U.S. Route 27: Chattanooga to Red Bank – Tennessee

Join us as we drive 4 miles north along U.S. Highway 27 from the heart of Chattanooga up to the small city of Red Bank in southeast Tennessee. This brief but vital stretch of highway serves as a busy corridor connecting downtown Chattanooga with its northern suburbs and the scenic highlands beyond.

Our journey kicks off where U.S. 27 meets Interstate 24 on the southwest edge of downtown Chattanooga. This interchange sits close to the riverfront, with easy access to attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, the Bluff View Art District, and the vibrant North Shore. As we merge onto Highway 27, we immediately find ourselves hugging the western edge of Chattanooga’s urban core, passing under a tangle of ramps and city streets. For those exploring the city, nearby streets will take you to the Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District and a variety of local eateries and breweries that have revitalized this area in recent years.

Continuing north, we quickly encounter three major interchanges that keep traffic flowing smoothly in and out of downtown. This stretch is a mix of concrete retaining walls and elevated sections that reveal glimpses of Lookout Mountain to the southwest. Soon enough, the highway arcs gracefully across the Tennessee River, offering a quick but striking view of the riverbanks and the city skyline. On a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of the Walnut Street Bridge in the distance — a beloved pedestrian span that connects the riverfront parks on either side.

Crossing into Chattanooga’s north side, we pass the interchange with Manufacturers Road, which provides easy access to the Northshore neighborhood — a trendy spot filled with boutique shops, coffee houses, and Coolidge Park’s famous carousel. Just beyond, Highway 27 intersects with Tennessee Highway 8, a local connector that threads its way up into the hills toward Signal Mountain. This area marks a transition from the urban landscape of downtown to the more residential feel of Red Bank, a small city that functions as a gateway for folks heading further north toward Dayton and beyond.

Our drive wraps up at the interchange with U.S. Highway 127 in Red Bank, a notable junction for anyone planning to continue uphill toward Signal Mountain or veer west toward Walden Ridge. While short, this segment of U.S. 27 is an everyday backbone for commuters and travelers alike — and a handy connector for anyone wanting to experience both Chattanooga’s bustling core and its quieter suburban edges.