West, and slightly north of the city of Chattanooga, Signal Mountain rises. With Raccoon Mountain to the south, a gateway for the Tennessee River is formed through the extensive Cumberland Plateau. Signal Point overlooks this gateway, known as the Tennessee Gorge.

This mountain was the only high point around the city controlled by the Union Army from September to November of 1863. Retreating from the defeat at Chickamauga, William Rosecrans was unable to hold the high ground south and east of the city. Luckily, his men held on to Signal Mountain. While rugged terrain further west prevented the Federals from resupplying the city from that direction, they used the route to communicate with their country.

An intricate signaling system was developed that featured a series of outposts along the high bluffs of the Tennessee River Gorge, relaying messages from Chattanooga to Bridgeport, Alabama. From Bridgeport messages were sent North by telegraph.

When Ulysses S. Grant opened up the "Cracker Line" by taking Brown's Ferry on October 27, 1863, the signaling system was no longer necessary, however the post on Signal Mountain was used for observation of enemy troop movements.

The mountain's name does not come from the Union Army's use of the peak. Cherokee Indians used the mountain for the same purpose before they were removed on the "Trail of Tears. Signal Mountain is a translation of their name for the peak.

Signal Point is one of a series of parks around Chattanooga, including Point Park, Cravens House and Missionary Ridge that are part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park. Besides the observation point, which has a picnic table and signs describing the signaling system in use during the Civil War, the park has a hiking trail down to a second platform also used for observation. This is a steep, rugged trail.

Additionally, Signal Point is the start of the Tennessee River Gorge segment of the Cumberland Trail, a 13 mile hike rated as difficult.

Open: Daily, 8:00am-dusk, picnicking and hiking allowed.
Directions: I-24 to Hwy,. 27N to Hwy. 127N, up Signal Mountain. 2 mi. At top, turn left, go 1.6 mi. Follow signs.

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