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Big Soddy Creek

N. Chickamauga Creek

Big Soddy Creek Gulf

Location = Big Soddy Creek. 11721 Back Valley Rd, Soddy Daisy, about 20 minutes north of Chattanooga.

If the 1st parking lot is full - drive to the back. Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail is flat, wide, and wheelchair friendly. It's about 2.5 miles roundtrip to the bridge & back. If you take advantage of the swim opportunities and then relax on the large rocks across the creek - it does wonders to refresh mind & body.

Big Soddy Creek Gulf has a few blue holes that are so rejuvenating on hot summer days. But, don't be fooled - when you first get in the water you're going to gasp. The water temps are definitely on the cooler side. Once you're acclimated, it's really nice. There's also picnic tables & porta-potties in a couple spots along the way.

Both Little and Big Soddy Creek are steeped in coal mine history. After the Civil War, the influx of immigrants pouring into the area transformed the serene farm lands into a bustling coal mining town. The first mine opened in 1866 slightly southwest of Big Soddy Creek Gulf. Interesting tidbit - up until 1969 Soddy Daisy was 2 separate towns: Soddy and Daisy.

Perfect for a weekend to unwind and get recharged. Bring lunch and spend some time soaking in nature. FYI: The water levels can get low from mid to late summer if there's been little rain. Both blue holes are crowded on weekends in the warmer months. If you'd like more quiet don't go during noon to 5 pm Saturday or 2 pm to 5 pm Sunday due to being bible belt country on Sundays.

The main Blue Hole (a swim hole) is about ¼ mile in - you can't miss the big open area on the left with perfect creek access. Have a swim or float in a tube. Or, just hang out on the flat rock ledges to get your vitamin D sunshine. Note: we always bring river shoes in case of sharp rocks or sticks on the bottom.

It was a great swim.....that is, after gradually acclimating to water temperatures using the 3 step method: wade in up to your mid-calves. First shock, second mild numbness, and third is time to get busy. LOL. Fair warning: even in August it's a little chill. Who needs caffeine to wake up - your first plunge will do the trick!

Location = Soddy Blue Hole, the address online is wrong. Once you're on Dayton Pike going north off Hwy 27, go left on Montlake Rd. Drive about 1 mile, and after the guardrail on the left, take the 2nd driveway on the left marked with a brown sign. The trail begins at the end of the road which is the last parking lot. It's about 15 minutes north of Chattanooga.

The name N. Chickamauga Creek Gorge Trail is a ridiculous mouth-full, so locals call it the Soddy Blue Hole. The trail is about 2.5 miles roundtrip. Bring a backpack and change into water shoes if you want dry shoes & sock.

The first 1/4 mile has a few spots where you can scamper down on the left to a few blue holes & tiny beaches. Few people stop here, so you can have a nice quiet floaty if that's your groove. Continuing down the trail which abruptly ends at the waters edge - wasn't expecting that.

The Soddy Blue Hole on N. Chickamauga Creek is fairly wide and from mid to late summer when water levels are lower, it's pretty easy to cross. Your options are: rock hop it across which is slightly tricky....or just wade thru it. If there's been heavy winter rains, by spring & early summer you might need a safety rope. Seriously, it's deep, powerful, and fast. There's been some snake sightings in the creek & sun-bathing on rocks. They'll usually try to avoid you, unless you're messing with the nasty thing.

More Fun Things to Do - Soddy Daisy

• FYI - Soddy Daisy is home to the county's first courthouse, Poe's Tavern built in 1817. In 1838, it served as a stopping place for 1,900 Cherokee traveling the Trail of Tears. During the Civil War, it functioned as a hospital.

• Scramble Alley Park - Your kids will love you forever if you take them. It's made of wood, with monkey bars, slides, bridges, sand boxes, mazes, and more. It's so big, you could loose a little one!

• Soddy Creek - In a couple areas, it looks more like a large lake, the biggest lake area being at Hwy 27 thru Soddy Daisy. Pick your water sport - boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or fishing. Boat launch = 11606 Holly Circle. Kayak's can also put-in at Soddy Daisy Park Bird Sanctuary.

Vacation Travel Tips

• Average temps high/low = Summer 89/68 degrees F. Winter 49/31. TN ranks 7th for humidity. Expect snow in mountain regions.

• Backpack essentials - water, bug spray, sunscreen, whistle, flashlight, cell phone, pocket knife, and a light jacket.

• Winter Essentials - thermal blanket, waterproof boots, warm clothing.

• Hiking conditions - trails can be wet & slippery after summer rains. Prepare for snow in higher elevations.

• Vehicle safety – Keep a spare blanket, boots, jacket, gloves, and snacks in the car. Winter roads can be icy & snow covered - use “winter” tires. If you only have "all season" tires, take snow chains.

• Wild animals - black bears are becoming bolder in parks/campsite areas mostly due to food. Coyotes, cougar, bobcat are also present.

• Trash - Pack out what you pack in.

• Rivers/lakes – river shoes are very helpful. Heavy winter rains mean deep, ice-cold & fast moving water in spring.

• Poison oak & ivy - always know before you touch. The common Oak has 3 leaflets per stem but can have more. Ivy always has 3 leaflets.

• Poisonous Snakes - 4 types, found on land, water, and trees. They generally prefer to avoid humans, usually biting only if threatened. However, these are aggressive: water moccasins (a.k.a. cottonmouths) and pigmy rattlesnakes.

• Wilderness areas – take a buddy & tell someone your travel plans.

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