Come Out and Play!
Outdoor Chattanooga News + Events September 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
Chattanooga Interscholastic Climbing League
Outdoor Chattanooga  is excited to once again host the Interscholastic Climbing League  (ICL) for middle and high school students in the Chattanooga area. The ICL introduces 6-12th grade student to a challenging sport in an environment that emphasizes communication, teamwork, and positive social interaction without the competitive pressures often associated with traditional sports. The ICL offers six organized meets for school teams to compete in through the winter months at the three local climbing gyms. Prior experience is not required to participate in the league. Most area schools, including public, private and home schools have established climbing teams. Check with your school to see if a team already exists and how to join. If your school doesn't have a team,  email Outdoor Chattanooga  or call 423-643-6888 to find out how to form a new team or compete individually.

Rapid Learning Intro to Whitewater Kayaking Classes
Wednesdays in September | 6-8 p.m.
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 .
Paddle Smart Chattanooga
Tuesday, September 10 | 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.

Sunset Canoe Tour
Friday, September 20 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided Sunset Canoe Tour on North Chickamauga Creek. Guides will lead you on a leisurely paced paddle along the peaceful creek to view wildlife as the sun sets. Cost is $10 per person which includes guided tour and all canoe equipment. Appropriate for ages 6+ with an adult. Guides will offer basic paddling instruction and provide on water support throughout the duration of the 2-hour tour. Reservations and payment are required in advance as space is limited. Use the ticket link or call 423-643-6888 to reserve your canoe today!
Historic Battlefield Bike Ride
Saturday, September 21 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join  Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park  and  Outdoor Chattanooga  for this free, leisurely paced bicycle tour through Chickamauga Battlefield. National Park Service rangers provide recounts of the history of the battlefield during frequent stops, while Outdoor Chattanooga staff provide ride support. Bicycles are available for riders five feet tall and over at no charge, thanks to sponsorship from the  National Park Partners  and Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga . Reservations for these bicycles are required. If you have and use your own equipment, no reservation is necessary. The monthly tours begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Ride distance is approximately three to four miles on flat to gently rolling terrain. The rides are considered beginner friendly and are appropriate for adults, and children ages eight and older when accompanied by an adult. NO training wheels, please. All participants are required to wear helmets during the ride. 

Tennessee River Gorge Kayak Tour
Saturday, September 28 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided and equipped kayak tour down the gorgeous Tennessee River Gorge. The Tennessee River Gorge, known as the "Grand Canyon" of Tennessee, lies just downstream from the city of Chattanooga. As the river winds through the gorge, it creates the opportunity to view historic, natural and geologic wonders from the unique perspective of a kayak.

Cost: $45 per person - includes guides, equipment, and transportation. Registration and payment is required in advance as space is limited. Previous kayak experience is helpful, but not necessary to participate. Appropriate for ages 16 and up when accompanied by a participating adult. We utilize Wilderness Systems Tsunami 14' and 16' sea touring kayaks, which fit most body types (kayak weight limit is 275lbs). Call 423-643-6888 to learn more.

Community Events
Moon River Festival
September 6 & 7
Moon River Music Festival presented by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors and AC Entertainment is an exciting two day music festival featuring 22 acts on two stages. Originating in Memphis in 2014, the festival found a new home in Chattanooga last year on the banks of the Tennessee River in Coolidge Park. Tickets for the 2019 festival sold out the day they went on sale! Please note that road closures and very limited access to parking on the Northshore will occur leading up to and during the Festival September 7 and 8.

Skyhoundz Disc Dogs World Championships
September 20-22
Skyhoundz offers competitions for disc dog enthusiasts world-wide. There are three competition series: Disc Dogathon, Skyhoundz Classic, and Xtreme Distance. Events throughout the year culminate in an incredible World Championships right here in Chattanooga at Coolidge Park! This weekend long high flying disc dog event is free and fun for all ages!
National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 28
Join volunteers across the nation taking part in the 26th annual  National Public Lands Day - the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the U.S. The City of Chattanooga's Park Stewards is hosting a Work and Play Day on the South Chickamauaga Creek Greenway. Connect with nature through volunteer service projects and activities designed for the whole family. Partner organizations include: South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance, Trust for Public Land, Southeast Grasslands Initiative, and WildTrails. At Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, volunteers will be working to rehabilitate CCC Camp Demaray on Lookout Mountain . Entrance into Point Park will be free on this date. See the National Public Lands site for other volunteer opportunities in your neck of the woods.

Chickstock 2019
Saturday, September 28 | 3-10 PM
Chickstock is an annual celebration of environmental education in The Tennessee Valley. All proceeds benefit the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy and help fund programs centered around outdoor recreation, education, and conservation of our public lands. Highlights include: live music from local bands, well crafted local brews, tasty noogan street food, and all of the environmental education organizations in the area. Come out and show your support for these programs that connect 'noogans to nature.

Sunday, September 29

The  Little Debbie IRONMAN Chattanooga  returns to the Scenic City on Sunday, September 29, bringing with it thousands of athletes that have made the trek to Chattanooga to complete 144.6 miles of swim, bike, run in one day! The energy in the city is electric! Here's everything you need to know about this year's race.  Schedule of Events,  and  Course Info . 

Noteworthy Side Note:
Wonder why Chattanooga continues to host IRONMAN Races? IRONMAN athletes voted Chattanooga Overall satisfaction, Best Overall swim, Best Overall Bike, Best Race Venue, Best Host City, and Best Post-Race Celebration. All that should come as no surprise since Chattanooga was voted the Best Town Ever twice by Outside Magazine!

Looking Ahead...Upcoming Events
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Outdoor Chattanooga | 423.643.6888 | info@outdoorchattanooga.com | www.outdoorchattanooga.com