Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

Thursday, December 10, 2015
Ruth Thompson

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Learn to Ride a Bicycle December 14

Join us at Outdoor Chattanooga every 2nd Monday of the month for our learn to ride your bicycle program.

Our League of American Bicyclist Certified Instructors will teach you the basics and get you comfortable pedaling on your own. Bring your own bike or borrow one from us. Class meets at 4 and 6 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 14. Reservations are required by emailing Outdoor Chattanooga or calling (423) 643-6888.

Outdoor Chattanooga Winter Workshop Series Jan-March 2016

Outdoor Chattanooga's Winter Workshop Series are classroom based seminars and workshops designed to help the public get outdoors. The workshops cover a variety of topics including bike maintenance, winter hikes, fresh water snorkeling, navigating with a map and compass, adventure of weather and the film screening of An American Ascent. Workshops occur on Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. beginningJanuary 14 and running through March 3 at Outdoor Chattanooga. Check ourcalendar of events for the workshop schedule and come play with us (indoors through the winter months)!

Crane Viewing at Crow Creek Refuge January 9

On Sat., Jan. 9, 2016 the Nickajack Naturalist will partner with Outdoor Chattanooga to host a bird watching outing at Crow Creek Refuge in Stevenson, AL. Participants will meet at 9 a.m. at Stevenson City Park, which is located on a peninsula in the refuge and is one of the best birding spots in the region. Large numbers of Sandhill cranes now winter there, and last winter three whooping cranes were spotted among them. In addition to a number of waterfowl species, there are significant chances of sighting bald eagles, red-headed woodpeckers, and more. Bring your binoculars, scope, or camera with long lens and be prepared for an easy walk of a mile or so around the perimeter of the park to see an abundance of bird life. Participation is limited and there is a minimum participant requirement Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, contact Bob Butters at bobbutters@hotmail.com or (423) 991-1548.

Featured Community Events

Lula Lake Open Hike Days

With the weather cooling, it's a great time to get out with friends and family to enjoy a scenic hike at Lula Lake. The last open hike day for the year is Sat., Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donations are appreciated, but not required.

Click here for directions to the trail head.

America's State Parks First Day Hikes January 1

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America's State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year's Day, hundreds of free, guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states. Kids and adults all across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park. Last year nearly 28,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 66,000 miles throughout the country! First Day Hikes are led by knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers. The distance and rigor vary from park to park, but all hikes aim to create a fun experience for the whole family. People are invited to savor the beauty of the state park's natural resources with the comfort of an experienced guide so they may be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year. To find a guided hike in a State Park near you, click here.

Community News

Sculpture Fields at Montague Park Now Open Weekends through April

The Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is a new, 33 acre park in Chattanooga that showcases sculptures from all over the world, has walking paths and gardens for the public to enjoy. The Sculpture Fields will be open on weekends until April 2016. The grand opening for the park will be held April 8-10, 2016 and then be open through the week. The park is located at 1141 E. 23rd street with the park entrance on Polk Street. To learn more you can visit the Sculpture Fields website.

Upcoming Events for 2015

December

12 Run Run Rudolph 5K

13 ICL Stone Fort Trail Day

19 Lookout Mountain 50 mile & 10K Trail Race

21 Chattanooga Bike Club

25 Christmas Hike on Meadow Trail

Christmas Twilight Hike

Upcoming Events for 2016

January

1 First Day Hikes

Black Bear Plunge