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Chattanooga National Cemetery

4.8
·152 reviews·Chattanooga, United States

A serene military cemetery offering stunning city views and honoring heroes like Desmond Doss and the Andrew's Raiders.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet reflection time

CrowdLow
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Chattanooga National Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quiet reflection time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene military cemetery offering stunning city views and honoring heroes like Desmond Doss and the Andrew's Raiders.

4.8
(152 reviews)

"A humbling experience with stunning views and a powerful reminder of sacrifice."

Vertical photo
TIP

Respectful Attire

Dress respectfully as this is an active cemetery. Avoid loud noises and disruptive behavior. 🙏

Plan Your Route

The cemetery is large. Grab a map or use GPS to find specific graves like Desmond Doss. :world_map:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 152 reviews

Type

Cemetery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Desmond Doss's Grave

Desmond Doss's Grave

Top of the hill, across the road on the left

Visit the final resting place of the Medal of Honor recipient, hero of 'Hacksaw Ridge'.

Andrew's Raiders Monument

Andrew's Raiders Monument

Near the hill

See the monument commemorating the Union spies from 'The Great Locomotive Chase'.

Scenic Vistas

Scenic Vistas

Various points throughout the cemetery

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Chattanooga and the surrounding landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

A Place of Reflection

Chattanooga National Cemetery is a solemn place of remembrance. Visitors should approach with respect, understanding it's an active cemetery. The grounds offer stunning views, but the primary purpose is honoring fallen soldiers. Consider the emotional weight of the site before your visit.

Timing Your Visit

While open daily, consider visiting during off-peak hours to allow for quiet contemplation. Events like Wreaths Across America can draw crowds, so check the schedule if you prefer a more solitary experience. The scenic vistas are a draw year-round.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quiet reflection time
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Wreaths Across America Day
Why
Honor veterans with community
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Chattanooga is such a cute city! Which spot do you want to check out first? #chattanooga #chattanoogatennesee #rockcity #rubyfalls #tennessee #travel #traveltiktok #adventure #vacationtips
@jenniferswavely
18.7K likes • 562.7K views

Respectful Attire

Dress respectfully as this is an active cemetery. Avoid loud noises and disruptive behavior. 🙏

Plan Your Route

The cemetery is large. Grab a map or use GPS to find specific graves like Desmond Doss. :world_map:

Visit the grave of William Crockett at the Chattanooga National cemetery and brought with me an original photo of William. #chattanooga #nationalcemetery #civilwarhistory #history #battleofchattanooga #oldphotos #cemeterywandering
the_bearded_historian
133 likes • 1.9K views
I’ve been wanting to visit the Chattanooga National Cemetery for quite some time now. Today, we went to pay our respects. It was pretty special realizing #MedalOfHonor Recipient, Desmond Doss, is buried here too. As we made our way to his burial site, a wreath laying ceremony had just begun! ♥️🙏🏼🇺🇸 As we looked around at the thousands of headstones, lined row by row, we are forever reminded freed...
iamalysezwick
287 likes • 4.2K views

Wreaths Across America

Participate in or observe the annual Wreaths Across America event in December. :evergreen_tree:

Photography Etiquette

Be mindful when taking photos. Focus on the memorials and landscapes, not intrusive shots of mourners. :camerawithflash:

Walk with History YouTube honors Medal of Honor recipients at Chattanooga National Cemetery! Including Desmond Thomas Doss (February 7, 1919 – March 23, 2006) a United States Army corporal who served as a combat medic with an infantry company in World War II. Due to his religious beliefs, he refused to carry a weapon. Doss further distinguished himself in the Battle of Okinawa by saving an est...
walkwithhistory
274 likes • 3.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Respectful Attire

Dress respectfully as this is an active cemetery. Avoid loud noises and disruptive behavior. 🙏

Plan Your Route

The cemetery is large. Grab a map or use GPS to find specific graves like Desmond Doss. :world_map:

Wreaths Across America

Participate in or observe the annual Wreaths Across America event in December. :evergreen_tree:

Photography Etiquette

Be mindful when taking photos. Focus on the memorials and landscapes, not intrusive shots of mourners. :camerawithflash:

Scenic Drive

Take a quiet drive through the grounds to contemplate the history and sacrifices made. 🚗

What Travellers Say

4.8
(152 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently describe Chattanooga National Cemetery as a humbling and breathtaking experience, praising its immaculate maintenance and stunning scenic views. Many are moved by the opportunity to pay respects to veterans, particularly noting the graves of Desmond Doss and the Andrew's Raiders. While the beauty is undeniable, the solemnity of the site is a powerful reminder of sacrifice.

"What a humbling experience with stunning views. We were in town for a funeral held at this cemetery. The grounds and views of the city from this cemetery are breathtaking! We are huge military history buffs and knew this was one grave we must visit to pay our respects. Desmond Doss. P3399 TOP OF THE HILL ACROSS THE ROAD ON LEFT"

K Rhodes

"Stop by to pay honor to all these people who fought for our country. Some of the ones that most people will recognize are the men of Andrews Raiders who Disney made a move about "The Great Locomotive Chase" and Desmond Doss whos story was told in the move "Hacksaw Ridge." To bad everyone story could not be told in some form like this."

Jason Armstrong

"What a beautiful well maintained Cemetery. I stopped in to finish up my tour of the The Great Locomotive Chase."

Tony Kelley

What People Like

Immaculately maintained grounds
Breathtaking scenic views
Honoring veterans

What People Dislike

Can be emotionally heavy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cemetery is located at 1200 Bailey Avenue, Chattanooga, TN. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors find it convenient to drive, especially if exploring other Lookout Mountain attractions. Public transportation options might be limited, so check local bus routes if needed. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available within the cemetery grounds. It's generally sufficient for most visitors, though it can fill up during special events like Wreaths Across America. Instagram

While possible, it's a significant walk from downtown Chattanooga. Driving or using a ride-sharing service is recommended for most visitors to save time and energy.

From I-24 East, take exit 178 for US-41/Broad Street. Turn right onto Broad Street, then left onto Holtzclaw Avenue. The cemetery will be on your right. Instagram

Public transport options to the cemetery can be limited. It's best to check with the local Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to Chattanooga National Cemetery is free. It is a national cemetery maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs, open to the public for respectful visitation. Reddit

The cemetery is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours for administrative offices may vary, but the grounds are generally accessible throughout daylight hours. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the graves of specific veterans. If you are looking for a particular individual, you can often find their burial location through online databases or by inquiring at the cemetery office if available. Instagram

Formal guided tours are not typically offered by the cemetery staff. However, many visitors explore independently, often using historical information or personal research to guide their visit. Some local historical groups may offer specialized tours. Instagram

While attending Wreaths Across America is free, if you wish to volunteer to place wreaths, it's advisable to check the official Wreaths Across America website for registration details and specific instructions for the Chattanooga event. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see thousands of headstones, monuments, and memorials honoring fallen soldiers. Highlights include the grave of Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss and the monument to the Andrew's Raiders. The cemetery also offers stunning scenic views of Chattanooga. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! It's a significant historical site, especially for Civil War and WWII history. You can learn about the sacrifices of soldiers and visit graves of notable figures like Desmond Doss and the Andrew's Raiders. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the monument dedicated to the Andrew's Raiders, famous for their role in 'The Great Locomotive Chase.' Also, seek out the grave of Desmond Doss, the conscientious objector who saved many lives in WWII. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally permitted, but it's crucial to be respectful. Focus on the memorials and landscapes, and avoid photographing mourners or intrusive shots. Instagram

The cemetery is situated on a hill, so there are some inclines. The grounds are well-maintained, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to explore extensively. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic vistas overlooking Chattanooga offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset. The rows of headstones create powerful, symmetrical compositions. Look for the Andrew's Raiders monument and the general grandeur of the landscape. InstagramReddit

It is generally acceptable to photograph headstones and memorials, but always do so respectfully. Avoid intrusive close-ups of personal items left at gravesites and never photograph mourners without their explicit consent. Instagram

Visitors often capture wide-angle shots of the landscape, detailed photos of monuments, and the iconic rows of white headstones. Many also photograph specific graves of historical figures they've come to honor. Instagram+1

Regulations regarding drone usage in national cemeteries can be strict. It's highly recommended to check with the National Cemetery Administration or local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations.

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the symmetry of the headstones still makes for compelling shots. Instagram

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