Interstate 75 is a major north-south artery through eastern Tennessee, and its passage through Chattanooga is a vital link between Georgia and the rest of the Volunteer State. In this drive, we cover roughly 9 miles of I-75 as it enters Tennessee from Georgia and winds through the eastern edge of Chattanooga, offering a firsthand look at the area’s mix of suburban development, major highway interchanges, and rolling Appalachian foothills.
We begin our journey just south of the Tennessee border, merging onto Interstate 75 from the GA-146 interchange near Fort Oglethorpe. Almost immediately, we cross the state line into Tennessee, with Chattanooga just a few miles ahead. As we climb gently into the city, the traffic tends to pick up—this stretch of I-75 is one of the busiest in the region, especially during rush hour, due to its role as a connector between I-24, I-75, and I-40 farther north.
Soon after entering Tennessee, we encounter the interchange with U.S. Highway 41, also known locally as Ringgold Road. This marks the entry into the East Ridge community, which is home to Camp Jordan Park, a large recreation complex with ballfields, walking trails, and even a small amphitheater. If you’re just passing through but have a little time to stretch your legs, this is a great detour for a quick break.
A few miles up the road, we arrive at the critical junction with Interstate 24. This interchange is often the busiest spot on our route, as it serves as the southern gateway to Chattanooga proper. I-24 heads west toward downtown Chattanooga and ultimately to Nashville, while I-75 veers northeast, bypassing the core of the city. From here, we’re skirting the city’s eastern edge, surrounded by commercial development, shopping centers, and light industry.
Continuing northbound, we pass the interchange with Tennessee State Route 320, also known as East Brainerd Road. This area is home to Hamilton Place Mall, one of the largest shopping complexes in the state, along with dozens of restaurants, hotels, and other traveler services. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, fuel, or an overnight stay, this is the prime spot along the drive.
Just a bit further, we cross paths with TN-153, a major bypass that provides access to the Chattanooga Airport and serves as a key connector to the northern suburbs. This interchange is another high-traffic area, especially for freight and logistics vehicles coming to and from the airport and surrounding warehouses.
The drive concludes at the interchange with Tennessee State Route 317—Bonny Oaks Drive—which serves the northeastern part of Chattanooga and is a useful route for travelers heading toward the Enterprise South industrial area or the Volkswagen manufacturing plant located nearby. From here, I-75 continues north toward Cleveland and Knoxville, offering more Appalachian scenery and access to the heart of East Tennessee.
Whether you’re just passing through or making a stop in the Scenic City, this stretch of Interstate 75 offers a quick but vital glimpse into Chattanooga’s transportation network and surrounding communities.
🗺️ Route Map
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