Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Learn to Ride a Bicycle

Monday, August 13 | 4:00 or 6:00 pm

Outdoor Chattanooga offers free Learn to Ride a Bicycle classes the second Monday every month.

Learn (or re-learn) how to ride a bicycle or in as little as one class with Outdoor Chattanooga's experienced instructors. Classes consists of a set of exercises and safety drills that are designed to help beginner riders of all ages progress at their own speed and ability. In case of inclement weather, the class will be held inside the Outdoor Chattanooga facility. Outdoor Chattanooga can provide bicycles and a helmet for learning. All participants must wear a helmet. Reservations required in advance as space is limited. Call 423-643-6888 to learn more and register. Cost: Free. Recommended for ages 5+.

Learn to Ride a Bicycle

Sunset Kayak the TN River Gorge

Thursday, August 14 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Join Outdoor Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge Trust for a guided and equipped kayak tour down the gorgeous Tennessee River Gorge at sunset.Cost: $50 per person - includes guides, equipment, and transportation back to vehicles. Registration and payment is required in advance as space is limited. No refunds. Ages 14+.

Kayak the Tennessee River Gorge

Battlefield Bike Tour

Saturday, August 18 | 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Enjoy a leisurely-pacedbicycle tour on the Chickamauga Battlefieldwith the National Park Serviceand Outdoor Chattanooga. Bicycles are available at no charge with reservation; contact the Visitor Center at (706) 866-9241 to reserve. Or bring your own. Ages 6+ (no training wheels please). Cost: Free. Helmets required for all riders.

Chickamauga Battlefield Bike Tour

Bike Commuting 101

Monday, August 20 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Learn the rules of the road and riding techniques to be a confident and predictable bike commuter by attending this free class offered the 3rdMondayeach month by Outdoor Chattanooga's League of American Bicyclist certified instructors. Classroom learning followed by an optional group ride to practice learned skills. Cost: Free. Registration required in advance. Ages 14+ with participating adult. All participants must wear a helmet during the ride. Bikes and helmets available for use.

Traffic Skills - Bike Commuting 101

Mountain to Town Bike Adventure

Friday, August 24 | 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.

Join Outdoor Chattanooga for an all-inclusive and guided downhill bike adventure from Lookout Mountain to downtown Chattanooga. Enjoy scenic views of the city from the top of the mountain while cruising down the Guild Trail until it connects with the Tennessee Riverwalk and follows the shores of the TN river all the way back into town. Outdoor Chattanooga's experienced guides will be with you during the ride providing support and instruction. You can use your own bike or borrow one of ours at not additional cost. Cost is $25 per person which includes guided tour with shuttle and use of bike if needed. Ages 10+ with participating adult. Must know how to confidently ride a bike.

Mountain to Town Downhill Bike Adventure

Family Funday at Walnut Wall

Sunday, August 26 | 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Outdoor Chattanooga will open the Walnut Wall in Coolidge Park for all ages and skill levels to try rock climbing. No climbing experience or pre-registration required for this walk up opportunity. Instruction and equipment is provided. Ages 5+ must be accompanied by an adult who can sign liability waiver. Gym shoes and longer shorts or pants are recommended. Heavy rain or lightning will cancel.

Family Funday at Walnut Wall

Community Events

Backpacking 101:

Saturday, August 4|10:00-12:00 p.m.

Want to plan a backpacking trip but don't know where/how to start? Learn the basics of planning a backpacking trip from one of Reflection Riding's Naturalists including route finding and pre-trip planning, proper packing techniques and the different gear associated with backpacking. The class will also cover leave no trace principles so you can minimize your "footprint" when going on outdoor adventures.

This event, including admission for the day, is free with a suggested donation of $8 - 20 per guest. Please give as you can online or when you arrive. You can also join as a member to support our conservation efforts. Reflection Riding is a non-profit that relies on community support through memberships and donations. For more information:

Backpacking 101: Leave No Trace

Our Wild Film Festival

Wednesday, August 8|7:30-9:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of films and discussion about our wild places at the FREE outdoor film festival at Reflection Riding hosted by the Nature Conservancy in Tennessee. Highlighting several short, thought-provoking films about the importance of parks and public lands, and discussion about the 50 year Land and Water Conservation Fund, that is set to expireSeptember 30, 2018if Congress does not act to renew it. Keynote speaker Mayor Andy Berke and raffle prizes from Patagonia, Osprey and others. Doors open at7:30 pm.

Our Wild Film Festival in Chattanooga

Harrison Bay Start Party

Saturday, August 11 | 9:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Join the Barnard Astronomical Society (BAS) for their monthly Harrison Bay State Park Star Party! They will have telescopes, binoculars, and night-sky experts eager to share the glories of the night sky. Star-gazing begins at sunset and lasts until11:00 p.m.Program moves into the Rec Hall during inclement weather. This event is FREE and everyone is welcome!

Harrison Bay Start Party

Tennessee Naturalist Course

Saturday, Aug. 18 | 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Wish you knew more about local wildlife and ecology?Love the outdoors, but can't identify many wildflowers or birds?Become a Tennessee Naturalist!The Tennessee Naturalist Program is a 40 hour training program taught by professionals and experts that prepares you to be more knowledgeable and a capable naturalist and volunteer in our community. Think you're too busy?It only takes oneSaturdayper month! Click below ore-mailfor more information.

Tennessee Naturalist Courses

Ocoee River Championships

August 24 - 26

The Ocoee River Championships(ORC) brings competition back to the Ocoee Whitewater Center for the first time in 2 decades with a three day Multidiscipline Whitewater Competition on the 1996 Olympic Section of the Ocoee River.

This three-day whitewater event offers live music, regional vendors, and competitions including downriver racing (raft, SUP, canoe, and kayak), slalom racing, freestyle, and squirt boat categories.ORC proceeds support the Ocoee River Basin Foundation 501(c)3.

Ocoee River Championships