Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Ruth Thompson

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Outdoor Chattanooga Featured Event

Adventure Kids After School Program Sept. 1 through Nov. 17

The After School Adventure Kids program is a great opportunity for kids ages 9-13 to build outdoor skills that will stay with them into adulthood. Adventurers can choose from Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking or Archery.

Programs will be offered on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, September through November. Outdoor Chattanooga guide staff will provide instruction and equipment for kids with all skill levels including true beginners. Cost is $20 per date and activity. Pre-registration is required and space is limited due to small group sizes. To get registered or for more information, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.

Climbing

Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 Tuesdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Coolidge Park/ Downtown

Walnut Wall overlooks the Tennessee River from a 50' high limestone pier of the historic Walnut Street Bridge located in Coolidge Park. This class is for the beginning or intermediate climber who would like to learn the basics of rock climbing; including how to correctly wear a harness, tie knots, handle the rope, movement techniques, use a belay device and communicate effectively.

Mountain Biking

Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 Tuesdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Greenway Farm Park/ Hixson

Basic bike handling and safety skills are introduced in this class as the foundation to mountain biking, with our skills practices using the grassy hills, built features, and dirt double track at the Greenway Farm Park in Hixson. Participants need to be able to ride in a straight line and navigate simple twists and turns of bike paths to enroll. A limited number of bikes are available.

Archery

Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 Tuesdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Greenway Farm Park/ Hixson

There is plenty to learn about this classic sport and we'll start from the beginning with instruction on the equipment, safety procedures, and shooting techniques (including plenty of fun games). This program is affiliated with the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) and the NEW upcoming Chattanooga Interscholastic Archery League.

Look for the star * to see new events this week.

More Outdoor Chattanooga Events

TN River Gorge Trust Evening Kayak Tour September 13

Join the Tennessee River Gorge Trust and Outdoor Chattanooga for a beginner friendly kayak tour through the TN River Gorgeon Sun., Sept. 13 from 2:30 to 8:00 p.m. We'll paddle from Suck Creek Boat Ramp down to Raccoon Mountain Boat Ramp during sunset and spend 3-4 hours on the water. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide kayaks, equipment and a shuttle back to the launch site. Cost is $50/person (adults only) and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the Trust's bird-banding program. Registration is required in advance and space is limited. To register, call the Tennessee River Gorge Trust at (423) 266-0314.

TN River Gorge Trust Kayak to the Bird Observatory September 19

Join Tennessee River Gorge Trust and Outdoor Chattanooga for a beginner friendly kayak tour through the TN River Gorge on Sat., Sept. 19 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. We'll stop at the Trust's bird banding lab to observe ornithologists, John Diener and Lizzie Goodrick, as they work, and then continue downriver to the Raccoon Mountain Boat Ramp, for a total of 3 hours of paddling. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide kayaks, equipment and a shuttle back to the launch site. Cost is $50/person (adults only) and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the Trust's bird-banding program. Registration is required in advance and space is limited. To register, call the Tennessee River Gorge Trust at (423) 266-0314.

Community News

*Trust for Public Land Open House August 27

Come out for a Community Open House with the Trust for Public Land and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency on Thurs., Aug. 27 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. to hear about and give input on future Riverwalk routes, trails, street improvements and public spaces being proposed for the Moccasin Bend Gateway Corridor in the North Shore district. The Jones & Jones team will be on hand to share design proposals that connect Renaissance Park to the National Park on Moccasin Bend. A group of bike advocates will meet at Outdoor Chattanooga at5:30 p.m. to bike to the open house. Bring your own bike or rent a Chattanooga Bike Share bike. Meeting Location: ROADTEC, 800 Manufacturers Rd.
NOTE: This is an open house and you can come any time between 4 and 7:30 p.m.Please enter from Main Office, visitor parking available, (after 5 pm. parking in the rear and on-street.) Follow the signs to the Cafeteria/Auditorium.

*Save the Date - Chattanooga "Best Town Ever" Celebration September 25

Rock/Creek will sponsor a free event to celebrate Chattanooga winning the title ofOutside Magazine's Best Town Ever Contest on Fri., Sept. 25 at Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. from 5 to 8 p.m. More details coming soon, just save that date for now and plan to attend this free celebration!

*Volunteer Opportunities with Cumberland Trail Conference

The Big Dig in Cumberland County hosted by the Cumberland Trail Conference(CTC) is in search of volunteers to help build seven miles of trail over six weeks,

September 17 to October 25 2015. Work days are Thursday to Sunday each week starting at 8 a.m CST. Trail Head parking is 3 miles up Hebbertsburg Road in Crab Orchard, Cumberland County. Look for CTC road signs. Overnight accommodations are available with advance notice. Tools and instruction provided. Bring work gloves, water, bug spray, hat, bandanna and food. Email ctcoffice2014@gmail.comfor more information or call the office at (931) 456-6259.

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Featured Community Event

*TYMBR Mountain Bike Championships August 29

TYMBR-TN Youth Mountain Bike Race Championships, "The Cub Challenge", will be held onSat., August 29 at Raccoon Mountain. This is the final race of the TYMBR Mountain Bike Race Series presented by Cohutta Adventures. The race is open to children ages 3-12 years old, with categories specific to age groups. Race start times and cost varies depending on the category/age of the racer. There are also categories open to adults, who are encouraged to ride with their kids or on their own. Lunch will be available for purchase and is catered by Pruett's. Registration is required in advance and lunch tickets can be purchased online at Bike Reg.

More Community Events

*Free Outdoor Movie Night in the Park September 4

Bring the family out for a free outdoor movie and family friendly activities at the Hubert Fry Center at the Tennessee River Park, 4301 Amnicola Hwy. on Fri., Sept. 4. There will be games, a costume contest, concessions and a movie that involves a famous pirate! Activities start at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dark. For more information call Hamilton County Parks and Recreation at (423) 842-6748.

Upcoming Events for 2015

September

6 Run of Honor 8K

11/12 Reflection Riding Fall Native Plant Sale

12 Kayak to end Kawasaki Disease

Open Arms Care - Ride to Provide

Chattanooga Freedom Float

NOOGAStrong Memorial Bass Fishing Tournament

13 Komen Chattanooga Race for the Cure

15 Environmental History Bicycle Tour

19 Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour

Mtn. Bike Ride on the Mtn. Goat Trail