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! |
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Outdoor Chattanooga Programs |
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Sale Creek Kayak Tour
Thursday, June 10 & 17 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided and equipped kayak tour on Sale Creek, near the confluence of the Tennessee River about 45 minutes north of Chattanooga. Enjoy a leisurely paced paddle along the creek in search of wildlife such as Bald Eagles, migrant shorebirds, herons as well as seasonal wildflower blooms along the shorelines. Prior to departure, you'll receive basic paddling instruction, water safety information and be properly outfitted in a lifejacket and kayak. We utilize recreational kayaks that fit most body types (kayak weight limit is 275lbs). Previous kayak experience is helpful, but not necessary to participate. Appropriate for ages 14 and up when accompanied by a participating adult. Cost: $45 per person. This includes guides and all kayaking equipment. Participants must meet at Sale Creek. Online registration and payment are required in advance as space is limited. Additional details are sent after paid registration. Call 423-643-6888 to register or learn more.
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Downtown Sunset Kayak Tour
Thursday, June 10 and 17 | 7 - 9 PM
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Join Outdoor Chattanooga for an adult-only guided and equipped Sunset Kayak Tour on the Tennessee River. Guides will lead you on a leisurely paced downriver paddle to watch the colorful skyline as the sun sets over downtown. Your trip will end downtown to allow for potential additional fun in the river city. Prior to departure, you'll receive basic paddling instruction, water safety information and be properly outfitted in a lifejacket and kayak. The cost of the tour includes guides on the water, a shuttle, and all the kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, PFD, and lights). This sunset kayak tour is appropriate for ages 18+. We utilize Wilderness System Pungo Recreational Kayaks for this tour, which are sit-in-style kayaks that have a maximum weight limit of 265 lbs. We recommend you do not exceed this weight limit for your personal comfort and safety. Some prior kayaking 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. Online reservations and payment are required in advance as space is limited.
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Paddle Smart - Intro to Flatwater Paddling
June 11 & 17
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Have you purchased your own kayak/canoe/SUP, but lack the confidence to explore Chattanooga's scenic waterways safely? Join Outdoor Chattanooga's experienced instructors for an intro to flatwater paddling course that will give you the confidence to safely and smartly paddle Chattanooga's scenic waterways! Learn 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 for those that have and use their own equipment. $35 for those that need to use Outdoor Chattanooga equipment which includes a recreational kayak, paddle, and lifejacket. This class is appropriate for children 10+ with a participating adult. Online Registration is required.
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Intro to Mountain Biking Guided Trail Rides
June 11 & 12
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Mountain biking is a fun way to exercise and connect with nature. If you're curious about leaving the asphalt behind and gearing up for the trails, these Intro to Mountain Biking courses are designed for you! Learn the fundamentals of mountain biking from our experienced instructors through skills demonstration and practice in a controlled setting. Our instructors teach in a format that's structured to your pace and individual learning style.
You don't have to have prior mountain biking experience to participate, but you must be able to ride a bike confidently. Don't have a mountain bike? No problem. We have mountain bikes for use at no additional charge so you can decide if this sport is for you before making a big investment. Appropriate for ages 10+. Cost: $10 per person. Mountain bikes, helmets, and instruction provided.
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Pedal + Paddle the Tennessee River
Saturday, June 13 | 9 AM - 1 PM
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Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided and equipped Pedal to Paddle | Bike to Kayak Adventure on the Tennessee Riverwalk and Tennessee River Blueway! You'll discover how Chattanooga's greenways and blueways are connected while experiencing two adventure sports in one day! Outdoor Chattanooga's experienced guides will lead you on a leisurely paced 6-mile bike tour on Bike Chattanooga bikes over the Walnut Street Bridge and along the Tennessee Riverwalk before shifting gears and getting into kayaks to paddle 5-miles down the Tennessee River back to our starting location. Prior to departure, you'll receive basic biking and kayaking instruction, water safety information, and be properly outfitted. Cost is $35 per person which includes guides throughout the duration of the tour, all equipment including a bike, helmet, kayak, paddle, and lifejacket. This tour is appropriate for ages 14+ when accompanied by an adult. This tour rated as moderate. We ask that you have prior biking experience and be in good physical condition to bike 6 miles and paddle for 5 miles. Prior kayak experience is helpful but not required We use single-person sit-in style kayaks that have a weight limit of 265lbs. Plan to play with us for about 4 hours. Online reservations and payment are required in advance as space is limited.
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Discover The Tennessee River Gorge Trust
Tuesday, June 15 | 7:00 PM
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Join us for a virtual presentation to learn more about the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT) and its efforts to conserve one of Chattanooga's iconic natural treasures for generations to come. Elliot Berz, Access and Communications Director and Avian Researcher with TRGT will share the organization's mission, history, current projects, upcoming events, public access points for outdoor recreation on their 17,000-acre property, and their ongoing bird research and conservation efforts. There will be plenty of time for Q&A after the presentation. Attendees will receive an Outdoor Chattanooga sticker as a thank you and have the opportunity to register for a special sunset kayak tour with TRGT and Outdoor Chattanooga. Proceeds benefit TRGT's mission and conservation efforts.
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All About Biking in Chattanooga |
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Rapid Learning Skills Sessions
Wednesdays in June | 6:00 or 7:00 PM
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Rapid Learning skills sessions occur every Wednesday night through the end of September at the Lake at Chester Frost County Park. There are two sessions to choose from, 6:00 or 7:00 PM. We provide all the equipment and instruction. Your first visit is free! No reservation required. First come first serve. Membership based program after the first free session. Call 423-643-6888 to learn more.
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Local Outdoor Adventure Spotlight |
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National Trails Day - June 5 |
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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!
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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 your local state parks are offering.
Booker T. Washington State Park - Easy hike around the 1.10-mile-long nature trail. Along the way, we will make various stops and sketch, identify, and learn about our favorite plants, features, and wildlife. Closed-toe shoes and water are a must. Weather-appropriate attire, bug spray, and sunscreen are always recommended. We will meet in our pool parking lot at 9:00 AM EST and make our way to the trailhead from there! Children under 10 may want to team up with an adult as we immerse ourselves into nature!
Cumberland Trail State Park - Easy to moderate 1-mile hike on the Falcon Warrior Trail at the Head of Sequatchie. See the birthplace of the Sequatchie river and an overlook of the geologically and historically astounding Devil Step Hollow Cave. Also, pass by the gravesite of the first Sheriff of Cumberland County. Afterward, feel free to enjoy the Head of Sequatchie area at your leisure - a great place for picnics and spending time with family/friends!
Harrison Bay State Park - Join Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Cheyenne for National Trails Day as we hike the Lakeshore Loop Trail! Please meet at the Lakeshore Loop Trailhead at 9:30 am for a 1/2 mile hike. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park - Millions of people found physical, mental, and emotional restoration on trails during the pandemic. Help preserve and protect our trails here at Hiwassee/Ocoee Rivers State Park! On this Saturday we will be working in two different areas:
The first half of the morning we will work along our loop trail which is 1.5 miles long and follows along the Hiwassee River. From there, we will pick up any litter we can find along the road that travels through our park. The second half of the morning, we will caravan to the Taylors Island pull off and work along the Fishermen's Trail that follows along the Hiwassee. This will be a great day to beautify our park, protect the Hiwassee River, and preserve it for generations to come! And of course, if you are working with a Ranger on this day, we will share some cool facts about the park along the way. Please wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes and bring along some water.
Red Clay State Historic Park - Learn the history of Red Clay on this 30-45 minute tour of the park. The route will be over a paved path, with a set of stairs in the middle at Blue Hole Spring. The group will meet at the flagpole at the front of the park to begin the tour. Please bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and lots of water. We look forward to seeing you soon!
South Cumberland State Park - For National Trails Day, volunteer your time to work on the Collins Gulf reroute beginning at 8:30 am. Meet at the Collins West trailhead where we will hike into the gulf with our Scouts, BSA partners to resume work on the trail reroute. On the way there, Ranger Willis will speak about the area and offer interpretive information along the trail. The hike to the reroute area will be about 2 strenuous miles with elevation change and boulder crossings. Be prepared with sturdy, hiking boots, gloves, plenty of water, and snacks/lunch. If you can only volunteer a few hours, you will still be giving to a good cause and will be able to see our progress!
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Take the National Trails Day Pledge to join the nationwide trail advocacy movement. Together we can care for our hometown trails and advocate for equitable inclusion outside. Take the Pledge.
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Bigger Than Me Film Premiere at Reflection Riding
June 10 | 7:30 PM
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Bigger Than Me is a short film that follows the life of Clark Brewer, an African American music artist from Chattanooga TN who introduces his community to the outdoors despite the fact that they're the most underrepresented group in these spaces. The film is produced by Resilient Story. The night will feature a live music performance by Klark Kint, a screening of the film followed by a panel discussion, and heavy hors d'oeurves. Get your tickets for this unique event!
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Nightfall Free Concert Series 2021 | Fridays June 4 - Sept. 10
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Nightfall is back! The free concert series produced by Chattanooga Presents will be held in Miller Park downtown Chattanooga every Friday night beginning June 4 through September 10 - rain or shine. Celebrating its 34th season, Nightfall features a broad spectrum of musical genres performed by a diverse musical lineup of national artists. Every Friday in June will feature a local artist! The first show is on June 4 at 7 PM and will feature the Road to Nightfall Finalists. Three bands will compete for this year's title. Come out and show your support for these talented local artists.
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Outdoor Chattanooga | 423.643.6888 | info@outdoorchattanooga.com |
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