Audubon Acres - Sunbird
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Audubon Acres

4.5
·468 reviews·Chattanooga, United States

A tranquil nature park with wooded trails, a creek, seasonal wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings/late afternoons

Best for wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
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Audubon Acres - Sunbird

Audubon Acres

Best Time

Early mornings/late afternoons

Best for wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil nature park with wooded trails, a creek, seasonal wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

4.5
(468 reviews)

"A nice walk in the woods with well-marked trails and plenty of benches for rest."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

Trails are well-marked, but grab a map at the welcome center to ensure you don't get lost. :map:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

Opt for good walking shoes, not flip-flops, as trails can be muddy and root-filled. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Suspension Bridge

Suspension Bridge

Wonderland Trail

Cross the South Chickamauga Creek on this charming suspension bridge for scenic views and a touch of adventure.

Wooded Trails

Wooded Trails

Various trails

Explore miles of well-marked paths through tranquil woods, perfect for a peaceful nature walk.

Seasonal Wildflowers

Seasonal Wildflowers

Along trails

Discover a vibrant display of local flora, adding color and beauty to your hike.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

Throughout the park

Keep an eye out for turtles and other local fauna in their natural habitat.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails

Audubon Acres boasts well-marked wooded trails, but a map is essential as return paths aren't always obvious. Wear good shoes, as it can get mushy after rain and the terrain has roots. It's a natural, sometimes primitive experience, so sturdy footwear is key for enjoying the scenery without slips.

Timing is Everything

For the most serene experience, consider visiting during the Audubon Acres' 'Extra Hours Access' for members, which allows entry before public opening and after closing. This avoids crowds and offers a chance to see more wildlife.

Best Times

When
Early mornings/late afternoons
Why
Best for wildlife viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Fall
Why
Ideal weather & wildflowers
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Summer just got alot cooler with Audubon Zoo’s Sip & Dip! Check their website for complete schedule and ticket 🎟️ details! @Audubon Nature Institute Sells out fast!!! 🚨 #neworleanssummer #summertime #neworlewns
@eatingwithcaitt
7.9K likes • 181.5K views

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

Trails are well-marked, but grab a map at the welcome center to ensure you don't get lost. :map:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

Opt for good walking shoes, not flip-flops, as trails can be muddy and root-filled. :athletic_shoe:

#greenscreen #neworleans #hoodhistory #audubonzoo #animals #Nola #history #letmestressyouout #ComedianBoogieB #fypシ゚viral #louisiana @audubonnature
@comedianboogiebofficial
7.8K likes • 75.9K views
Did you know that the best time to see critters here at Audubon Acres is before we open to the public and after we close! • • How does that help you, you ask? • • We have an Extra Hours Access benefit for our members! For $30 annually in addition to your membership, we provide you with a personalized gate code so that you can enjoy the property and look for critters when we're not open! 😯😃 • • Yo...
chattaudubon
15 likes • 654 views

🚫 No Dogs Allowed

Leave your furry friends at home; dogs are not permitted on the trails. :noentrysign:

🦟 Mosquito Repellent

Complimentary repellent is available, but bring your own too – mosquitos can be dense! :bug:

We visited @wildhorseprairie during the Audubon Blackbelt Birding Festival and had a great time as always!! This place never fails to impress! #nativehabitatproject #conservation #alabama #audubon #blackbelt
@nativeplanttok
6.9K likes • 60.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

Trails are well-marked, but grab a map at the welcome center to ensure you don't get lost. :map:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

Opt for good walking shoes, not flip-flops, as trails can be muddy and root-filled. :athletic_shoe:

🚫 No Dogs Allowed

Leave your furry friends at home; dogs are not permitted on the trails. :noentrysign:

🦟 Mosquito Repellent

Complimentary repellent is available, but bring your own too – mosquitos can be dense! :bug:

🤫 Quiet Hours for Wildlife

Members can access before opening/after closing for prime wildlife spotting. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(468 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Audubon Acres for its tranquil wooded trails, scenic suspension bridge, and abundant nature. It's a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape with opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying seasonal wildflowers. Some note the need for good footwear due to trail conditions and the presence of mosquitos.

"A nice walk in the woods. The trails are well marked, but don’t lose your map. There is no exit or return to parking lot sign. They have placed a significant amount of benches along the trails so anyone should be able to walk it without getting too tired. Good shoes are recommended no flip-flops since it’s been raining it’s kind of mushy. Lotta roots not recommended for someone that isn’t stable on their feet. Not that it’s a difficult incline learning thing is just gets narrow and pretty primitive. Cute little gift shop. Nice volunteers to chat with."

V R

"We had a great experience visiting this tranquil nature park that is kinda like a hidden jewel situated just two miles from a very busy major shopping area. The trails are well marked and maintained plus they offer trail maps at the rustic and friendly welcome center which has a wealth of nature information. Our visit happened to coincide with two school buses of a field trip for elementary students but hearing their excitement and seeing their smiles made our experience all the more enjoyable. The swinging bridge across the large creek was an awesome plus on the trail that had a few flowers blooming along the way. We plan to visit again because we only visited half of what it offers!"

Doug Ford

"Very cool park. We took the wonderland trail to the suspension bridge that goes over the South Chickamauga Creek.

Lots of wild flowers and even wildlife like turtles to see. Even ran into a local volunteer group called Tennessee Naturalists. They were doing some studies on wildlife in the water today.

My only complaint was they do reenactments and don't inform the public so firing fake shots on the trail is kind of alarming and being told to get off the trail was off-putting."

Stephanie

What People Like

Tranquil wooded trails
Scenic suspension bridge
Abundant nature and wildlife

What People Dislike

Mosquitos can be dense
Trails can be muddy/rooty

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Audubon Acres is located in Chattanooga, TN. It's described as being just two miles from a busy shopping area, making it a convenient nature escape. Specific driving directions can be found on their website or by using GPS.

Yes, parking is available at the welcome center. Visitors can access trail maps and information here before heading out onto the trails.

Information on public transportation accessibility is not readily available. It's recommended to check local Chattanooga transit routes or plan for private transportation.

While described as being near a busy shopping area, it's best to consult a GPS or map service for the most direct route from your starting point to ensure easy highway access.

The park features well-marked trails, but it's highly recommended to pick up a trail map at the welcome center to help you navigate and avoid getting lost, especially on longer routes.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific ticket prices aren't detailed, reviews mention a 'library pass' and membership benefits, suggesting there might be an admission fee or membership options. It's best to check their official website for current pricing and entry requirements.

Audubon Acres closes at 5 PM daily, and members have access to 'Extra Hours' before opening and after closing for enhanced wildlife viewing. Confirm exact public hours on their website.

One review mentioned using a 'library pass,' indicating potential partnerships with local libraries. Membership options are also available, offering benefits like extended access.

While some visitors mention using library passes, it's generally assumed there's an admission fee or membership requirement for entry. Check their official channels for the most accurate information.

Yes, Audubon Acres hosts school field trips, as evidenced by a review mentioning elementary students. Inquire directly with the park for group booking information and educational programs.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Audubon Acres features well-marked wooded trails, some of which can be narrow and primitive. They offer a variety of paths, including the 'Wonderland Trail' leading to a suspension bridge. Benches are placed along the trails for rest.

Yes, there's a rustic and friendly welcome center with nature information and complimentary mosquito spray. A cute little gift shop is also available, and volunteers are often on hand to chat.

Visitors have reported seeing turtles and other local fauna. The best times for wildlife viewing are typically early mornings and late afternoons, especially during member-exclusive hours.

Absolutely! It's described as perfect for field trips for kids, with educational signage and opportunities to explore nature. The excitement of elementary students on a field trip was noted as a positive aspect.

Good, sturdy shoes are highly recommended due to potentially muddy and root-filled trails. Avoid flip-flops. Comfortable clothing suitable for walking in nature is advised.

🎫 🦟 Nature & Environment

Yes, mosquitos can be dense at Audubon Acres. Complimentary repellent is provided at the visitor center, but it's wise to bring your own as well. :bug:

Audubon Acres is a tranquil nature park with wooded trails, a creek (South Chickamauga Creek), seasonal wildflowers, and opportunities to see local wildlife. It's a preserved natural habitat.

The park has educational signage and hosts school field trips, indicating a focus on environmental education. Inquire directly for specific program details.

While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, its designation as an 'Audubon' property and its natural habitat suggest it would be a good location for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.

The park is described as a 'sanctuary' and a place that 'does a ton for the environment.' Local volunteer groups like the Tennessee Naturalists have been observed conducting wildlife studies there, highlighting conservation work.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Audubon Acres is an excellent destination for families looking for an educational and engaging outdoor experience. The well-marked trails are perfect for little legs, and the presence of educational signage throughout the park makes learning about nature fun and interactive. Hearing the excitement of children on field trips highlights how much kids enjoy exploring the woods and crossing the suspension bridge. Remember to grab a trail map from the welcome center and ensure everyone wears sturdy shoes as the paths can be uneven and occasionally muddy. Don't forget to utilize the complimentary mosquito repellent or bring your own, as mosquitos can be quite prevalent, ensuring a more comfortable outing for everyone. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers

For those who love a good walk in the woods, Audubon Acres offers a serene environment with miles of trails. The paths are generally well-marked, but carrying a map is advisable for longer routes. The terrain can be a bit primitive with roots and occasional mud, so good walking shoes are essential. The park provides numerous benches for resting, making it accessible for various fitness levels. The highlight for many is the suspension bridge over the South Chickamauga Creek, offering a unique perspective. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for spotting wildlife and enjoying the tranquility before or after the main visitor hours. Reddit

📸 Nature Photographers

Audubon Acres presents numerous opportunities for nature photography, from seasonal wildflowers in bloom to the charming suspension bridge and the diverse local wildlife. For the best light and fewer distractions, consider visiting during the member-exclusive hours before opening or after closing. This allows for a more peaceful setting to capture the park's natural beauty. The wooded trails offer dappled light, creating atmospheric shots, while the creek and bridge provide scenic focal points. Remember to pack your macro lens for detailed shots of flora and fauna, and be prepared for potentially humid conditions. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails of Audubon Acres

Audubon Acres offers a network of wooded trails that provide a peaceful escape into nature. While generally well-marked, visitors are strongly advised to obtain a trail map from the welcome center, as some paths can become narrow and primitive, and return routes to the parking lot aren't always obvious. The terrain can be uneven, with numerous roots, and after rain, sections can become quite muddy. Therefore, sturdy walking shoes are a must; flip-flops are not recommended. The park has thoughtfully placed numerous benches along the trails, making it accessible for those who need to rest. However, individuals with significant stability issues might find the more primitive sections challenging.

One of the highlights is the Wonderland Trail, which leads to a picturesque suspension bridge crossing the South Chickamauga Creek. This offers a unique perspective and a bit of an adventure. Throughout the park, you'll encounter seasonal wildflowers, adding bursts of color to the natural landscape, and with a bit of patience, you might spot local wildlife, such as turtles. The park's commitment to conservation is evident, with volunteer groups like the Tennessee Naturalists conducting studies on-site, underscoring its importance as a natural habitat.

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, Audubon Acres offers 'Extra Hours Access' for members. This benefit allows entry before the park officially opens and after it closes to the public. This is an ideal time for prime wildlife viewing and enjoying the tranquility of the park without the daytime crowds. It's a great way to connect with nature on a deeper level and experience the sanctuary in its most peaceful state. Instagram

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Fees, and What to Expect

Audubon Acres operates with specific hours, typically closing at 5 PM. However, a significant perk for members is the 'Extra Hours Access', which grants entry before opening and after closing. This is particularly beneficial for avid nature photographers or those hoping to spot more elusive wildlife. While the exact admission fees are not detailed in all sources, reviews mention the availability of library passes and membership options, suggesting that entry may involve a fee or a pass. It's always best to check the official Audubon Acres website for the most up-to-date information on admission, hours, and any special events.

The park is a popular spot for educational field trips, with elementary students frequently visiting. Hearing their excitement and seeing their engagement with the natural environment can add to the overall experience for other visitors. The welcome center serves as a hub for information, offering trail maps and a wealth of nature knowledge. You'll also find a cute little gift shop here, perfect for souvenirs. Volunteers are often present and are a great resource for learning more about the park and its inhabitants.

Be prepared for the local environment: mosquitos can be dense, especially during warmer months. While the welcome center provides complimentary mosquito repellent, it's highly recommended to bring your own supply to ensure comfort during your exploration. The park's natural setting, while beautiful, means embracing the elements. Reddit

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