Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to a special event celebrating the National Park Service Centennial. On Saturday, July 30, the public is invited explore the story of Moccasin Bend through a series of ranger-led bike, hike, and paddle tours, as well as a special play and arts festival presented by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Theater Department.
Events will stage at Moccasin Bend National Archeological District and around the north shore area of Chattanooga. The schedule of events is as follows:
· 8 a.m. – noon: Ranger-led paddle around Moccasin Bend. Beginning at the Outdoor Chattanooga office near Coolidge Park, follow the route of the Union Army as they floated around Moccasin Bend to capture Brown’s Ferry in the fall of 1863. The tour will also focus on American Indian history associated with Moccasin Bend during the pre-contact and contact periods in American history. This paddle tour requires reservations, which can be made by calling Outdoor Chattanooga at 423-643-6888.
· 2-4 p.m.: Ranger-led bike/hike tour to the Brown’s Ferry Federal Road. Meet and park at the Moccasin Bend Gateway Site at 10 Hamm Rd. Bring your own bike, or reserve one by calling the park at 706-866-9241.
· 5-7 p.m.: Ranger-led bike/hike tour to the Civil War earthworks on Stringers Ridge. Meet and park at the Moccasin Bend Gateway Site at 10 Hamm Rd. Bring your own bike, or reserve one by calling the park at 706-866-9241.
· 4-11 p.m.: The Mocs Bend Nature & Art Festival. In partnership with the UTC Theater Department, there will be arts, crafts, and food located at the pocket park at 504 East Manning Street. At 7 p.m., enjoy the play Robin! Coming to a Forest Near You, followed by music at 9pm.
Throughout the day, park staff and representatives from the Friends of Moccasin Bend will be available at the Moccasin Bend Gateway Site at 10 Hamm Road to assist with parking and to provide maps, water, and information about self-guided tours of Moccasin Bend.
These programs are possible through the support and partnership of the Friends of Moccasin Bend, Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Outdoor Chattanooga, and the Theater Department at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.
For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at (706) 866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at (423) 821-7786, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch