Lookout Mountain and Moccasin Bend

Since 2001, Trust for Public Land has purchased several high-priority open spaces in the Chattanooga area—conveying each to the National Park Service. First is Lookout Mountain, which led to a blanket of land protection covering popular spots like Smith Hill and Tyndale Hill, as well as five Civil War battle sites and historical transportation corridors.

TPL has directed the same focus on the nearby Moccasin Bend Archaeological District. This location is historically significant, with 12,0000-plus years of known human habitation. Its native name is inspired by the view of the bending Tennessee River, which closely resembles a moccasin.

Trust for Public Land worked with the National Park Service, our Tennessee congressional delegation, and aligned nonprofits to formalize this protected district (the first of its kind in the country), to ensure respect and preservation of this special place.

Chattanooga is a rare gem in the nation’s fabric, with important history to be preserved. TPL is proud to keep its deep connection to this city and the surrounding land to ensure that it is treated well for generations to come.