Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

  • Wednesday, September 14, 2016
  • Ruth Thompson

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Rapid Learning Program September 14, 21 & 28

Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Program is wrapping up the outdoor season at Chester Frost Park with three final classes; tonight and the next two Wednesday evenings. Join us for one of the sessions: 6 - 7 or 7 - 8 p.m. Learn the basic skills of whitewater kayaking from our experienced instructors. All equipment is provided and first-timers are always free.

No reservations or experience necessary. For more information, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call 423-643-6888.

Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour September 17

Join Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and Outdoor Chattanooga for a free, leisurely paced, historical bike tour through Chickamauga Battlefield on Sat., Sept. 17 at 9:30 a.m. The ride is on moderately-hilly terrain, lasts about 2 hours, with frequent stops as the Rangers talk about the history of the battlefield. The rides are appropriate for adults and children 8 and older when accompanied by an adult. All participants are required to wear helmets. Bring your own bicycle or borrow a bicycle from Outdoor Chattanooga's mobile bicycle fleet at no charge, thanks to sponsorship from Friends of the Park, Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Bicycle Club. Reservations for the bicycles are required and only available to riders 5' or taller. Contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at (706) 866-9241 for more information or to reserve a bicycle. 

Adaptive Cycling September 19

The adaptive cycling program for individuals with disabilities is sponsored by SPARC (Sports, Arts and Recreation of Chattanooga - a local chapter of DS-USA), City of Chattanooga's Therapeutic Recreation Division and Outdoor Chattanooga. Three wheeled trikes, hand cycles and tandem bikes are available for individuals who have physical and visual disabilities. Depending on the type of cycle needed, participants will have to sign the liability waiver and be approved by the specific group that owns the cycle. Outdoor Chattanooga provides bicycles and helmets for volunteers to utilize for additional support during the ride. To find out more email Elaine Adams or call 423-697-1345. The next ride is scheduled for Mon., Sept. 19 at 6:00 p.m. This is a free program, but please note that equipment is limited and pre-registration is REQUIRED!

More Outdoor Chattanooga Events 

Community Events

Chickstock September 17

Chickstock is back at Greenway Farms Park on Saturday, September 17. This outdoor music festival benefits North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy. Enjoy a great lineup of music including Tym Priest, Fritsl Butler, the 9th Street Rompers, Astrophe, Randy Steele, the Von Wamps, the Hamilton County Ramblers, and the Bohannons. The music will kick off at 2 and end around sunset. There will be food and beverage vendors on site. Grab your friends, family, blankets or chairs and enjoy a fun day in the park!

Floatila September 18

The Floatila is a community paddling event down the Tennessee River, up Lookout Creek to Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center for a family friendly festival featuring live music by Slim Picken's Bluegrass & Shabti, food and beverage vendors, kid's games and all of the Nature Center's activities. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children 10-18 years old. Children under 10 are free. Ticket sales end on Sept. 15 and can be purchased here. All proceeds go to support Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center. The 6.5 mile float begins at 1:00 p.m. at Coolidge Park. Floaters should plan to be on the water for approximately 3 hours. The festival at the Nature Center begins at 4:00 p.m. Click here for more info.

World Canine Disc Championship September 23-25

Chattanooga once again hosts the 2016 Hyperflite World Canine Disc Championship Fri., Sept. 23 through Sun., Sept. 25 at Coolidge Park, 150 River St. The main event will be held on Sun., Sept. 25 beginning at 10 a.m., which will showcase the Skyhoundz Classic World Championship (Sport Division, MicroDog Division, and Pairs Freestyle Division). To learn more about the other competitions throughout the weekend, visit the Skyhoundz website. 

Glass Street Live 2016 September 24
The third annual Glass Street LIVE Block Party on Sat., September 24 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This event is designed to bring life back to the historic Glass Street neighborhood in East Chattanooga. Glass House Collective is partnering with numerous organizations; Jazzanooga, Archway on Glass, Grow Hope Urban Farm, Mark Making, and the Chattanooga Police Department to engage residents, business owners, and supporters of East Chattanooga in a full day of art, pop-up shops, activities, food trucks, vendors, and entertainment. The event kicks off with a puppet parade by Wayne-O-Rama Chattanooga at the corner of Dodson and Glass Street at 11 a.m. The National Park Service's Centennial Celebration will be in conjunction with the event on Sherman Reservation, just atop Glass Street on Missionary Ridge. Shuttle rides will be provided from the block party. Click here for more information and schedule of events/activities. 

Ironman Chattanooga September 25
Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga, presented by McKee Family Bakery returns to the Scenic City on Sunday, September 25. Here's your guide to the Ironman filled weekend in Chattanooga. Schedule of events and Spectator Guide. 

The Course: For Spectators and Athletes
Swim-View Map
The point-to-point swim in the Tennessee River will start 2.4 miles upstream of transition. Athletes will enter the water in a rolling start. Spectators will have a great opportunity to watch the entire swim as they walk along side the swimmers on the Chattanooga Riverwalk. Athletes will exit the water at the beautiful Ross's Landing Park. The water temperature will be in the mid 70's degrees Fahrenheit.

Bike-View Map
The bike course takes riders 11 miles south of town before beginning two 47-mile loops in north Georgia. Athletes can expect incredible views as they parallel Lookout Mountain on this rolling course with great road surfaces. As athletes near the end of the loop they will get the opportunity to ride through historic Chickamauga. The 116 mile course has approximately 4400 feet of climbing.

Run-View Map
Athletes will have a chance to see the Scenic City as they complete two loops through downtown Chattanooga, The Tennessee Riverwalk, Veterans Bridge, North Shore, Walnut Street Bridge and the beautiful Riverfront Parkway. The final stretch will bring athletes down Riverfront Parkway to finish at Ross's Landing along the Tennessee River. Total elevation gain for the run is around 1400 feet.

Ironman Traffic Impact/Road Closures 
Riverfront Parkway from Molly Lane to Aquarium Way will be closed from Fri., Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to Mon., Sept. 26, 5:00 p.m. for set up of the Ironman Village and race start/finish area. On Race day, Sunday, September 25 from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. expect delays, one lane and complete road closures throughout the Scenic City and surrounding areas. I24 Exit Ramp Southbound Market Street 5 a.m. 6 p.m. Southbound Market Street I24 On Ramp 5 a.m. 6 p.m. W 40th St. is closed from Alton Park Blvd. to Tennessee Ave. 5 a.m. 6 p.m. You can find a complete list of the traffic impact here. 

The IRONKIDS Chattanooga Fun Run September 22
The UnitedHealthcare IRONKIDS Chattanooga Fun Run offers young athletes the opportunity to feel the excitement of competition while enjoying the outdoors and promoting healthy living. Parents, family, and friends are invited to cheer on the racers on Thurs., Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at Ross's Landing. The race is open to ages 3 to 14 with distance options of 1 mile and 1/2 mile. Price is $15 and entry includes race bib, finisher shirt, medal, goodie bag and the pride of calling themselves an IRONKID! Register online or email info@ironkids.com for more information.

Community News

Volunteer Support Boaters Needed for Ironman September 25
Do you have your own kayak/canoe/SUP? Want to be part of Ironman without all the training?! Volunteer to be on the water support boater for the swim portion of the race by clicking here. You must have your own boat to volunteer!

Upcoming Events...Click Below For More Info

September
16       Intro to Mountain Biking Skills Class
          TFO Day with Wanda Taylor at Trekka Outfitters
17       Chickamauga Battlefield Bike Ride
          GO!Fest
          Chickstock
          Bluff Trail Volunteer Work Day at Lula Lake
          Fly Fishing MeetUp 
          City Trail Chattanooga
18       Floatila
19       Street Cycling 101
20       Intro to Mountain Biking Skills Class
24       Wild Chattanooga-Nature at Night
          Glass Street Live 2016
          Bats, Beer & Bluegrass
          Rooftop Hop
          General 100
24-25  Hamilton County Fair
25       Ironman Chattanooga
          Ironman Parking Lot Party @ Brewhaus
30       3 Sisters Music Festival

October
1       3 Sisters Music Festival
         Nooga Glo 5K
         Rock Creek Stump Jump 50K Trail Race
         Tennessee River Rescue
1-2    Founders Weekend at Lula Lake
2       Ready to Rock Climb
         Culture Fest 2016
         Ladies Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
4       Pedal and Paddle S. Chick Creek Trails
5       Snail Darter 1 Mile Open Water Swim Race
6       Fireside: The Von Wamps
8       CPR: River Rocks
         Swim the Suck
         Chattanooga Tour de Cure
         TVCC Ocoee Race
         Chattanooga Head Race
9        Urban Nature 10K
13      Fireside: Caney Creek
14-15  ESNP Haunted Trail
14-16  Coldwater Mountain Fat Tire Festival
15      Chickamauga Battlefield Bike Ride
         Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 MTB Race
         The Cannonball Race
16      7 Bridges Marathon
         Nature Calls 15K & 5K
20      Fireside: Tin Cup Rattlers
21      Triple Crown Stone Fort Competition
22      Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge
         Fall Colors Paddle

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