The report highlights popular and potential hotspots for outdoor recreation in the tri-state region, as well as annual expenditures and spending preferences related to the industry.

Project Purpose:

This survey was designed to gather information about outdoor recreation in the tri-state greater Chattanooga region, such as popular activity types and destinations, as well as average spending. Survey findings will be shared to help design strategies that support local communities across the region as they build sustainable economic strategies around their natural assets, outdoor recreation, and tourism.

The tri-state greater Chattanooga region has long been attractive to outdoor enthusiasts. While Chattanooga itself (twice declared Best Town Ever by Outside magazine) may be the region’s metropolitan anchor, smaller towns and cities in the surrounding rural areas are well-positioned to see economic returns because of their proximity to beautiful natural spaces and increased trends in local and regional travel.

Conducted just before the pandemic, a survey of 632 recreationists across the tri-state region by Thrive Regional Partnership (Thrive) and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) indicates that recreationists desire to explore the less-traveled corners and communities of our Appalachian landscape.