarantee permanent conservation of the land.
“The Land Trust for Tennessee is grateful to the foundations and individuals who partnered with us to provide the pivotal funding needed to make this park a reality,” said Liz McLaurin, president and CEO for the Land Trust for Tennessee. “It is because of their generosity that the Walden’s Ridge Park Partners are able to present Hamilton County with this world-class park and conservation success. With the conservation easement now in place, we look forward to fulfilling our promise to protect this park forever.”
“The Southeastern Climbers Coalition(SCC) is very excited to see Walden's Ridge Park open to the public! Having another bouldering resource close to town will be a big draw for climbers, and the opening is highly anticipated by the local climbing community,” said Kate Hanes, the SCC Stewardship director. “I want to give a huge shout-out to all of the volunteers who've shown up to trail days and put in the sweat equity over the last few years to develop the trails and boulders. It's been such a huge community effort!”
“This park is a wonderland, built by the community for the community. I hope they’re as proud and excited about it as I am,” said Matt Folz, director of Hamilton County Parks & Recreation.
The park will be maintained and operated by Hamilton County.
Partners are Hamilton County, City of Chattanooga, North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, The Land Trust for Tennessee, Lyndhurst Foundation, The Tucker Foundation, Riverview Foundation, Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA Chattanooga), Southeastern Climbers Coalition, IMBA Trail Solutions, Trails are Common Ground, and McGill Trails.