Stringer’s Ridge

Chattanooga | Tennessee

What We Did
Worked with the community and partners to protect 92 acres of pristine land from proposed development.

Our Goal
Create a thriving park for Chattanoogans.

Support Our Work in Tennessee

A statue of an eagle on top of a hill next to a river.

Stringer’s Ridge by the Numbers

acres of land protected

500

condominiums blocked

$2.4

million raised

The Stringer’s Ridge Story

A mile from the Tennessee River, the wooded hilltops of Stringer’s Ridge above Chattanooga are one of the city’s most loved urban escapes. This outdoor hub is enjoyed by hikers, bikers, and anyone ready to step outside.

In 2007, Stringer’s Ridge was just a pipe dream. Developers announced plans to construct 500 condominiums along the ridge overlooking downtown Chattanooga. As word spread that the city’s green backdrop would soon disappear under six-story structures, the community rallied to put a stop to it.

The development proposal was withdrawn in the face of local opposition, but the land remained unprotected. In the fall of 2008, Trust for Public Land launched a campaign to protect all 92 acres of the ridge. Five years later, in 2013, TPL finalized an agreement with the landowner alongside the City of Chattanooga, and the park opened to the public. Today, the park offers a natural escape from city life, with a mix of wide paths, single-track trails, and the best views in town.

Looking ahead, TPL has negotiated public access and construction of a trail connector from Stringer’s Ridge to Red Bank’s White Oak Park. Revitalization projects are being proposed to ensure that this park remains in top shape for generations to come.

About This Project

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The Green Way to Grow

“We’ll build a cantilevered wooden overlook here,” Woody indicates, “with seating, so people can sit, read a book, or watch the sunset.” It seems as if we can see forever; it’s hard to believe that Chattanooga was once declared the dirtiest city in America, with air so thick that motorists needed headlights to drive during the day.

From the overlook, a series of stakes bearing fluorescent orange flags marks the course of a new trail beneath an oak-and-hickory canopy. In 2009, Trust for Public Land acquired Stringer’s Ridge for a Chattanooga city park and now has hired Woody to lace the ridge with nearly 8 miles of trails. “We want new people to visit,” Woody says, “and we want everyone to stay longer.” Woody is all about connecting people with the land.

The same could be said for Chattanooga. The preservation and opening for public use of Stringer’s Ridge are emblematic of Chattanooga’s commitment to open space and quality of life as a key to its economic future.

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Get in Touch with Our Tennessee Team

Chattanooga Office

1810 E. Main Street
Ste. 200
Chattanooga, TN, 37404
(423) 265-5229
tennessee@tpl.org

Noel Durant

Associate Vice President, Tennessee State Director

noel.durant@tpl.org