A Local's Guide to Soddy-Daisy: Big Soddy Creek Gulf and Lakeside Country Cooking

Soddy-Daisy is the lakeside town strung along the northern end of Chickamauga Lake, about half an hour up the river from downtown Chattanooga. Its calling card is one of the region's best-loved swimming holes; its everyday pleasure is honest country cooking. Come for the water, stay for the plate.

What is Soddy-Daisy known for?

Big Soddy Creek Gulf. Big Soddy Creek Gulf is a clear, spring-fed creek with a flat, walkable trail and deep swimming pools below the bluffs -- a regionally famous swimming-and-wading spot that fills up on hot summer weekends for good reason. The rest of the town is lake country: boat ramps, fishing, and a string of long-running local restaurants.

Things to do in Soddy-Daisy

Spend the morning at Big Soddy Creek Gulf -- walk the easy creekside trail and find a pool to cool off in. Soddy-Daisy Veterans Park and Poe's Tavern Park cover the everyday green space and lake access, and the broader Chickamauga Lake shoreline is right there for anyone who brought a boat or a rod.

Where to eat in Soddy-Daisy

The dining is country-comfortable and deeply local. Home Folks Family Restaurant and Wimpie's Country Restaurant are the two big country-cooking favorites, El Metate is the go-to for Mexican, and Rafael's Italian Restaurant and Ricko's Pizzeria cover pizza and pasta. For smoke there's Off The Farm Barbque, and dessert is a stop at Kay's Kastles or a box from Lickin Good Donuts.

When to go

Summer is prime -- Big Soddy Creek Gulf is at its best when it's hot and you want a cold creek. Spring and fall are lovely for the trail without the crowds. Go early on summer weekends; the swimming hole's parking fills fast.

Planning your visit

Soddy-Daisy is about 30 minutes north of downtown Chattanooga via US-27 along the lake. Big Soddy Creek Gulf has a small trailhead lot that fills early on hot days, so arrive in the morning and bring water shoes. The town stretches along the highway, so plan to drive between the creek and dinner.

The bottom line

Soddy-Daisy is a swimming-hole-and-supper kind of town -- a clear creek to cool off in and a country plate to finish the day. We surface what's worth the trip; you choose the pool. See what's on this week at the Lineup.