Interstate 24 offers a unique slice of Tennessee scenery and urban energy as it sweeps west through Chattanooga. In this 12-mile drive, we follow I-24 from its eastern terminus at Interstate 75 and travel westward through the heart of the city, hugging the Tennessee River and skirting the base of Lookout Mountain. Whether you’re just passing through or beginning a longer journey, this stretch of highway packs a lot into a short distance — from riverfront vistas to historic neighborhoods and major interchanges.
We begin our ride at the busy interchange of I-24 and I-75, where Chattanooga’s southeast corridor funnels travelers toward downtown. This area is a convergence point for interstate traffic coming from Georgia and Knoxville, and it’s often bustling with semi-trucks, commuters, and long-haul travelers alike. The surrounding landscape here is a mix of residential neighborhoods and light commercial districts. As we head west, we travel through Missionary Ridge — a long, steep ridge that played a key role in Civil War history. Today, its slopes are dotted with homes and trees, offering brief glimpses of Chattanooga’s layered topography.
As the interstate continues its descent into the city core, we cross over U.S. Highway 41 (Ringgold Road), which parallels I-24 through much of East Ridge and into the city proper. This part of the route is dense with local interchanges, connecting to Brainerd Road, 4th Avenue, and Central Avenue — key arteries that link into downtown Chattanooga’s grid. We soon pass the “Ridge Cut,” a dramatic manmade gap in Missionary Ridge that provides panoramic views of the city skyline. From this vantage point, it’s easy to spot Lookout Mountain rising in the distance to the southwest and the Tennessee River carving its way through the city.
Once in downtown Chattanooga, I-24 turns south briefly before curving back west near the interchange with U.S. Highway 27. This interchange is a critical junction for travelers heading north toward Soddy-Daisy or Dayton, or south into Georgia. The highway skirts the southern edge of downtown, just blocks from attractions like the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the Tennessee Aquarium, and Ross’s Landing on the riverfront. Despite being a major freeway, this part of I-24 provides surprisingly scenic moments — especially as you cross over the Market Street and Broad Street corridors with glimpses of the river and industrial rail lines below.
Leaving downtown, the highway hugs the southern banks of the Tennessee River as it curves westward again. To the left, you’ll catch views of Lookout Mountain, a prominent peak in the Cumberland Plateau. This natural landmark is home to attractions like Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway — all easily accessible from nearby exits. The route here transitions from urban to more wooded surroundings, with fewer exits and more uninterrupted views as the highway winds alongside the river.
We end our drive just southwest of Lookout Mountain at the interchange with U.S. Highway 41, also known as Cummings Highway. This area marks the gateway to Lookout Valley and the last segment of Chattanooga proper before I-24 begins climbing out of the river basin toward Jasper and eventually into Middle Tennessee. It’s a natural stopping point for travelers heading west or a scenic introduction to the city for those arriving from Georgia.
From city skyline views and historic ridges to major transportation links and riverside curves, this short but impactful stretch of Interstate 24 showcases Chattanooga’s blend of natural beauty and urban infrastructure. Whether you’re on a cross-country trip or just hopping across town, it’s a drive that highlights the geographic and cultural layers of this storied city.
🗺️ Route Map
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