Morning: Depart Marietta early to enjoy a relaxed drive along I‑85 and I‑75. Stop at the Lake Hartwell State Park for a quick stretch; leashed dogs are welcome on the paved trail and you can sip coffee by the water.
Afternoon: Arrive in Chattanooga and check into a pet‑friendly hotel such as the La Quinta Inn & Suites. After settling in, take a leisurely walk with your pup along the Walnut Street Bridge, offering scenic river views and plenty of shade.
Evening: Dine at the pet‑friendly patio of St. John’s River Market, where you can enjoy Southern cuisine while your dog relaxes under the table. End the night with a sunset stroll through Coolidge Park, where the fountain’s splash zone is perfect for a quick dip.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to Lookout Mountain and ride the Incline Railway (dogs allowed on the ground floor) for breathtaking city panoramas. Continue to Rock City Gardens, where leashed pets can explore the easy trails and admire the famous “See Rock” formation.
Afternoon: Descend to the riverfront for a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium; while pets aren’t admitted inside, the adjacent Riverwalk provides a pleasant, shaded path for a leisurely walk. Grab a quick bite at the pet‑friendly Champ’s Crawfish & Barbeque patio.
Evening: Conclude the trip with a sunset hike at Ruby Falls’s surrounding park (the falls themselves are not pet‑friendly, but the surrounding trails are). Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening, perhaps ordering room service so you can unwind with your furry companion.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, add a third day to explore the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park and enjoy longer hikes on Lookout Mountain. For a shorter trip, skip Rock City and focus on the riverfront attractions, which will reduce both travel time and costs while still offering plenty of pet‑friendly fun.