Chattanooga stands out as a city that offers more than just scenic views of the Tennessee River or the towering bridges. Its compact downtown and historic districts make it a perfect setting for walking tours that reveal its haunted secrets, artistic soul, and cultural diversity. Whether you’re into ghost stories, local food, or exploring Chattanooga’s darker side, these guided walks give you a closer look at what makes this city unique — without the need for a car or a bus. Plus, many of these tours are small-group experiences, ensuring you get personal attention and insider stories, making your visit smarter and more memorable.
Chattanooga’s walkable layout combined with a rich mix of history, arts, and mysteries makes it an ideal place for engaging walking tours. You won’t find a cookie-cutter approach here — each tour has its own flavor and focus. Some explore Chattanooga’s spooky past, while others offer a culinary journey through Black-owned restaurants. For all these reasons, Chattanooga is a city best explored on foot, with a good guide leading the way.
Quick Overview
Our list includes six top walking tours: a haunted tour that uncovers Chattanooga’s ghostly tales, a food and art tour highlighting Black-owned spots, and several ghost walks that dig into local legends. Each offers a different window into the city — from the haunted streets to the artistic neighborhoods and dark history.
You’ll find tours ranging from adult-only experiences to family-friendly ghost walks, all with a focus on authentic stories and local flavor. Whether a quick 1.5-hour walk or a deeper 2-hour exploration, these tours cater to various interests and budgets. Now, let’s explore what makes each of these walks worth your time.
1. Cursed in Chattanooga Haunted Walking Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Cursed in Chattanooga Haunted Walking Tour focuses on Chattanooga’s most haunted sites and unsettling legends. For about $35, you’ll spend 1.5 hours wandering through downtown Chattanooga, exploring places like Miller Plaza Pavilion, The Read House hotel, and the historic Mountain City Club. This small-group tour, limited to just 9 travelers, offers an intimate and spine-tingling experience, perfect for adults who want to hear about blood-soaked grounds, haunted taverns, and mysterious curses.
Led by guides like Caleb, who handle the lively city nightlife while sharing chilling stories, this tour excels at blending history with supernatural tales. You’ll hear about Liza’s tragic story at Fischer Evans Jewelers and learn about Chattanooga’s mystical past that dates back centuries. The tour emphasizes hauntings and curses, making it ideal for those fascinated by paranormal stories. Reviewers praise Caleb’s engaging storytelling and mention that the Read House Hotel is a highlight.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an adults-only ghost walk that combines history, mystery, and a dash of adrenaline, this tour delivers a compelling, spooky peek into Chattanooga’s darker side.
2. MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour
At number 2, the MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour offers a different flavor. For $65, this experience lasts about 90 minutes and takes you through Chattanooga’s Black-owned restaurants, like Uncle Larry’s and Chatt Smoke House. It’s perfect for those interested in cultural stories, Southern cuisine, and urban art — all seasoned with history.
This small-group tour not only offers tastings of fried fish, po-boys, and smoked brisket but also behind-the-scenes insights into the stories of these establishments. It’s an excellent way to combine food and culture, especially if you want a taste of local life. The tour guides are passionate about sharing the history of Black-owned businesses, giving you context about Chattanooga’s African American community and its role in shaping the city.
During the tour, you’ll get to try Uncle Larry’s famous fried fish, known as “fish so good it will smack you,” and explore the Proof Incubator, a hub for food entrepreneurs. This tour is best suited for food lovers and culturally curious travelers. Keep in mind, the walking is moderate, and the focus is on tasting and storytelling rather than sightseeing.
Bottom Line: For around $65, this tour offers a flavorful blend of culinary delights and cultural insights, perfect for those wanting a meaningful food experience paired with Chattanooga’s story.
3. Chattanooga: Guided Ghost Walking Tour
Number 3 on our list is the Guided Ghost Walking Tour, a classic that dives into Chattanooga’s supernatural tales. At $23 for about 90 minutes, this tour is a budget-friendly way to explore the city’s most haunted locations with a local guide. You’ll visit landmarks like the Old Courthouse and the Dome Building, stopping by supernatural hotspots where ghostly activity is said to occur.
The tour’s strength lies in its storytelling and the spooky atmosphere created by Chattanooga’s historic district. Guides like Jason and Hannah share terrifying tales and personal ghostly encounters, making the experience lively and engaging. Tourists often comment on how well the stories are told and the enthusiasm of the guides, with many noting it’s suitable for all ages.
The tour is well-paced and includes opportunities to take pictures of ghost-riddled spots, adding a fun, interactive element. If you’re interested in a spooky night walk with a balanced mix of history and supernatural lore, this tour fits the bill.
Bottom Line: For an affordable, family-friendly ghost walk, this tour offers chilling stories and a chance to see Chattanooga’s haunted past come alive.
4. Chattanooga: Original Local Award-Winning Walking Ghost Tour
Number 4, the Original Local Award-Winning Walking Ghost Tour, is perfect for travelers seeking a top-rated ghost experience. For $25, it lasts approximately 90 minutes and has earned recognition from TripAdvisor and USA Today as a Top Ten U.S. Ghost Tour.
Led by guide Jason Tinny, the tour explores Chattanooga’s most haunted locations, sharing eerie tales and ghost sightings that have been documented and photographed. The tour includes stops at spots like haunted buildings where visitors have captured paranormal images, and it offers the chance to purchase an autographed copy of Haunted Chattanooga for continued ghostly stories at home.
Reviewers praise Jason’s lively storytelling and his ability to blend spooky tales with local history. The tour is ideal for those who want a well-organized, immersive experience that emphasizes authentic ghost stories.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a highly acclaimed ghost tour with a reputation for authenticity and memorable stories, this tour is a top pick.
5. Chattanooga: Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour
Number 5 is the Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour, designed explicitly for an adult audience. Costing $35 for about 90 minutes, it takes you through Chattanooga’s darker secrets with stops at Miller Plaza Pavilion, Mountain City Club, and Cherry Street Tavern.
Unlike family-friendly ghost walks, this tour doesn’t hold back on scary stories about monsters, curses, and witches. Led by Caleb, who is noted for his engaging storytelling, the tour is perfect for travelers wanting a more intense, mature experience. It also covers city highlights like the Double Cola Company and offers a chance to learn dark secrets behind familiar locations.
The reviews are positive, especially highlighting Caleb’s entertaining and informative style. It’s a slightly more intense take on Chattanooga’s haunted history, great for adults who enjoy spooky stories and urban legends.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a more mature and slightly scarier ghost walk experience, this adult-only tour provides an engaging, spine-chilling evening.
6. Chattanooga Ghosts of the Misty Mountains Walking Tour
The final tour, Ghosts of the Misty Mountains, offers a more educational ghost walk for about $24. Although it’s rated lower at 3.0 stars, it provides a taste of Chattanooga’s dark history connected to the Trail of Tears and local hauntings.
The 1-hour walk visits significant sites like the Edwin Hotel (not haunted itself but linked to stories around it), the Hunter Museum with tales of Tlanuwa, and the Walnut Street Bridge, infamous for murder and hauntings. The tour emphasizes true accounts and the history behind supernatural stories, making it suitable for travelers interested in more factual ghost stories.
While some reviews note the tour is shorter and less polished than others, it still offers a unique perspective on Chattanooga’s gruesome past and haunted landmarks. It’s a good option if you want a quick, educational ghost experience.
Bottom Line: This tour appeals to history-minded travelers interested in the more serious side of Chattanooga’s ghost stories, though it’s the least polished of the bunch.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour
When selecting your ideal walking tour in Chattanooga, consider your interests, budget, and time. If ghost stories are your main focus, the award-winning ghost tour or the haunted walking tour are excellent options. For a cultural and culinary experience, the MLK Art & Food Tour offers a meaningful taste of local stories and flavors.
Travelers on a budget will appreciate the Chattanooga Guided Ghost Walking Tour, while those seeking a more intense adult-themed experience should consider the Adults-Only Haunted Tour.
Book early, especially for tours with limited group sizes or special times, and check availability during peak seasons. Keep in mind that some tours, like the Ghosts of the Misty Mountains, may be more weather-dependent and less frequent.
Final Thoughts
Chattanooga’s compact size and diverse history make it perfect for walking explorations that reveal its haunted side, artistic heart, and cultural richness. For an authentic spooky experience, the award-winning ghost tour and the Cursed in Chattanooga Haunted Walking Tour stand out. If you want a deeper dive into local culture and cuisine, the MLK Art & Food Tour offers a tasty and meaningful experience.
No matter your choice, booking in advance is wise—these tours are popular, and some are small-group only. Whether you’re after ghostly thrills, cultural insights, or a flavorful bite, Chattanooga’s walking tours deliver a memorable look at this lively Tennessee city.