Dunlap, Tennessee is part of the Chatanooga Greater Metropolitan Area. The population of Dunlap as of 2009 was 5,568. Chatanooga itself is situated within the Appalachian Mountains and is close to historic Lookout Mountain, the site of a Civil War battle. Those who choose Dunlap as a vacation spot or tourist destination will have plenty of ways to occupy their time. Situated on the Sequatchie River, Dunlap itself offers a variety of tourist and local hot spots, and Chatanooga is less than 20 miles away.
This 32-acre park is ideal for hiking and enjoying nature. Included on the grounds is a 5,000-square-foot museum detailing the history of coal mining and coke ovens operations of the last 100 years. The museum is housed inside a full-sized replica of a coal company building from the early 1900s. The Sequatchie Valley Historical Society operates the museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of coal mining photographs. An annual Bluegrass festival is held on the grounds the first Friday and Saturday in June.
Located on Highway 127 North, the Mount Airy Golf & Athletic Club is a scenic facility the whole family can enjoy. Golf lovers can exercise their skills on an 18-hole golf course, while children can take advantage of the indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The pools are part of a larger health club that also includes a weight room and an aerobics room. The Old Madison Estates, an upscale living community, is also located part of the development.
Children enjoy picking apples off the trees of Wheeler's Orchard. In operation since 1978, the Orchard produces 14 varieties of apples, as well as a grape vineyard. Wheeler's Orchard is open year-round, with peak season occurring August through November. Visitors can walk through the grounds at their leisure.
If you're adventurous, rent a canoe on the Sequatchie River where you can fish or simply enjoy the scenic river. In some areas, the river is only waist deep, so swimming, wading, or simply floating to a picnic site are also allowed. Canoe rental prices range from $38 to $47 for a one- or two-person canoe. Canoe trips start at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and can last anywhere from two hours to an entire day. The canoe trips do not run from November to March.
