Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

  • Wednesday, November 19, 2014
  • Ruth Thompson
Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga: 

Chattanooga Named Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community
The League of American Bicyclists has named Chattanooga a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community, a step up from the bronze level that the community has maintained since 2007.
The designation comes from improvements in all of our services to cyclists: infrastructure, law enforcement, education and our bike share system. But most of all, the Silver award means that more people than ever are riding bicycles in Chattanooga. Congratulations, everyone!

Outdoor Chattanooga Featured Event:
Orchard Knob History Tour by BicycleNov. 22
On the Outdoor Chattanooga and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host a free, neighborhood bicycle tour of the Orchard Knob Reservation and the National Cemetery on Sat., Nov. 22, 1 p.m., beginning from the Warner Park Fitness Center. Interpretive Ranger Christopher Young will share stories from the Battle of Orchard Knob, which happened 151 years ago on Nov. 23. Bring your own bicycle or borrow from the Outdoor Chattanooga mobile bicycle fleet (riders 5' tall or over). The tour is appropriate for adults and kids ages 12 and older when accompanied by an adult. To reserve your a bicycle, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.
More Outdoor Chattanooga Events
Sierra Club Welcomes Green Trips Nov. 24
The Cherokee Chapter of the Sierra Club will welcome Green Trips to their next meeting, happening on Mon., Nov. 24, 7 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Green Trips is a grant funded program, through the Chattanooga-Hamilton Co. Regional Planning Agency, that offers incentives for people to walk, bike, ride the bus and carpool to work and school. All interested members of the public are welcome.

Light Your Bike Family Ride Dec. 5
Haul out the Holiday lights, blinkies, glow sticks and other decorations for the Light Your Bike Family Ride on Fri., Dec. 5, 6 p.m., beginning at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. The Chattanooga Police escorted, family friendly ride will go from Coolidge Park to the Southside. We'll sing and twinkle and spread general Holiday cheer as we meander through downtown. Adults and kids all ages are welcome, but kids under 8 should be in a BOB trailer, tag-along or other secure bike carrier. No training wheels, push bikes or kid's trikes, please. No reservations necessary. Just show and go.

Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge Kayak Tour Dec. 6
Outdoor Chattanooga will host a very special tour by kayak of the Hiwasssee Wildlife Refuge on Sat., Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Watch thousands of Sandhill Cranes, migrating waterfowl and the resident Eagles and Osprey as you paddle the quiet waters of the refuge. Cost is $45 per person and includes all equipment, experienced guides and transportation to the Refuge from Dayton. Reservations are required and some kayaking experience is preferred. Email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888 to make a reservation or learn more.

Rapid Learning Winter Kayak Skills Practice Resumes Dec. 9
Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program will go on hiatus for three weeks, due to the pool schedule at Southern Adventist University. Join us again on Tues., Dec. 9 at the SAU Hulsey Wellness Center. To learn more, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.
Featured Community Event(s)
Holiday Open House at Cravens HouseDec. 5 and 6 - Register NOW!
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host a special tours of Cravens House on Lookout Mtn. Battlefield, as a part of a Holiday Open House, on Fri. andSat., Dec. 5 & 6. The house will be decorated in Civil War era style. Guided history tours will leave every 30 minutes between 6 and 8 p.m.RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. To make a reservation or learn more, call Lookout Mtn. Battlefield at (423) 821-7786
More Community Events
S. Cumberland State Park Activities: Nov. 20-23
South Cumberland State Park, 45 minutes northwest of Chattanooga on the Cumberland Plateau, offers free, guided hikes and other activities every weekend. Visit the Friends of S. Cumberland State Park for directions and details.
Thurs., Nov. 20 - 12:00 p.m. - Fossil Find - a one mile, guided hike on the Miner's Loop trail.
Fri., Nov. 21 - 7:00 p.m. - Intro to Astronomy - Join Ranger Katie at the Visitor's Center Pavilion for an introduction to astronomy. 
Sat., Nov. 22 - 10:00 a.m. - Buggy Top Trail Hike - a 5 mile round trip hike to one of the largest cave openings in Tennessee. 
Sun., Nov. 23 - 2:00 p.m. - Lone Rock Trail Hike - A 1.3 mile hike circling the Grundy Lakes.
Pangorge: TN River Gorge Adventure Race Nov. 22
The newest challenge for Chattanooga area outdoor athletes will happen on Sat., Nov. 22 with Pangorge: the Tennessee River Gorge Adventure Race. 100 racers will paddle the TN River, run the Pot Point Trail and mountain bike around and down Raccoon Mtn. before collapsing back in Chattanooga. Keep your eyes peeled if you are on the river or on the trails.

More Upcoming 2014 Events
November
27         Sports Barn Turkey Trot
            Grateful Gobbler Walk
December
8          Learn to Ride a Bicycle
            Run, Run Rudolph 5K  
20         Wauhatchie Trail Run
            Lookout Mtn. 50-Miler
2015
January
February
April
18        Chickamauga Chase
May
September
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