Market St Bridge John Ross
Historic drawbridge across the Tennessee River, offering scenic views and pedestrian-friendly paths.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Market St Bridge John Ross
Best Time
Avoid midday heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic drawbridge across the Tennessee River, offering scenic views and pedestrian-friendly paths.
"Beautiful bridge to go walk. There is an amazing view."
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Walk
Take advantage of the wide pedestrian paths for a pleasant stroll and great views.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Concrete can get hot in summer; wear appropriate footwear and consider visiting in cooler parts of the day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Drawbridge Machinery
Along the pedestrian paths
Get up close to the fascinating mechanics of this historic drawbridge, a unique engineering marvel.

Tennessee River Vistas
From the pedestrian paths
Enjoy remarkable city and mountain views, with excellent vantage points for the Tennessee Aquarium.

Car Crossing Sounds
On the pedestrian paths
Experience the unique auditory ambiance created by vehicles traversing different surfaces on the bridge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pedestrian Paradise
Bridge Mechanics & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Walk
Take advantage of the wide pedestrian paths for a pleasant stroll and great views.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Concrete can get hot in summer; wear appropriate footwear and consider visiting in cooler parts of the day.
Bridge to walk
Alternate routes for walnut st. Closer
📸 Capture the Views
The bridge offers excellent photo opportunities of the river, city, and aquarium.
⚙️ Admire the Mechanics
Don't miss the chance to see the intricate drawbridge machinery up close.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Walk
Take advantage of the wide pedestrian paths for a pleasant stroll and great views.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Concrete can get hot in summer; wear appropriate footwear and consider visiting in cooler parts of the day.
📸 Capture the Views
The bridge offers excellent photo opportunities of the river, city, and aquarium.
⚙️ Admire the Mechanics
Don't miss the chance to see the intricate drawbridge machinery up close.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Market Street Bridge a pleasant and scenic place for a walk, offering great views of the river, city, and the Tennessee Aquarium. The wide pedestrian paths and interesting drawbridge mechanics are frequently praised. Some note that the concrete can become quite hot during summer afternoons.
"What’s good? Wide paths on both sides. Intimate views of the bridge mechanics. Cars passing over various surfaces make some interesting sounds.
What’s bad? Not much, but the concrete portions can radiate a lot of heat during the summer–making it uncomfortable.
Overall, this is a fun bridge to cross as a pedestrian."
Troy Windhorst
"I’ve never actually walked on this bridge besides looking over it, but only captured images of what it looks like. Looks good for sight seeing and remarkable mountain and city views from the other bridge. Cars pass along and the busyness of this bridge has me avoiding it."
Makenzie Blaha
"Beautiful bridge to go walk. There is an amazing view."
Michelle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Market Street Bridge (also known as the John Ross Bridge) has wide pedestrian paths on both sides, making it easily accessible for walkers. You can typically find access points from the riverfront areas on either side of the Tennessee River.
Parking availability can vary. It's recommended to look for parking in the downtown Chattanooga area or near the Tennessee Aquarium, then walk to the bridge.
Yes, the Market Street Bridge accommodates vehicular traffic. However, many visitors enjoy walking across it for the views and experience.
While not directly connected, it's often paired with the Walnut Street Bridge for a scenic round trip, offering different perspectives of the river and city.
The Tennessee Aquarium is located very close to the Market Street Bridge, making it a short and easy walk to access the bridge from the aquarium grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking on the Market Street Bridge is free and open to the public. There are no admission fees for pedestrians.
The Market Street Bridge is generally open 24/7 for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, though specific hours for drawbridge operation (which is rare) are not typically advertised.
Crossing the Market Street Bridge as a pedestrian or driver is free of charge.
The drawbridge mechanism on the Market Street Bridge rarely opens, typically only for essential maintenance or very infrequent special events, usually once or twice a year.
General pedestrian access is permitted. However, it's always good practice to adhere to any posted signage regarding safety and behavior.
📸 📸 Photography
The pedestrian paths offer excellent vantage points for capturing the Tennessee Aquarium, the city skyline, and the bridge's own unique architecture and machinery.
Yes, the bridge provides scenic views that can be beautiful during sunrise and sunset, offering a unique perspective of the river and city lights.
Absolutely! The drawbridge mechanics are a key feature and offer fascinating photographic subjects.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For wider cityscapes, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance river reflections.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial shoots might require permits, so it's best to check local regulations if planning extensive photography.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a leisurely walk, admire the river and city views, observe the drawbridge machinery, and listen to the sounds of cars crossing. It's a great spot for a scenic stroll.
Walking across the bridge typically takes about 10-15 minutes at a relaxed pace, not including time spent stopping for photos or enjoying the views.
The bridge primarily offers pedestrian walkways and vehicular lanes. There are no specific amenities like shops or restrooms directly on the bridge itself.
You'll get impressive views of the Tennessee River, the Chattanooga skyline, and the nearby Tennessee Aquarium. It also offers a unique perspective of the bridge's own engineering.
Yes, the Market Street Bridge provides excellent, close-up views of the Tennessee Aquarium from its pedestrian paths.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Bring snacks and water, especially during warmer months, as the concrete can get hot. Consider combining a walk on the bridge with a visit to the nearby aquarium for a full day of family fun.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Explorers
Recommendation: Pair your walk on the Market Street Bridge with a stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge for a complete riverfront walking experience. This allows you to see the city from multiple vantage points.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Across History
While the drawbridge function is rarely utilized, its presence adds a unique character to the riverfront. The wide pedestrian paths on both sides are a significant draw, offering a safe and pleasant environment for a walk. This makes it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike looking for scenic riverfront experiences.
Key takeaway: The Market Street Bridge offers a blend of historical significance, engineering marvel, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Chattanooga's riverfront. It’s a place where you can appreciate both the past and the present of the city.
Experiencing the Bridge: Views and Sounds
Beyond the visual appeal, the bridge offers a unique auditory experience. The sounds of cars passing over various surfaces create an interesting soundscape that many find engaging. This, combined with the visual elements, contributes to a multi-sensory experience that sets it apart from a typical bridge crossing.
Pro-tip: For the best experience, consider walking across the Market Street Bridge and returning via the nearby Walnut Street Bridge to enjoy different perspectives and a more comprehensive riverfront exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit