About St Elmo Boulders at Old Wauhatchie Park
St Elmo Boulders at Old Wauhatchie Park is a small urban park and trail area in Chattanooga that reviewers overwhelmingly praise for its well-maintained paths, clear signage, beginner-friendly bouldering, and standout views of downtown Chattanooga and Moccasin Bend. Feedback centers more on climbing and hiking than on biking, with only a passing mention of biking trails. Weaknesses are minor and isolated: an off-leash dog conflict, occasional broken glass and litter, and a warning against parking on the street.
At a Glance
Trail Score
out of 10
Why Riders Choose St Elmo Boulders at Old Wauhatchie Park
The top themes reviewers mention most.
- well maintained and clean9 mentions
- bouldering and climbing10 mentions
- scenic views of Chattanooga7 mentions
- clear signage and labeling6 mentions
- easy to navigate and beginner friendly4 mentions
Trail Conditions
⚠️ Surface condition: Dry and well maintained
⛰️ Perceived difficulty: Flat easy
Crowds & Best Times to Go
🔺 Busiest: weekends, afternoons
🟢 Quietest: weekday mornings, early mornings
Who Uses This Trail
Scenery & Views
Highlights: Views over downtown Chattanooga and Moccasin Bend, Overlooks the city and valley below, Trails weaving through forested mountainside and old building ruins
Safety & Upkeep
🛡️ appears safe during daylight; caution in isolated areas after dark
Parking & Amenities
Dogs on the Trail
1 leash/conflict mention(s) in reviews.
Trail Etiquette & Community
Who It's Best For
Great for
Less ideal for
What Could Be Better
- off-leash dogs1
- broken glass and litter1
- street parking discouraged by a local landowner1
- mosquitoes1
What Riders Say
"What a great little boulder field, right in town! Everything is so well kept and well labeled"
"Make sure to only park in the marked lots so that we do not jeopardize access to these great boulders!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers based on what riders say in their reviews.
Is parking available at this park?
Reviews mention a marked parking area, and one reviewer warned that a nearby landowner does not want visitors parking on the street, so use the marked lots.
Is the trail easy for beginners?
Yes, reviewers describe it as an easy trail, beginner friendly, and easy to navigate.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Reviews do not state an official dog policy, but one walker reported encountering off-leash dogs that tried to attack their dog.
What can I see along the trail?
Reviewers highlight views over downtown Chattanooga and Moccasin Bend, plus trails winding through a forested mountainside and old building ruins.
Is the area well maintained?
Most reviewers call it clean and well maintained, though one older review mentioned broken glass and debris.
Ride St Elmo Boulders at Old Wauhatchie Park
Plan your visit or open the trail on the map.