About this Course

National Hiking Day on November 17 may be one of the most important “holidays” out there. Why? For starters, hiking is fun and free! Hiking is proven to have many health benefits, ranging from physical exercise you get when out on the trail, to emotional or mental relief that comes from being in nature. Being outdoors opens up your senses to your surroundings and improves your sensory perception. Taking in the sights, smells, and feelings of nature has so many health benefits it can even be prescribed by a doctor and Not to mention, hiking is great exercise allowing you to burn over 550 calories per hour. Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a beginner friendly guided hike along Bay Point Loop Trail at Harrison Bay State Park. The trail is 4.3 miles, and it follows a generally flat contour to offer lake views while within the canopy of the forest. The beginner trail only has 125 feet of elevation gain in total so it’s a relatively flat trail. There are two parts of the trail on a wooden boardwalk to keep people raised off the low lying muddy areas, but they are very well maintained and easy to navigate. This event is FREE and appropriate for people aged 8 and up. Location: Harrison Bay, Bay Point Loop