The towns of Signal Mountain and Walden are located on a ridge at the top of the mountain known as Walden´s Ridge. Most historians believe Walden´s Ridge got its name in the early nineteenth century for a John Walling. Over the years, it became to be called Walden´s Ridge. The first inhabits are believed to have been the Cherokee, Creek, and Native American Indian tribes.

Charles E. James originated the Town of Signal Mountain with the purchase of 4,400 acres of land in the Signal Point area. Mr. James came to the area in 1878 when an epidemic of yellow fever hit the South and began plans for a residential community. It was nearly thirty years before his dream began to develop. Mr. James opened the Signal Mountain Inn in 1913.

Today Signal Mountain and Walden are thriving towns with many up scale developments, yet the area has retained the beauty and serenity that first attracted the early settlers.

According to Trulia a nationwide real estate web site the average listing price on Signal Mountain as of October 2008 was $472,060 with a median sales price of $221,700 from October ´07 to September 08.

Whether you´re planning a visit or move to the mountain, there´s sure to be something of interest for everyone. As your coming up the mountain on U.S. Hwy 127 watch for the Space Ship house, a landmark three-level flying saucer shape house, known across the country it drew crowds of curious lookers when it was offered for sale.

Completed in 1918 The Signal Mountain Golf Course was part of the Signal Mountain Inn with the clubhouse serving as a dance pavilion and casino. Back in that period cattle were allowed to roam free and some found the lush golf course greens. When the town was incorporated, its first ordinance was to prohibit running livestock within the town limits. From their actions, it´s a safe bet the first Signal Mountain officials weren´t cattlemen! Today The Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club is private and open only to members. A park, playground, ball fields, and tennis courts behind the club are open to the public.

If you´re into hiking be sure to visit the Cumberland Trail, the southern most point of the trail extends along Walden´s Ridge to Rainbow Lake and on to Edwards Point. The trail then goes across Suck Creek and enters Prentice Cooper National Forest. The trail is open for hikers year round and well marked. After a long hike and ready to relax with great music, then make a stop at The Mountain Opry. You can hear bluegrass and traditional mountain music every Friday from 8-11 PM.

In the fall when leaves are brilliant shades of red and yellow, a pretty drive is up or down the "W Road", which carries traffic up the eastern bluff of Walden´s Ridge. The "W Road" is named for the three switchbacks that form the shape of a "W", and was built in 1890. A warning you don´t want to try this drive in a motor home or pulling a trailer!