The Best Disc Golf Courses Near Chattanooga, TN (and What to Expect at Each One)
The Best Disc Golf Courses Near Chattanooga, TN
(and What to Expect at Each One)
Chattanooga may be known for its scenic views, riverfront charm, and outdoor adventure—but it’s also home to a growing and vibrant disc golf scene.
Thanks to the region’s diverse terrain, players can experience everything from tight, technical wooded fairways to wide-open drives with mountain views.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just picking up a disc for the first time, there’s a course nearby to match your skill level and playing style.
In this guide, we’ll break down some of the best disc golf courses in and around Chattanooga, highlighting their unique features, difficulty levels, and what makes each one worth a visit.
The Sinks: Chattanooga’s Must-Play Disc Golf Course
Tucked away just off North Access Road, The Sinks is one of Chattanooga’s most iconic and challenging disc golf courses. Since opening in 2005, it’s become a favorite among local players and visiting pros alike for its tight, technical layout, natural terrain, and strong community atmosphere. If you're into disc golf and find yourself anywhere near the Scenic City, The Sinks is a must-play.
A Course Built by Nature—and Strategy
The Sinks gets its name from the natural sinkholes scattered throughout the property, which serve as both obstacles and signature features. The course is carved through a dense, shaded forest that provides welcome relief from the summer sun but demands laser-sharp accuracy on every throw.
With 18 wooded holes, minimal elevation changes, and narrow fairways lined with mature trees, The Sinks is all about precision. It rewards smart play, controlled drives, and creative shot shaping—ideal for players who enjoy a mental challenge as much as a physical one.
Designed for All Skill Levels
Despite its technical nature, The Sinks is designed to be accessible to a wide range of players. The course features multiple tee pads and basket positions, allowing you to tailor your round to your skill level or desired difficulty. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player looking to fine-tune your lines, there’s something here for you.
There’s also a practice putting area and driving range, giving players a place to warm up before a round or sharpen their short game.
Be Prepared—Nature Has a Say Here
One thing to note: because The Sinks is set in a low-lying wooded area, mud and mosquitoes can be frequent visitors, especially after rain. Bring bug spray, wear appropriate shoes, and maybe pack a towel to keep your discs clean.
Still, the surrounding forest creates a peaceful, secluded atmosphere that makes The Sinks feel more like a natural escape than a city park. It’s that balance of wild beauty and demanding design that keeps people coming back.
Supported by the Local Disc Golf Community
The Sinks is proudly maintained by the Chattanooga Flying Disc Club, a passionate group of volunteers who keep the course in excellent condition. The club also hosts leagues, tournaments, and events throughout the year, making it a central hub for disc golf in the Chattanooga area.
If you’re new to the sport or visiting the area, checking out one of their events is a great way to meet other players and experience the community vibe that makes The Sinks even more special.
Know Before You Go
📍 Location: 4500 North Access Road, Chattanooga, TN
⏰ Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free to play
🥏 Amenities: Practice area, benches, signage, and trash bins throughout
The Narrows: Chattanooga’s Ultimate Disc Golf Gauntlet
Right next to the well-known Sinks course in Chattanooga lies its more rugged, less forgiving sibling—The Narrows. Opened in 2022, this 25-hole beast has already earned a reputation among disc golfers as one of the most technical and challenging courses in the region. With tight fairways, dense woods, and shot-shaping demands on nearly every hole, The Narrows is not for the faint of heart—but for those seeking a true test of skill, it delivers in spades.
A Course That Demands Precision
As the name suggests, The Narrows is all about accuracy. The fairways are narrow, the trees are many, and mistakes are punished quickly. Every hole feels like a puzzle—requiring not just distance, but control, touch, and strategy.
Unlike more open courses, there's very little room for error here. Even intermediate players will find themselves challenged on most holes, while advanced players will appreciate the creativity required to navigate the course successfully. It’s not unusual to use your full bag here—drivers, midranges, and putters all come into play in unique ways.
An Extension of The Sinks—with More Bite
If you’ve played The Sinks and thought, “this is tight,” The Narrows might have you rethinking that. Built adjacent to The Sinks, The Narrows takes the wooded style of its neighbor and pushes it to the next level. Longer in length and tougher on the mind, it’s often described as “The Sinks turned up to 11.”
The course features 25 holes, giving players an extended round that tests endurance as much as precision. It’s a grind—in the best way—and players who appreciate challenging layouts will walk away feeling accomplished (and maybe a little humbled).
Know Before You Go
While The Narrows is a must-play for competitive players, it’s not ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a casual round. The rough can be unforgiving, and some of the lines are extremely tight. It’s also a relatively new course, so some tee pads and signage may still be in development.
You can access the course via the same parking area as The Sinks (located near hole 16 of The Sinks), and there are no fees to play. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, bug spray, and a good attitude—it’s a long, tough round, but one that’s incredibly rewarding.
Quick Course Info
📍 Location: North Access Road, Chattanooga, TN (same parking as The Sinks)
🥏 Holes: 25
⛰️ Terrain: Tight, wooded, minimal elevation
⚠️ Difficulty: Advanced
💲 Cost: Free
🕒 Play Time: Expect a longer round—up to 2.5–3.5 hours
If The Sinks is Chattanooga’s signature disc golf course, The Narrows is its proving ground. It’s where players go to be challenged—to throw every shot they know, invent a few more, and walk away better for it. It’s not easy, and it’s not meant to be—but for disc golf lovers who want to test their skills in a beautifully raw and technical environment, The Narrows is a true gem.
Portland Park: A Hidden Gem for Disc Golf on Signal Mountain’s Edge
Just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, tucked away at the base of Signal Mountain, lies Portland Park—a laid-back 18-hole disc golf course that offers a peaceful, beginner-friendly playing experience with just enough variety to keep things interesting. While it may not have the reputation of The Sinks or the intensity of The Narrows, Portland Park holds its own as a fun, accessible course perfect for casual rounds and improving your game.
An Open and Approachable Layout
Portland Park’s design caters to all skill levels, but it's especially welcoming to newer players and those looking for a more relaxed round. The layout features a balanced mix of open fairways, lightly wooded holes, and just a few technical challenges—enough to keep intermediate players engaged without overwhelming beginners.
With shorter distances on many holes, players can focus more on refining accuracy, trying new discs, or playing multiple rounds in a day without burning out. There’s also less risk of losing discs here, which makes it a great course for testing out new throws or introducing someone to the sport.
Natural Beauty with a Neighborhood Feel
What Portland Park lacks in dramatic terrain, it makes up for with its quiet charm. The course winds through a green, open park space surrounded by trees and tucked into a residential area. It’s not uncommon to have the course mostly to yourself, especially on weekdays—making it a perfect spot for a peaceful solo round or a casual throw with friends.
Because of its approachable design and mellow vibe, Portland Park is also a favorite warm-up course for locals heading to The Sinks or other more technical layouts in the area.
Know Before You Go
While Portland Park is generally easy to navigate, it’s a good idea to bring a course map or use an app like UDisc your first time out, as some transitions between holes are slightly spread out. The terrain is mostly flat with minimal elevation change, and there’s plenty of space to work on distance drives without fear of tight gaps or dense woods.
The course is free to play and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Basic park amenities like benches and trash bins are available, but you’ll want to bring your own water and snacks.
Quick Course Info
📍 Location: Portland Park, near Signal Mountain, TN
🥏 Holes: 18
🌳 Terrain: Mostly open with some light woods
⚠️ Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
💲 Cost: Free
🕒 Play Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Whether you're just getting into disc golf or looking for a mellow course to practice your short game, Portland Park is a solid choice. Its friendly layout, peaceful setting, and convenient location make it one of the most approachable courses in the Chattanooga area. So pack your discs, head toward Signal Mountain, and enjoy a round at one of the city’s most underrated spots.
Camp Jordan: Wide Open Throws and Variety Just Minutes from Chattanooga
If you’re looking to stretch out your arm and let the discs fly, Camp Jordan Disc Golf Course in East Ridge, TN, is your go-to spot. Just a short drive from downtown Chattanooga, this 18-hole course offers a refreshing contrast to the tight, wooded fairways found at courses like The Sinks and The Narrows. With open fields, long holes, and just enough wooded sections to keep things interesting, Camp Jordan delivers a well-rounded disc golf experience for players of all skill levels.
Room to Rip – A Course for Distance and Control
Camp Jordan is known for its wide open layout, giving players plenty of room to test their distance drivers and big-arm throws. While it may appear easy at first glance, the open space often brings wind into play, turning seemingly straightforward shots into placement challenges. Accuracy still matters—especially near OB lines and water hazards—but this course gives you room to be bold.
The course also includes a few wooded holes that break up the layout nicely, requiring touch and shot-shaping skills. That mix of open and technical shots makes Camp Jordan a great place to improve your all-around game.
Accessible and Great for Groups
Whether you're playing solo or with a group, Camp Jordan’s layout and spaciousness make it ideal for a relaxed day on the course. It’s also a solid spot for newer players who want to get used to throwing without the intimidation of narrow wooded gaps.
The course is flat and easy to walk, and because it’s part of a larger multi-use park, there are restrooms, water fountains, and plenty of parking nearby. You’ll likely share the space with walkers, bikers, or local events, but the course is designed well enough that play typically flows smoothly.
What to Expect
Camp Jordan can get windy, especially in the afternoons, and the open design means there’s not much shade—so sunscreen, water, and a hat are a good idea. The baskets are in good condition, and the fairways are usually well-maintained by the city of East Ridge.
One of the biggest advantages of this course is its accessibility. It’s easy to get to from I-75 or I-24, and because it’s in a public park, it’s free to play and open daily during daylight hours.
Quick Course Info
📍 Location: Camp Jordan Park, East Ridge, TN
🥏 Holes: 18
🌳 Terrain: Mostly open with a few wooded holes
⚠️ Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
💲 Cost: Free
🕒 Play Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Camp Jordan Disc Golf Course is the perfect choice when you want a laid-back round with room to throw, or when you’re looking to introduce someone new to the sport. With a balance of openness and just enough challenge, it’s one of the most approachable and enjoyable courses in the Chattanooga area. Whether you're working on your long game or just enjoying a sunny afternoon, Camp Jordan makes it easy to have a good time.
Shepherd Recreation Center: A Quick, Technical Round in the Heart of Chattanooga
If you're short on time but still want to get in a fun, focused round of disc golf, Shepherd Recreation Center in Chattanooga offers just what you need. This 9-hole course may be compact, but don’t let the size fool you—it delivers a surprising amount of challenge with tight lines, mature trees, and a layout that rewards control over power. Whether you're looking to squeeze in a round on your lunch break or fine-tune your short game, Shepherd is a local favorite for fast, technical play.
Small Layout, Big Challenge
Shepherd’s 9 holes are tightly packed into a city park space, making for a quick round that still tests your ability to shape shots and hit narrow gaps. The fairways are lined with mature trees, creating low ceilings and sharp lines that demand accuracy. It’s a great course to practice with your mids and putters, especially if you’re working on placement and angle control.
While distances are relatively short, the course rewards thoughtful shot selection and punishes careless throws. For beginners, it's a manageable intro to the sport. For experienced players, it’s a great place to refine the technical aspects of your game.
Convenient and Easy to Access
Located just a few minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Shepherd Recreation Center is ideal for a quick stop before or after work. The course is free to play, open to the public, and typically less crowded than larger, more well-known courses in the area. Its urban location makes it easily accessible, and parking is usually a breeze.
Though the park itself is on the smaller side, it’s well-kept, and the course layout flows smoothly without much backtracking. Most holes have basic tee pads and signage, and the open design of the park makes navigation fairly straightforward.
What to Expect
You won’t need your full bag at Shepherd. Leave the drivers behind and bring your favorite mids and putters—you’ll be using them on nearly every hole. This is a perfect course for practice rounds, form work, or teaching someone new to the sport in a low-pressure setting.
That said, it’s a public park in an urban area, so you may occasionally share the space with pedestrians or youth programs. Just use common courtesy and you’ll find it’s a great environment for casual disc golf.
Quick Course Info
📍 Location: Shepherd Recreation Center, Chattanooga, TN
🥏 Holes: 9
🌳 Terrain: Flat with mature trees, technical lines
⚠️ Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
💲 Cost: Free
🕒 Play Time: ~30–45 minutes
Shepherd Rec Center may not be the biggest or most famous course in Chattanooga, but it fills an important role in the local disc golf scene. It’s a place to sharpen your skills, play a quick round, or introduce friends and family to the sport. And with its convenient location and no-fuss layout, it’s one of those courses you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.
Carver Recreation Center: A Fun, Casual 9-Hole Course with Room to Grow
Located just a short drive from downtown Chattanooga, Carver Recreation Center Disc Golf Course offers a relaxed and approachable 9-hole layout that’s great for casual players, beginners, and anyone looking to get a quick round in. With open fairways, gentle elevation changes, and a welcoming community vibe, Carver is the kind of course that makes you feel right at home—whether you're practicing, teaching someone new, or just enjoying a sunny afternoon.
A Laid-Back Layout That’s Easy to Love
Carver’s course is set on a mix of gently rolling terrain and open green space, giving players plenty of room to stretch out drives without the pressure of tight gaps or dense woods. It’s designed to be accessible, with shorter hole distances and wide fairways that encourage newer players to build confidence and experienced players to work on accuracy and consistency.
One standout feature is the presence of dual tee pads, offering alternate distances and lines that make the course feel fresh across multiple rounds. The concrete tees and basic signage help with navigation and make the course feel more permanent than many other small 9-hole setups.
Beginner-Friendly and Great for Practice
With its forgiving layout and minimal obstacles, Carver is a fantastic place for beginners to learn the game without being overwhelmed. It’s also an ideal space to work on fundamentals—putting, approach shots, and form mechanics—without the distractions of a more technical course.
For seasoned players, Carver serves as a great practice ground or warm-up spot before heading to more advanced courses like The Sinks or The Narrows.
Community and Accessibility
Carver is located in a community-oriented space with a recreation center nearby, giving it a friendly, neighborhood park feel. It’s typically quiet and uncrowded, making it a great option for solo rounds or small groups. The open layout also allows for easy spotting of discs—ideal if you’re trying new throws or just don’t feel like spending time searching in the rough.
Parking is convenient, and the course is free to play. While amenities are limited on the course itself, nearby facilities at the rec center provide restrooms and water fountains during open hours.
Quick Course Info
📍 Location: Carver Recreation Center, Chattanooga, TN
🥏 Holes: 9 (with dual tee pads)
🌳 Terrain: Open with light elevation
⚠️ Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
💲 Cost: Free
🕒 Play Time: ~30–45 minutes
Carver Recreation Center Disc Golf Course may be simple, but that’s exactly what makes it shine. It’s an easygoing, low-pressure place to learn, play, and enjoy the game. Whether you're a local looking for a quick round or a new player testing the waters, Carver is a great reminder that disc golf doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun.
Cloudland Canyon: Scenic Disc Golf with a Wild Side
Just a short drive from Chattanooga, tucked into the stunning landscape of northwest Georgia, Cloudland Canyon State Park offers one of the most scenic and adventurous disc golf experiences in the region. Known for its rugged beauty, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping forest views, the park also happens to be home to a challenging 18-hole disc golf course that rewards patience, control, and a love for nature. If you're looking to combine disc golf with a day of hiking, photography, or just soaking in mountain air, Cloudland Canyon is a must-play.
A Beautifully Brutal Layout
The disc golf course at Cloudland Canyon isn’t for the faint of heart. With a heavily wooded layout, narrow fairways, and frequent elevation changes, it offers a rugged, technical challenge from the first hole to the last. While the natural surroundings are breathtaking, they also come with their own set of obstacles—roots, rocks, steep drop-offs, and the occasional breeze rolling through the trees.
That said, for those who love a tough, wooded course, this is pure paradise. The layout forces you to think through every throw, shape lines carefully, and keep your disc low and controlled. Errant shots are often punished by dense undergrowth or tough recovery angles—but that’s all part of the fun.
A Destination Course Worth the Drive
Cloudland Canyon is about 40–45 minutes from Chattanooga, but the drive is more than worth it. The course is located inside the state park, so you’ll need to pay a small day-use or parking fee to enter, but the experience is well worth the price of admission.
Surrounded by hiking trails, overlooks, and campgrounds, the disc golf course becomes more than just a round—it’s part of a full-day adventure. Many players plan a full visit, playing a round in the morning, exploring the canyon or hiking to the waterfalls in the afternoon, and even staying overnight at the campground or nearby cabins.
Know Before You Go
Because of its natural, rugged terrain, Cloudland Canyon’s course can be physically demanding. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared for a bit of hiking between holes. Navigation can be a little tricky in spots, so using UDisc or a printed map is highly recommended.
There’s also limited cell service in parts of the park, so plan ahead. The course isn’t crowded most days, and its remote vibe adds to the peaceful, immersive experience.
Quick Course Info
📍 Location: Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn, GA
🥏 Holes: 18
🌲 Terrain: Heavily wooded, elevation changes, rocky paths
⚠️ Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
💲 Cost: State park day-use fee (typically $5 per vehicle)
🕒 Play Time: ~2–2.5 hours
If you’re a disc golfer who enjoys beautiful views, technical wooded lines, and a bit of adventure, Cloudland Canyon delivers one of the most rewarding rounds in the Chattanooga area. It’s not your typical city course—it’s wild, immersive, and absolutely stunning. Come for the disc golf, stay for the scenery, and leave with stories (and maybe a few extra strokes on your scorecard).
Jack Mattox: A Clean, Balanced Disc Golf Course Just Outside Chattanooga
If you're looking for a course that strikes the perfect balance between fun and challenge, head just a few minutes south of Chattanooga to Jack Mattox Recreation Complex in Ringgold, GA. This well-maintained 18-hole course offers a great mix of open and wooded holes, making it friendly to beginners while still keeping more experienced players on their toes. With wide fairways, good signage, and a welcoming park setting, Jack Mattox is a favorite among locals—and an easy add to any disc golf itinerary in the Chattanooga area.
A Well-Rounded Layout for All Skill Levels
Jack Mattox shines in its versatility. The course flows through a mix of open grassy fields, lightly wooded fairways, and occasional low-ceiling lines that require touch and control. While there are a few longer holes that allow you to air out a driver, many of the shots reward finesse over distance—making it a great course to refine your midrange and approach game.
There’s just enough elevation change and tree coverage to keep things interesting, without being overly technical or punishing. With clear tee pads, visible baskets, and a logical layout, Jack Mattox is a great course to bring a friend who's new to disc golf—or to play a stress-free round yourself.
Park Vibes and Playability
Set in a clean, quiet community park, the course benefits from the well-kept surroundings of the Jack Mattox Recreation Complex. The grass is regularly mowed, the tee pads are level, and the baskets are in great shape. It’s a fantastic course for casual play, solo practice rounds, or bringing family along for a laid-back day of disc golf.
The park also includes walking trails, sports fields, and restrooms, so it’s a solid destination for more than just throwing plastic. There’s ample parking and plenty of space to warm up or practice putting before your round.
Know Before You Go
Jack Mattox doesn’t offer a ton of technical difficulty, but that’s exactly why so many players love it. It’s an easy walk, rarely crowded, and suitable for players of all ages. You won’t find steep hills or rugged terrain here—just clean lines, forgiving fairways, and a relaxing disc golf environment.
There’s no fee to play, and the course is open during daylight hours. Whether you’re looking for a confidence-boosting round or just a peaceful afternoon on the course, Jack Mattox is an excellent choice.
Quick Course Info
📍 Location: Jack Mattox Recreation Complex, Ringgold, GA
🥏 Holes: 18
🌳 Terrain: Mix of open and lightly wooded, mostly flat
⚠️ Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
💲 Cost: Free
🕒 Play Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Jack Mattox Disc Golf Course is the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport. It’s simple, enjoyable, and just the right amount of challenge—without ever being frustrating. Whether you’re coming from Chattanooga, Northwest Georgia, or just passing through, this course is absolutely worth the stop.
A Disc Golf Destination in Every Direction
Whether you’re a seasoned player chasing birdies or a newcomer learning the ropes, the Chattanooga area is packed with disc golf opportunities that offer something for everyone.
From the technical tight lines of The Sinks and The Narrows, to the scenic challenge of Cloudland Canyon, and the laid-back vibes of courses like Portland Park, Jack Mattox, and Carver Rec Center, there’s no shortage of variety.
Looking for a quick round on your lunch break? Shepherd Rec or Carver have you covered. Want a full-day adventure with mountain views and rugged fairways? Cloudland Canyon will blow you away.
Need a versatile, beginner-friendly spot to bring friends? Camp Jordan and Jack Mattox are always reliable.
The disc golf scene around Chattanooga continues to grow, thanks to an active community, beautiful terrain, and well-maintained courses. So pack your discs, hit the road, and start exploring—because the Scenic City and its surrounding areas are a true disc golf destination.
