10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Cleveland, Tennessee (Bradley County)

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10 Easy Road Trips from Cleveland, Tennessee (Bradley County): Fun Things To Do Nearby

If you live in or near Cleveland, Tennessee in Bradley County, you’re in a sweet spot for quick adventures. In less than an hour or so, you can find mountain views, waterfalls, river fun, and small-town charm in several nearby counties in Tennessee and Georgia. Below you’ll find 10 short out-of-county road trips from Cleveland, TN, featuring things to do in:
  • Hamilton County, TN
  • McMinn County, TN
  • Meigs County, TN
  • Polk County, TN
  • Murray County, GA
  • Whitfield County, GA
All are outside Bradley County, so they make perfect little getaways when you want something new but don’t want to drive all day.

1. Explore the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga (Hamilton County, TN)

Just about 30–40 minutes southwest of Cleveland, downtown Chattanooga is an easy day trip, and the Tennessee Aquarium is often the star of the show. You’ll find:
  • Two main buildings: one focused on river life, one on ocean life
  • Playful otters, giant fish, seahorses, and jellyfish
  • Hands-on exhibits for kids and adults
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to walk through an underwater world without getting wet, this is as close as it gets. I still remember the first time I watched the penguins zip through the water here—it felt like they were putting on a private show. After the aquarium, you can stroll the Chattanooga Riverfront, grab ice cream, or walk across the pedestrian-only Walnut Street Bridge for city and river views. Perfect for: Families, couples, rainy-day adventures, and anyone who loves animals.

2. Ride the Incline Railway & Visit Lookout Mountain (Hamilton County, TN)

While you’re in the Chattanooga area, add Lookout Mountain to your road trip list. It’s one of the most famous attractions near Cleveland, TN. The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is billed as “America’s Most Amazing Mile.” It’s a steep, scenic ride up the mountain with big views over Chattanooga and the Tennessee River. Once at the top, you can:
  • Enjoy sweeping views from the observation deck
  • Walk around the historic neighborhood
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Point Park or Rock City (also just over the Georgia line)
Riding the Incline feels a bit like being in a slow-moving glass elevator on rails. If you’re a little nervous about heights, don’t worry—the ride is smooth and over quickly, and the views are worth it. Perfect for: First-time visitors, out-of-town guests, and anyone who loves scenic overlooks.

3. Wander the Creative District in Downtown Chattanooga (Hamilton County, TN)

Chattanooga isn’t just about mountains and rivers. It’s also a fun city for art, food, and local culture—all within a short drive from Cleveland. In and around the downtown area, you can:
  • Browse the Hunter Museum of American Art and its bluff-top views
  • Check out street art, murals, and sculptures
  • Walk through the Bluff View Art District with its galleries and cafés
  • Visit Coolidge Park across the river for a more laid-back vibe
This is the kind of place where you can park once, then just walk, eat, shop, and people-watch the rest of the day. If you’re used to small-town life in Cleveland, downtown Chattanooga feels like a mini-urban escape without big-city stress. Perfect for: Date days, foodies, and casual city explorers.

4. Step Back in Time in Historic Athens, Tennessee (McMinn County, TN)

Head about 40–45 minutes north and you’ll land in Athens, Tennessee, in McMinn County. It’s a small town with a classic Southern feel and a slower pace that’s great for an easy afternoon. Highlights include:
  • A walkable historic downtown with local shops and restaurants
  • Old buildings with interesting architecture
  • Seasonal events and festivals, especially in warmer months
You can pair downtown Athens with a scenic country drive through McMinn County. The rolling hills and farmland give you that peaceful, “windows down, music up” kind of drive that’s perfect when you just need to clear your head. Perfect for: Relaxed day trips, history buffs, and anyone who loves small-town main streets.

5. Cool Off at Watts Bar Lake (Meigs County, TN)

If you’re craving water but don’t want to deal with huge crowds, point your car west toward Meigs County and Watts Bar Lake. Depending on where you go, you can usually be there in about an hour from Cleveland. At Watts Bar Lake, you can:
  • Go boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding
  • Kick back at lakeside spots and marinas
  • Fish for bass, crappie, and catfish
Bring a cooler, some snacks, and make a day of it. On a hot summer day, that first jump off the boat into the lake feels like the best decision you’ve made all week. Perfect for: Water lovers, anglers, and laid-back weekend escapes.

6. Chase Rapids and River Views on the Hiwassee (Polk County, TN)

For something a little more adventurous, drive southeast from Cleveland into Polk County and the Hiwassee River area. The Hiwassee is a National Scenic River and a favorite spot for rafting, tubing, and fishing. In this area you can:
  • Book a rafting or tubing trip in season
  • Fish for trout along the river
  • Enjoy scenic overlooks and picnic spots
The Hiwassee combines mountain air, cool water, and that rushing river sound that just washes stress away. If you’ve never done a gentle rafting trip, this is a great place to start. Many outfitters cater to beginners and families. Perfect for: Outdoor lovers, adventurous families, and groups of friends.

7. Discover Small-Town Charm in Benton & Polk County’s Backroads (Polk County, TN)

While Polk County is famous for places like the Ocoee and the Hiwassee Rivers, don’t sleep on its quieter corners. A short drive from Cleveland will bring you into a world of country roads, older homes, and small communities like Benton. On a simple backroads road trip through Polk County, you can:
  • Stop at local diners and mom-and-pop restaurants
  • Visit small shops and roadside stands (especially in summer and fall)
  • Pull off for mountain views and photo stops
Think of this as your “no schedule” day. Just drive, explore, and see what you find. Sometimes, those unplanned stops—a little BBQ spot, a local produce stand—end up being the most memorable part of the trip. Perfect for: Relaxed weekend drives and people who like to wander without a strict plan.

8. Hike and Explore Fort Mountain State Park (Murray County, GA)

For a classic North Georgia mountain escape, head a bit south into Murray County, Georgia and Fort Mountain State Park. It’s usually about an hour to an hour and a half from Cleveland, depending on your route. At Fort Mountain State Park, you’ll find:
  • Miles of hiking trails with forest and mountain views
  • A stone lookout tower with sweeping vistas
  • A mysterious old rock wall with legends tied to it
  • A small lake with a beach area and picnic spots
The drive up the mountain is curvy, but once you’re at the top, the cooler air and long-range views are worth it. In fall, the leaves can be stunning, with bright reds and golds stretching across the ridges. Perfect for: Hikers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants that “in the mountains” feeling without driving to the Smokies.

9. Visit Historic Downtown Dalton, the “Carpet Capital of the World” (Whitfield County, GA)

South of Cleveland, just across the Georgia line, you’ll find Dalton in Whitfield County, Georgia. Dalton is known as the “Carpet Capital of the World,” but it’s also home to a growing and lively downtown. In downtown Dalton, you can:
  • Walk past murals and local art
  • Grab coffee or lunch at independent cafés and restaurants
  • Browse antique shops and unique boutiques
  • Check out historic sites and markers around town
Dalton has a friendly, homey feel. It’s big enough to give you options but small enough you won’t feel overwhelmed. If you like exploring different small cities around the region, Dalton is a good one to add to your list. Perfect for: Casual day trippers, shoppers, and anyone curious about North Georgia towns.

10. Walk Battlefield Trails at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park (Hamilton & Nearby)

For a meaningful and educational road trip from Cleveland, head toward the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. Parts of the park are in the Chattanooga area (Hamilton County, TN) and continue across the state line into Georgia. This park preserves major Civil War battlefields and includes:
  • Visitor centers with exhibits and maps
  • Driving routes with stops at key historic locations
  • Walking trails through peaceful woods and open fields
  • Monuments, markers, and old cannons
You don’t have to be a hardcore history buff to appreciate it. Even if you’re just there for a quiet walk, there’s something powerful about standing on land where so much history unfolded. Perfect for: History fans, families with school-age kids, and anyone who enjoys quiet, reflective places.

Tips for Planning Your Short Road Trips from Cleveland, TN

To make these out-of-county adventures from Cleveland more enjoyable, keep a few things in mind:
  • Check drive times: Most of these trips are within about 30–90 minutes of Cleveland, Tennessee.
  • Watch the weather: Mountain and river trips can change quickly with storms.
  • Pack a small day bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, sunscreen, and maybe a change of clothes if you’re going near water.
  • Call ahead when needed: For rafting, boat rentals, museums, or state parks, see if you need reservations or tickets.
If you’re trying to stay on a budget, mix free or low-cost options like hiking, window-shopping downtown, and scenic drives with the bigger paid attractions.

Ready to Hit the Road from Cleveland, Tennessee?

Living in or visiting Cleveland, TN (Bradley County) gives you quick access to some of the best spots in Hamilton, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Murray, and Whitfield Counties. From the Tennessee Aquarium and Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga to Fort Mountain State Park in Georgia, there’s always somewhere new to explore just a short drive away. Which of these 10 short road trips would you try first?
  • Are you more of a mountain hiker or a lake-day person?
  • Do you prefer historic towns or bigger city vibes?
I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences. Share this post with friends and family who live near Cleveland, Tennessee, or who are planning a visit, and drop a comment with:
  • Your favorite nearby day trip spot
  • Any hidden gems in these counties I should highlight next
Your tips and stories can help other travelers discover new things to do near Cleveland, TN—so don’t be shy, share away!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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