Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 - by Ruth Thompson

We'll take a holiday break from the newsletter for the next couple of weeks. Watch for your next newsletter on Tuesday, Jan. 8. 

See a full calendar of activities on our Google Calendar.
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Suwannee River Canoe Adventure Jan. 2-6

We have only a few spots left on our New Year's Suwannee River Canoe Adventure, happening Jan. 2-6. We'll paddle 40 miles of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail in northwestern Florida. Register now

New Day! New Location!

Rapid Learning Roll Practice Resumes Jan. 9

The Rapid Learning Whitewater Program will resume weekly kayak roll practice on Wednesday, Jan. 9, with two sessions: 6-7 and 7-8 p.m. at the Brainerd Recreation Community Center's indoor pool, at 1010 North Moore Rd. The program costs $50 per year for individuals, $75 for families and gives members access to full instruction and all kayaking equipment. Kayakers will all their own gear may participate by paying a single day membership fee of $5. First timers can come for free. To learn more, email or call Terri Chapin at (423) 643-6882

Winter Workshops Begin Jan. 12

New for 2013, Outdoor Chattanooga will host our popular Winter Workshop series on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of each month, beginning Jan. 12 and going through Mar. 23. This year's series will offer full workshops on skills like fly fishing, beginning climbing, trail running, mountain biking and other outdoor skills.

Save the Dates: Outdoor Adventure Summer Camps, 2013

High adventure will be our focus at two youth camps in the summer of 2013: the Appalachian Whitewater Adventure, June 22-26 and our TN River "Huck Finn" Adventure July 24-28. More information coming soon!

Community Events . . . 

Rope Making, Knot Tying Class at Audubon Acres Dec. 22
The public is invited to join TN Wild at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge on Sat., Jan. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Sandhill Crane viewing session at the TWRA viewing platform overlooking the Refuge. 

Hike to Immodium Falls with the TN Trails Association Dec. 22

Not for the faint of heart or heavy of foot, this 9 mile hike goes through the Rock Creek Gorge section of the Cumberland Trail. The Soddy-Daisy Chapter of the TN Trails Association hosts. Email Cumberland Trail State Park ranger Ryan Maddux or call (423) 240-2239 for details on where and when to meet and what to bring.

Karen Lawrence Run for St. Jude Dec. 31

New Year's Eve starts with a nice run during the annual Karen Lawrence Run for St. Jude. Runners of all ages can participate in a 4.2 mile main event or a 2.1 mile fun run/walk through downtown Chattanooga.  

More Upcoming Community Events . . .
December                  
              Chickamauga Battlefield Hike
January, 2013
5            Cloudland Canyon Day Hike
6            Birding at Mclemore Cove with TN Wild 
 
News
Armadillos Confirmed in TN
Since last week's report in the Nickajack Naturalist that armadillo's are at Russell Cave National Monument in AL, we have received confirmation from several sources that they have also crossed the state line into TN. Nobody knows yet what effect their migration will have on local ecosystems. Here is more about these amazing creatures.

Web Hit(s) of the Week  

Help you and your kids Discover the Forest.

Last Week's Web Hit
Bikeyface is the creation of Boston, MA artist and bike commuter Bekka Wright. Check out her video of a Montreal cycle track. Dear Santa . . . 
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2013
January, 2013
19-20        Sandhill Crane Festival
 
February, 2013
             Trail of Tears 7 Mile Run
5            Cupids Chase 5K
 
March, 2013
9/10         Booker T. Duathlon
23            Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race

April, 2013
6           Out Run the Police
20         Outdoor Chattanooga Outdoor Expo & Gear Swap
27         Chattanooga's Amazing Race

May, 2013
4           Children's Hospital Dragon Boat Festival
             Chattanooga Tour de Cure
25-27     USA Pro Cycling Championships

June, 2013
1            National Trails Day
14-16      Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
15          Color the Curve Chattanooga

  

July, 2013
22-26     TN River Gorge "Huck Finn" Adventure Camp

August, 2013
10           Still Hollow Trail Race
11           Cannonball Charge

September, 2013
8            Iron Jr. Triathlon
29          Komen Race for the Cure

October, 2013
5            Rock/Creek Stump Jump

Ocoee River Most Popular Whitewater Rafting River In America According To Recent Study

The Ocoee River is officially the most visited whitewater river in the United States with 229,542 visitors in 2012, according to research results announced today by tourism officials in Chattanooga. After the Ocoee River, the other four most visited whitewater rivers are: the Arkansas River in Colorado (208,329), Pigeon River in Tennessee (169,060), Nantahala River in North Carolina ... (click for more)

TVA Celebrates National Trails Day With Enhancement Efforts

The Tennessee Valley Authority will be making improvements at six trail locations in Tennessee and Alabama on Saturday, June 1, to celebrate National Trails Day and is encouraging volunteers to participate. Among the projects is the 1.5-mile Buck Island Trail on Guntersville Reservoir in Alabama. Partially destroyed by a tornado in spring 2011, the trail will be rerouted ... (click for more)

Dog Fighting Operation Uncovered On Talladega Avenue

TBI was executing a narcotics search warrant at 6302 Talladega Ave. in Chattanooga on Friday and uncovered a dog fighting operation. Officials said it consisted of numerous pit bills, a fight ring, a treadmill and blood-stained carpets and paneling. Mcckamey Animal Services personnel were processing the fight scene. The search warrant was being executed by the ... (click for more)

City May Move Forward On $47 Million Wilcox Tunnel Project

City officials may move forward on a $47 million project to upgrade the narrow Wilcox Tunnel through Missionary Ridge. The City Council on Tuesday is to consider a resolution to apply for a $25 million federal TIGER grant. The city would still have to come up with $21,825,000 through "local funds or grants." The city has already spent $175,000 on the project. Improving ... (click for more)

Rep. Eric Watson Reflects On Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the time for Americans to reconnect with their history and the core values that make this country great by honoring those who gave their lives for the ideals we cherish. Soldiers are people who come from all walks of life, from every corner of this great land of ours. They are our fathers, our sons, our mothers and our daughters, our friends, and our neighbors.  ... (click for more)

Roy Exum: Sharing The Laughter

This time last week I was certain that laughter is the best medicine but I have since found I was wrong. Early in the week, as I revealed I was struggling with some health issues, I asked unashamedly for help. Since then the prayers of the people have already resulted in miracles and blessings but what has staggered me are not just hundreds of jokes that have flooded my email but ... (click for more)