Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:
TN Aquarium Adventure Canoe on S. Chick Creek June 25
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and the TN Aquarium for a Canoe Adventure on Sat., June 25 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dr. Bernie Kuhajda of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) and Outdoor Chattanooga's guide staff will lead this one-of-a-kind canoeing experience. After receiving beginner-friendly instruction, you'll embark on South Chickamauga Creek to explore and discover more about the aquatic life on the creek and TNACI's conservation efforts.
Equipment and instruction are included. Appropriate for ages 14+ with adult supervision. Participants will need to bring water and a sack lunch. Cost is $35 for Members and $45 for Non-Members. Email Dustin Mason or call the Membership Department at 423-267-3474 to get registered.
Family Fun Day: Canoeing and Archery at Greenway Farms June 26
Join Outdoor Chattanooga at Greenway Farms for a family fun day of canoeing and archery on Sunday, June 26 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Choose a leisurely canoe trip on North Chickamauga Creek, try archery at the new program Archery Range, bring a picnic, and take a nature hike.
Canoeing:
Outdoor Chattanooga will provide all the equipment for you to paddle the creek at your own pace. Children under 30 lbs. should bring their own Personal Flotation Device (life jacket). Meet at the N. Chick canoe launch behind the old Sniteman Cabin.
Canoes available from 4 - 7 p.m. for $25 per canoe. First come, first served. (cash or check only)
Archery:
Aim for adventure with our new archery program. All ages will enjoy testing their aim at the bulls-eye targets placed before an arrow resistant net. This program range is located next to the dog park. Outdoor Chattanooga staff will provide the instruction, guidance, and equipment for this activity suited for all ages. Available between 4-7 p.m. No fee. For more information email Outdoor Chattanooga or call 423-643-6888.
Pedal & Paddle the South Chick Creek Trails June 30
Our Summer Solstice event was a huge success, so we're going to offer it again! Pedal bikes to paddle canoes on the South Chickamauga Creek Trails on Thurs., June 30 from 6-9 p.m. Outdoor Chattanooga will lead a leisurely paced, guided bike tour on the South Chick Creek Connector Greenway from TN River Park at Lost Mound Dr. to Sterchi Farms. Once the group arrives at Sterchi Farms, we'll get geared up and hop into canoes for a beginner friendly paddle back to where we started. Appropriate for ages 6 and up when accompanied by an adult. Ages 6-12 recommended to ride with 2 adults in a canoe. Cost: $20 per person / $10 for children 12 and under. Price includes guides and all equipment including bikes, helmets + canoes, paddles and PFD's. (We have a limited number of kids bikes). Registration and payment in advance is required. Call Outdoor Chattanooga at 423-643-6888 to find out more and to get registered!!
More Outdoor Chattanooga Events
Community Events This Week(end)
Head of the Sequatchie Open Day & Guided Hike June 25
Enjoy a beautiful day on The Cumberland Trail at the monthly Head of Sequatchie open day. The area will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CST). Ranger Jim Brannon will host two short guided hikes focused on the geology, and history of the Head of Sequatchie area. Hikes begin at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. No RSVP is required, free and appropriate for all ages! Supportive footwear and a water bottle are recommended.
Trail Maintenance Volunteer Training June 25
Do you love your local trails and want to show them some love? Rangers will conduct volunteer training sessions in select areas across the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail. The first session is Saturday, June 25 from 9 - 11 a.m. at the Montlake Road Trailhead at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area. If you'd like to serve as a volunteer maintainer, and help with year-round trail upkeep over a section you love, this training will introduce you to the skills you'll need to participate, including safety, best practices, tool usage, reporting requirements, and more. You can sign up to maintain a trailhead parking area, a full section of trail, or just a favorite mile. For more information and to RSVP, email Ranger Jordan Sikkema.
Weenie Ride June 30
Join SORBA and the Velo Vixens for the Weenie Ride on Thursday, June 30. There will be mountain bike rides for all skill levels. After the ride, they'll grill hot dogs and veggie dogs for all to enjoy. Bring your bike and helmet and meet at Laurel Point on Raccoon Mountain at 6 p.m., ready to ride by 6:15 p.m. Not a mountain biker? Bring your road bike or just come to socialize. RSVP through their Facebook event as "going".
Community (Road Cycling) Resources
Cycle Sports Concepts Tenn is a locally owned Specialized Bicycle Shop that offers service to all makes and models. Their mission is to provide you with an outstanding experience in the shop and on the bike. They uploaded up some of their favorite road cycling routes in Chattanooga. Click here to view them and then email Outdoor Chattanooga to share your own favorite cycling routes in and around the Scenic City.
Velo View Bike Tours is the newest bike tour company to wander into Chattanooga and offers guided rides on the best backroads around the Scenic City, including both challenging routes (like Lookout Mountain and Sand Mountain) and easier routes (like Chickamauga Battlefield). They are available for one-on-one rides as well as group outings. Velo View aims to be a resource for all cyclists; locals and visitors alike, who would rather focus more on scenery and less on street signs! Check out Velo Views weekend retreat at Cherohala Skyway and Fontana Lake to get inspired.
2016 Upcoming Events
June
23 Summer Sike Movie Series
25 Head of the Sequatchie Open Day Guided Hike
First Aid & Survival Skills
26 Archery & Canoeing @ Greenway Farms
Beginner Whitewater Kayaking River Trip
27 Art & Nature Camp
28 Paddle Smart Chattanooga
30 Pedal & Paddle S. Chick Creek Trails
Rock Creek Paddle Boats Demo Day
July
1 Bat Cave Canoe @ Nickajack
2 Adventure Canoe: S. Chickamauga Creek
9 Adventure Canoe: S. Chickamauga Creek
10 Beginner Whitewater Kayaking River Trip
Lower Leda Trail Day
11 Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Intro to Mountain Bike Trail Class
Outdoor Survival Camp
14 Rock Creek-BIC SUP Demo Day
16 Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour
16-17 Western NC Weekend Kayak Clinic
18 Street Cycling 101
18-21 Adventure Day Camp
21 Summer Sike Movie Series
26-29 Trail Training Center: Youth/Family Camp
29 Bat Cave Canoe @ Nickajack
30 Adventure Canoe: S. Chickamauga Creek
30-31 Scenic City Outdoor Expo
August
5 Bat Cave Canoe @ Nickajack
9 Food Preservation Class
11 Canoe Lookout Creek with NPS
12 Bat Cave Canoe @ Nickajack
13 Adventure Canoe: S. Chickamauga Creek
19 Bat Cave Canoe @ Nickajack
20 Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour
23 Intro to Mountain Bike Skills Class
26 Bat Cave Canoe @ Nickajack