Come Out and Play!
Outdoor Chattanooga News + Events June 2019
Outdoor Chattanooga's newsletter highlights the awesome outdoor activities happening in and around Chattanooga that will connect you to the outdoors and inspire you to come out and play with us!
Outdoor Chattanooga Events
Rapid Learning Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Classes
Wednesdays in June | 6-8 p.m.
Rapid Learning Intro to Kayaking Skills Classes at Chester Frost County Park.
Outdoor Chattanooga's  Rapid Learning Kayak Program provides formal and equipped instruction to learn and develop whitewater kayaking skills. Now that the weather is warming and the sun is shining, we're headed outside to Chester Frost County Park to offer our Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Skills Classes at the lake every Wednesday starting May 1st through the end of September. We offer two sessions each Wednesday; first session is 6-7 PM, second session is 7-8 PM. NO reservations, experience or equipment required to attend, and the first session is always free! You'll find us at the end of the swimming beach near the first boat ramp. For more info email Outdoor Chattanooga .
Dam Kayak Tours
Fridays, June 7, 21, 28 | 6:30-9 PM

Join Outdoor Chattanooga   for a guided and equipped Dam Kayak Tour. Guides will lead you on a leisurely paced paddle across Chickamauga lake into the entrance of the lock for the unforgettable experience of locking down through Chickamauga Dam. The tour will continue down the Tennessee River with a shuttle provided. Prior to departure, you'll receive basic paddling instruction, water safety information and be properly outfitted in a lifejacket and kayak. Cost is $35 per person which includes guides on the water and all the kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, and lifejacket). Appropriate for ages 14+ when accompanied by an adult. Some prior kayaking experience is helpful but not required to participate. Guides will provide on water support throughout the duration of the tour, which lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Reservations and payment are required in advance as space is limited. For more info   email Outdoor Chattanooga   or call (423) 643-6888.
Dam Kayak Tours
Archers + Aces
Adults Only Archery
Tuesdays, June 11 + 25 | 12 - 1:30 PM
Game playing isn’t just for kids! We offer a lot of family-friendly activities throughout the year, so we decided to create one for adults only! Kind of like adult swim time in the pool, that’s the theme behind our Adults only Archery sessions. These free indoor sessions offer grown ups the opportunity to take aim and try archery while playing games and socializing with peers. Each session we will offer different game themed targets to encourage commradery and friendly competition. Sessions occur at the Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park every other Tuesday, June 11, 25, July 9, 23 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. All sessions are walk-in and open to ages 30+. No reservation or prior experience required. All equipment and instruction provided. Cost: free. Leave the kids at home and join us for Adult Archery!
Paddle Smart Chattanooga
Tuesday, June 11 | 6-8 p.m.
Have you recently purchased your own kayak/canoe/SUP, but lack the confidence to get out and explore Chattanooga’s scenic waterways on your own? BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) and join Outdoor Chattanooga for an introduction to flatwater paddling course that will give you the confidence to safely and smartly paddle Chattanooga’s scenic waterways! Paddle Smart Chattanooga classes are taught by Outdoor Chattanooga’s experienced paddling instructors who share their knowledge and offer insight on the best ways to set up your boat, transport your craft, paddling techniques, navigation essentials, entry and exit practices, self rescue techniques, TN boater laws, understanding CFS-water flow and how it can affect you, safety precautions and resources for recreational paddling in the Chattanooga area. You’ll learn the basics to keep yourself safe in any scenario and proper trip planning skills to make the most of every water-based adventure!
Cost: $10 per person. This class is designed for participants who have and bring their own equipment. Loaner boats not available. Appropriate ages 10+ when accompanied by a participating adult. This class is held at Chester Frost County Park/ Chickamauga Lake.
Reservation are required in advance as class size is limited to 6 participants. Reserve online here or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.

Full Moon Kayak Tour
Saturday, June 15 | 8 - 10 p.m.
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided and equipped Full Moon Kayak Tour around the islands and sloughs of Chickamauga Lake as the full moon rises in the night sky. Guides will lead you on a leisurely paced and peaceful paddle to watch the colorful skyline as the sun sets and the full moon rises over the lake. Prior to departure, you'll receive basic paddling instruction, water safety information and be properly outfitted in a lifejacket and kayak. Cost: $35 per person which includes guides on the water and all the kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, PFD, and lights). This moonlit kayak tour is appropriate for ages 14+ when accompanied by an adult. Some prior kayaking/paddling experience is helpful but not required to participate in this tour. Guides will offer basic paddling instruction and provide on water support throughout the duration of the tour, which lasts approximately 2 hours.Reservations and payment are required in advance as space is limited to 10 participants. Call 423-643-6888 to learn more or click the link below to register online!
Family Funday at Greenway Farm Park
Sunday, June 23 | 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Pack a picnic and load up the whole family to enjoy a full day of activity at Greenway Farms City Park. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide equipment for families to try archery or take a self guided hike. Canoes can be rented for $25 (cash or check only please) to explore the creek. All other activities are free. Appropriate for ages 5+.

Community Events
African American Family Film Series
Thursdays in June at Miller Park | 8:30 p.m.
The City Office of Multicultural Affairs , RISE Chattanooga and the Urban League Chattanooga host a series of classic family-friendly African American films in Miller Park, every Thursday evening in June for Free!! All films start at 8:30 p.m. with family-friendly activities starting at 7:30 pm. This film series is for everyone and includes live performances, dance alongs, sing alongs and costume contests. Come join the fun!

Film Schedule:
June 6 - Black Panther - Wear your best Wakanda attire and win a prize!
June 13 - Cinderella - Dress like a princess or prince and win a prize!
June 20 - The Last Dragon (PG-13) - Wear your best 1980s neon gear and win a prize!
June 27 - The Wiz - Miller plaza morphs into the Emerald City. Dress as your favorite character, sing along and win a prize!

TSRA's Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School | June 21-23
The 50th Annual Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School hosted by TSRA will be held June 21-23, 2019 at the Hiwassee / Ocoee Scenic River State Park on the Hiwassee River. This school is for beginner whitewater canoe and kayak paddlers up to advanced paddlers ages 12 and up. Instructional opportunities will include on and off-river lessons covering orientation and logistics; terminology and river signals; stroke work, self and assisted rescue; fundamentals of river features; whitewater practice such as eddy turns, ferries and surfing; assessing current environmental conditions; and paddling group dynamics. On-water instruction is based on skill level. The cost of this school is $99 and registration will include two days of instruction and two nights camping in the overflow camp field. Each site has a table, fire ring and a grill. Public water and a bathhouse containing sinks, commodes, and hot showers are located near the camp field.

Party for the Planet
Saturday, June 22 | 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Celebrate our planet with Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center and Chattanooga Zoo at a Party for the Planet on June 22nd! Enjoy a day outside while learning about how YOU can protect the planet. Participate in a down river paddle and river clean up from Ross' landing to Reflection Riding. Shuttles and trash bags will be provided and there will be prizes for most trash collected and most unique item found. There will also be children's activities at Reflection including guided nature hikes, paddling on Lookout Creek, invasive plant removal, and craft stations. Please register in advance if plan to attend this FREE event.
Local Adventure Spotlight
National Trails Day | June 1

Each year, the first Saturday in June is dedicated to connecting people to trails! Did you know that trails are for more than just hiking? They also provide access to waterways for paddling adventures, cliffs and boulders for climbers to ascend and singletrack trails for mountain biking, birdwatching or geocaching. Events across the country are held to promote volunteer efforts, raise awareness of trail issues, and instill excitement for the outdoors by encouraging people to discover their local trails and create their own adventure! We, along with many other local organizations, encourage you to join this historic event and leave a trail better than you found it!

National Trails Day at Tennessee State Parks
 Saturday, June 1 | times vary
Tennessee State Parks are offering a variety of ranger-led day hikes, night hikes, history hikes, nature hikes, or trail clean-up hikes. With more than 1,000 miles of trails ranging from easy, paved trails to rugged backcountry trails to scenic waterways, they have something for everyone. See what our local state parks are offering.

Booker T. Washington State Park - Interpretive Ranger will lead a one-mile hike around the nature trail from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet at the nature trail in the pool parking lot. Bring water and sturdy shoes. Call with any questions Ranger Jordan 423-260-0366

Cumberland Trail State Park - Join Park Ranger Josh on a guided hike to the Old Dayton Reservoir in Dayton, TN. On this roughly 2 mile roundtrip hike, you'll learn the history of the State Natural Area and the town of Dayton as we make our way through this historically significant area of Tennessee. This trail is moderate. Please dress appropriately for warm weather and rugged terrain. Bring snacks/lunch and plenty of water. Meeting Time: 9am ET at the Laurel-Snow SNA Trailhead  . Call 423-290-3873 with questions.


Harrison Bay State Park - Ranger-guided 4.5-mile hike around the Bay Point Loop Trail to pick up litter. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Trail is rated as moderately strenuous. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Call Ranger Ally 717-420-6804

Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park - Grab your kayak and join a Ranger to float on the Hiwassee River Blueway trail from 5-7 PM. Learn about the aquatic life that lives in the Hiwassee, the history of the park, and boating safety. It is a state law and requirement that you wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket on this portion of the river. Meet at the boat ramp by Gee Creek campground and carpool to the Reliance put-in. Register in advance online. Call Ranger Gillian at 423-263-0050 for more info.

Red Clay State Historic Park - Join Ranger Cammarata for a historical tour of the Red Clay Council Grounds. Learn about the 19th century Cherokee culture, lifestyle, and the Trail of Tears. This is a .5 mile loop and will take approximatley 1 hour. Please bring sturdy shoes, water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Meet at the gazebo at 2 p.m. Call 423-478-0339 for more information.

South Cumberland State Park - Join Ranger Dan for a trail building day in Collins Gulf to celebrate National Trails Day with South Cumberland State Park! They are working on a reroute leading to Horsepound Falls. We will be hiking approximately 2.8 miles to the worksite through some difficult terrain, and hike out the way we came in to conclude the day. Make sure to bring a sturdy pair of closed toed shoes, as well as plenty of water and snacks to last throughout the day. If you have a favorite pair of work gloves or trail tools, feel free to bring them along. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Collins West Trailhead, Collins W Access Trail, Gruetli-Laager, TN 37339. Call Ranger Dan at 931-444-9126,
National Trails Day at Enterprise South Nature Park
Saturday, June 1 | times vary
All Activities Meet at Parking Lot 3
8:30am-10:30am | Nature Hike roughly 2 mile
9:00am-10:30am | Discover the History Hike
9:00am-11:00am | Photography Hike roughly 3 miles
10:00am-12:00pm | McKamey Animal Center Trail Blazer Club
10:00am-1:30pm | Hidden Lake Activitie
11:30am-1pm | Discover the History Hike
11:30am-1:30pm | Nature Hike roughly 2 miles
Join our local National Park Service staff and other volunteers for a trail workday on the Red Trail (horse trail) starting at LaFayette Road and working our way east. Volunteers will meet at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center lower parking lot at 9 am, and staff will lead them to the worksite. Volunteers can expect to return to the visitor center at approximately 12 pm. All tools and supplies will be provided. Volunteers should wear long pants and sturdy, close-toed shoes, no flip-flops. Please RSVP if you plan to volunteer by emailing Volunteer Coordinator Will Wilson or by calling 706-866-9241 x137.

Raccoon Mountain Trail Day
June 1 | 8 -10 a.m.

Join TVA and SORBA Chattanooga for a celebration of Raccoon Mountain. They’ll be doing light trail maintenance in the morning and participating in a group ride after lunch. Join for one or both. For trail maintenance, bring work gloves, wear closed-toed shoes, pants, long-sleeved shirt, and bring bug spray. Contact: Les Warnock (423) 751-7449, rlwarnock@tva.gov or Heather Sellers (423) 876-6736, hmhamilt@tva.gov

Ripping up Invasives on the Ridge
June 1 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Join the Chattanooga Park Stewards to give back to our local trail system on Stringers Ridge! They'll work to remove unwanted, exotic invasive plants along the trail corridor. Using good ol' fashion human strength and hand tools, we'll focus on removing honeysuckle, privet and english ivy. Join in the camaraderie with your fellow trail-goer and general do-gooder. No experience necessary. All instruction and tools will be provided. Meet at the Spears Ave trailhead parking lot .
National Trails Day at Denny Cove
June 1 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Celebrate National Trails Day with the Southeastern Climbers Coalition & the Access Fund-Jeep Conservation Team at Denny Cove in South Cumberland State Park. They will work on the approach trail to Denny East and continue tackling the staging area at the Buffet Wall. If you can't make it for the event on June 1st, the SCC and Conservation Team will be working out there for the following week and will take volunteers on those days! Meet at the trail head at 9 AM with water, snacks, and lunch for the day. Be prepared for a ~30 minute hike to the crag, heat, bugs, and a lot of high fives. We'll work until 3 PM. (sometimes later, but you're free to come and go as needed.)
Please register for complete event information, updates and swag upon arrival.

Looking Ahead...Upcoming Events
June

July

August

September
29 Ironman Chattanooga
Outdoor Chattanooga | 423.643.6888 | info@outdoorchattanooga.com | www.outdoorchattanooga.com