We visit Chattanooga, Tennessee a lot and we have visited most of the main tourist attractions multiple times, but here is a place we never knew about until this past weekend.  We were looking for something new to explore and our Google search led us to this place.  The Chattanooga Audubon Society was started in 1944 by Robert Sparks Walker.  The society was his way to protect his family farm.  He was an author and poet who believed in protecting the environment.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

The Chattanooga Audubon Society

Today, the Audubon Society carries on Mr. Walker's mission of protecting the environment through programming and stewardship.  The society offers several events throughout the year such as the Little Owl Festival, summer camps, a haunted hayride in the fall, and pioneer days.

They also offer a variety of educational events, exhibits, and programs.  There are property rentals and pic nic tables on the property.  See the Chattanooga Audubon Society website for full details.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Visitors will need to go inside the front office cabin to purchase admission to the property and trails.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Inside the front office cabin, there is a museum section.  The exhibits contain artifacts found on the property and surrounding areas.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

The pottery exhibit was the most interesting to me.  The other exhibits contained arrowheads and other tools.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

The hayride was set up for the hunted trail, but they only offer that on Friday's and Saturdays in October.  We were there on a Sunday.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

The first trail led to a creek. 

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Livng

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

There is a large campfire area on the property.  This is a good spot for youth groups or scout troops.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

We didn't ask about camping but we did see tents set up on the property.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Robert Walker's Grave-site

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

The Chattanooga Audubon Society is tucked away from the downtown tourist area.  It's a quiet place to enjoy all the events and services they offer.  

On this particular trip, we were unable to complete the trails because the mosquito population was too thick. We tried.  I went inside before we left simply to use the restroom.  I had not planned on complaining or asking for a refund, but after explaining to the lady at the desk our reason for spending so little time there, she insisted on refunding our money. She explained that only a few weeks ago, when Hurricane Florence came through, the whole area where the trails are located was under water.  I told here we would visit again on our next trip to Chattanooga.

I can't offer any information about any other experiences with the Chattanooga Audubon Society because we just found it.  Since the staff member on duty was pleasant and immediately offered a refund as soon as she heard that we could not walk the trails, we will go back.  Maybe we can share pictures of the trails and an event or two later.  If you have visited the Chattanooga Audubon Society in the past, feel free to tell us about your experience in the comment section below.

Read about more places to visit in Chattanooga, Tennessee here.