Deeper Into the Journey: Lake Ocoee & Lookout Mountain | Day 2 Ride to the Natchez Trace Parkway

Añadido: 2026-05-13

[00:00:03]Yesterday set the tone for what this trip is really all about. Today takes us even deeper into this journey. This isn't just about miles on a map. It's about everything that happens in between.

[00:00:18]quiet mountain roads, scenic stretches through Tennessee, an unexpected visit to a Civil War cemetery, and later Lookout Mountain and Sunset Rock. Then somewhere along the way, another beautiful ride as we make our way towards Franklin, Tennessee.

[00:00:39]This is day number two of our family ride towards the Nachas Trace Parkway, and it's a day we won't forget.

[00:01:06]They say the fractures ready.

[00:01:14]>> I thank God every day for this man. It's these little things that mean so much and say I love you louder than any word ever could.

[00:01:28]>> Good morning. Day number two of our Nachas Trace adventure and we wake up in a Koi, Tennessee. That is about an hour east of Chattanooga and a little closer to Cleveland, Tennessee. Yesterday we did get to do the Akoi Scenic Byway, but because it was later in the day and we were really tired and wanted to get to dinner, we didn't get to stop at the overlook and get a picture. So today's plan is to head down that way and get that picture and then we're going to head over to Chattanooga before heading to Franklin, Tennessee. There is no rain in the forecast, but it is going to be a hot one. Just going to get out and enjoy the day. Kids are still upstairs sleeping. We're going to go get them roused up. Got the motorcycles wiped down and we are going to pack up stuff and get out on that road.

[00:02:32]>> Ready for day two. Baby, >> you are holding me up above the water.

[00:02:48]>> I see you.

[00:02:52]I see you there holding me up above the water.

[00:03:03]I see you.

[00:03:07]I see you waiting for me.

[00:03:20]As we make our way to the overlook near the Akoi Dam, which is only about 5 miles down the road, I can't help but feel grateful riding together, watching my son, my daughter-in-law, and my husband out on the road and having my daughter right here with me, sharing this motorcycle like we've done so many adventures before. There really aren't words for what this time together means to me.

[00:03:50]But I'm never shaking late in rain as they go.

[00:04:03]You are holding me up above the water.

[00:04:10]I see you.

[00:04:13]>> Experiencing this area today feels completely different. Cooler air, quieter roads, and a chance to really slow down and take in a portion of what we rode through yesterday.

[00:04:32]>> My sweet family, I so appreciate their patience and for indulging me as I set up to get the picture I came here to get.

[00:04:43]>> We're going to get a picture. I can see >> I'm going to see I'm hoping we're far enough away again.

[00:05:07]>> With the pictures taken, we can take a few minutes to slow down and really take this in.

[00:05:16]Standing here looking out over these calm waters. It is so peaceful.

[00:05:23]The panels here at the overlook share information about the area and the Akoi Scenic Byway. This stretch of Highway 64 is part of a 26mi scenic route that follows the Akoi River through the Cherokee National Forest, connecting the river, the gorge, and the lake we're looking at now.

[00:05:45]Right now we are here and we stayed at a hotel of here. Right here.

[00:05:51]>> That's where we started.

[00:05:56]>> We talked to the in that parking lot.

[00:05:58]>> Mhm.

[00:05:59]>> That's where we were at.

[00:06:01]>> Parksville Lake, also known as Lake AoE, was created by the dam just down the road.

[00:06:08]It's where the river that winds through the gorge opens up into this wide, quiet water. And standing here, you really feel that contrast. Yesterday, we saw the river moving fast, cutting through the gorge alongside the road. But here, it's calm, almost still.

[00:06:31]It's one of those places that's easy to pass by. But if you take a few minutes to stop, walk to the water's edge, and really take it in, it gives you a whole different appreciation for everything we rode through yesterday. And getting to share this moment right here with my family, it just feels perfect.

[00:06:57]After taking it all in, it's time to move on. With Chattanooga ahead and Franklin not too far behind, the day's journey continues.

[00:07:17]Liam and Darlene take the lead to Chattanooga.

[00:07:43]Sitting back here, Kayla and I enjoy watching these two side by side.

[00:08:06]It is Sunday, so the Harley dealership that we wanted to stop at is not open yet. So, we decide to go ahead and get a quick bite to eat at Subway.

[00:08:18]Every single trip, my girl spills something on my motorcycle.

[00:08:23]>> This time you are a little to blame.

[00:08:25]Miss jump out of your seat >> so fast.

[00:08:30]>> It's traditional.

[00:08:49]After lunch, we had a little time before the Harley shop opened. Right next door to the Harley Shop, we noticed a stone arch at the entrance to a driveway that caught our attention, and we couldn't help but wonder what was back there. So, we decide to ride down the lane and check it out. It wasn't something we had planned, but it turned out to be well worth the stop.

[00:09:12]The Silverdale Confederate Cemetery is a historic cemetery dating back to the Civil War. The final resting place for Confederate soldiers who died in the Chattanooga area.

[00:09:24]It's a quiet place, simple, but filled with history.

[00:09:37]As we walk through, you notice pretty quickly there aren't many individual markers. Many of the original graves were marked with wooden boards, and over time, those have been lost. Now, it's more of a shared resting place with a general memorial honoring those soldiers buried here. And in some ways, that makes it even more humbling because you realize so many of the names and stories are no longer known.

[00:10:06]For my husband and my son, both veterans, this kind of place carries a different weight. There's a deep respect here, not just for the history, but for the sacrifice and what it means to serve.

[00:10:21]We take a few minutes, walk slowly, and just reflect. No rush, no distractions, just a quiet moment to remember. Sometimes on a trip like this, it's the unplanned stops that leave the biggest impression.

[00:10:39]And after taking a few moments here, we head over to the dealership.

[00:11:22]We are heading over to Lookout Mountain where the views are spectacular.

[00:11:41]>> Now, there's no shortage of things to see and do around here. The historic incline railway and Point Park, places like Rock City and Ruby Falls. It's one of those areas where you could easily spend a few days exploring and we did just that when we were here in 2017.

[00:12:00]But for us today, there is one spot we want to share with everyone and it is about a 9-minute ride up the mountain.

[00:12:38]We make our way up to Sunset Rock, one of the more natural overlooks on Lookout Mountain.

[00:13:01]It's a bit of a walk to get out there, but once you do, it's worth every step.

[00:13:15]Standing here looking out over the valley below, you can see for miles stretching towards Chattanooga with the Tennessee River winding its way through it. And as beautiful as it is, there's also a lot of history here. During the Civil War, Confederate forces under Braxton Bragg held the high ground around Chattanooga, including this mountain. From positions like this, they could look out over the valley, watching movement along the river and roads below. It was a powerful vantage point.

[00:13:49]But it didn't stay that way. This area became part of the battles that would eventually break that hold, opening the way for Union forces to move deeper into the south. And standing here now, it's hard to imagine that this same view once looked out over so much conflict.

[00:14:11]There's something about this place. It's quiet, peaceful, and one of those spots that makes you stop for a moment and just take it all in. And in a place like this, I'm reminded of just how incredible God's creation really is. A place that once held tension and uncertainty, now filled with beauty, stillness, and peace. Getting to stand here, taking this all in, and sharing it with my family, it's something I don't take for granted because moments like this, they are going to stay with me long after this ride is over.

[00:15:04]After taking in the views from Sunset Rock, we make our way back down the mountain.

[00:15:17]And on a hot day like today, it just feels right to stop for some ice cream.

[00:15:23]Darling found a couple of options nearby, but with one place packed and with limited seating, we decide to head over to Mr. Te's Pizza and Ice Cream instead. A quick stop, something cold, and exactly what we needed.

[00:15:48]From there, we get back on the motorcycles and continue our ride towards Franklin, Tennessee.

[00:15:55]This afternoon, we'll be following Highway 64 and US 41, making our way out of the Chattanooga area through the River Valley and up onto the Cumberland Plateau. It's one of those routes where the scenery just keeps changing. You'll find stretches that follow along the water, quiet rivers, and small lakes with glimpses of it showing through the trees as you ride. Then the landscape begins to shift from the valley up into the hills through forested sections, small towns, and open country. It's not a fast ride, and it's not meant to be.

[00:16:33]It's smooth, scenic, and easy to settle into. the kind of ride where you can take a breath, look around, and really enjoy where you are. So, we're going to let the road speak for itself here and just take in the rest of this ride.

[00:16:54]Promise me you come with me when I go.

[00:17:08]Stay with me.

[00:17:12]Take mine and I won't let go.

[00:17:21]I know everything's light enough.

[00:17:28]Oh, the sun burns so much brighter now.

[00:17:35]The moonlight glows like fire up and you know I won't let go.

[00:17:46]No, wherever you go I go.

[00:18:04]Speak to me.

[00:18:08]Tell me all that your heart dreams.

[00:18:17]Stay with me till the morning sunlight sings.

[00:18:31]I know everything's light enough.

[00:18:38]Oh, the sun burns so much bright enough.

[00:18:44]Moonlight glows like fire and you know I won't let go.

[00:18:56]Know I know everything's light enough.

[00:19:07]Oh, the sun and moon burns so much bright enough.

[00:19:13]In the warm light glows like fire.

[00:19:20]All the years come up and go.

[00:19:25]All the seeds we plant, every stitch you sow.

[00:19:30]And you know I won't let go.

[00:19:35]Oh no.

[00:19:37]Wherever you go, I go.

[00:19:43]After unloading the motorcycles at the hotel, we head out for dinner at a local pizza place. And once again, Darlene didn't let us down. While we ate, we find a game on the table. How well do you really know your family? And let's just say we had a lot of fun with that.

[00:20:03]>> What is my favorite thing to do at an amusement park or fair?

[00:20:07]>> Roller coaster.

[00:20:09]>> One of them.

[00:20:15]>> Eat food.

[00:20:16]It was my favorite thing to do at >> all. What's my favorite thing to do at an amusement park or up there?

[00:20:24]>> And the food was very good, too.

[00:20:28]End of day number two. We are here in Franklin, Tennessee. Tomorrow we're going to wake up and hit the Nachas Trace Parkway. We're going to take several days to go down that route and enjoy some of the stops along the way.

[00:20:46]Until next time everybody, God bless and safe riding out there.