Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

  • Wednesday, February 6, 2013


Here upcoming Outdoor Chattanooga news and events:


Free Winter Workshop:  Hiking Day at Outdoor Chattanooga Feb. 9

Our next free Winter Workshop will be a Hiking Day on Sat., Feb., 9, beginning at 10 a.m.

at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Representatives from several local hiking groups will be here to help guide you to our region's favorite hiking spots. Jeffrey Hunter of TN Wild will do a short presentation: "What's in Your Daypack?" at 11 a.m. At 1 p.m., we'll offer free, public guided hikes on Moccasin Bend's Blue Blazes Trail and a special guided introduction to Stringers Ridge. No pre registration is necessary. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.  

Street Smarts Cycling Seminar Feb. 13
The free Street Smarts Safe Cycling seminar, happening on Wed., Feb. 13, 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park, covers the basic rules of the road and some helpful tips for cyclists wanting to ride on the road. The class is made up of a short video, followed by a question and answer session. Covered are bicycle laws, basic safety, lane positioning, signaling and lane changing, as well as helmet fit, bicycle choice and basic maintenance checks. 

Bigfoot Hike to Mushroom Rock Feb. 17
The Sierra Club, Cherokee Group and Outdoor Chattanooga will host a family hike to look for Bigfoot at Mushroom Rock on Sun., Feb. 17, beginning at 2 p.m. from the Shackleford Ridge Park ball fields parking lot on Signal Mtn. The easy, 2 mile  hike will follow the trail of Bigfoot-otherwise known as Sasquatch, the skunk ape or the yeti-who has been seen numerous times in the area. Hikers are urged to wear sturdy shoes, dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Reported encounters with Bigfoot have included bluff charges, guttural screams from the underbrush and stick breaking. No reservations are necessary for the hike. Small children should be prepared to walk or be carried. The trail is not suitable for strollers. For more information, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.  

Rapid Learning Roll Practice Feb. 6

Our Rapid Learning Whitewater Program has moved to Wednesdays, 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

Community Events and Activities
Cumberland Trail Hike with the Chatt Trekkers Feb. 9
The Chattanooga Trekkers will host a family hike on the Cumberland Trail to the Indian Rock House on Sat., Feb. 9, at 12 noon. The moderate level hike in Prentice Cooper State Forest will offer about six miles of beautiful rock formations and a spectacular finish at the edge of the TN River Gorge. An RSVP is required.

Polar Plunge Chattanooga Feb. 17
The 2013 Polar Plunge Chattanooga on Sun., Feb. 17, will raise a freezer full of cold cash to support Tennessee's Special Olympics athletes. If you dare to plunge into the water, you can join the event as an individual or as part of a team. 

News

NPS to Conduct Repairs at Orchard Knob Reservation Through Mar. 28

A National Park Service crew from the Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) located in Frederick, MD will be conducting rehabilitation work on the historic wall that surrounds the Orchard Knob Reservation in Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. This HPCT crew, which is made up of masons, will clean the stone wall, re-point joints, and replace broken or missing cap stones. The areas directly surrounding the wall will be temporarily closed to protect the public while the crew completes this important preservation work. Read the full press release

Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional Championship Routes Announced 

USA Cycling announced proposed routes and events for Chattanooga's hosting of the 2013 Volkswagen Men's and Women's Professional Time Trial and Road Race Championships this coming Memorial Day weekend. Take a look and stake out your spot! The event will also feature the U.S. Handcycling Criterium Championships and the Children's Hospital at Erlanger Charity Bicycle Ride.

Submit a Film for the Lookout Wild Film Festival Mar. 22-24
The Lookout Wild Film Festival has extended their submission deadline for films that showcase wild places and the people that they inspire. The inaugural festival will take place at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Mar. 22-24 

Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards Deadline Mar. 29

Each year, the Governors Environmental Stewardship Awards honor outstanding accomplishments in the protection and enhancement of Tennessee's natural resources. Nominations are currently being accepted for individuals and organizations that are dedicated to improving Tennessee's land, water and air. Deadline is Mar. 29, 2013. 

Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteer for the U.S. Pro's May 25-27, 2013

The Volkswagen U.S.A. Pro Cycling Road and Time Trial Championships will come to Chattanooga this coming Memorial Day weekend and they need LOTS of volunteers to help marshal both the road and time trial courses. This year's event will feature both the men's and women's pro races and the U.S. Hand Cycling Championships. 

Web Hit(s) of the Week  

The Welikia Project has created a virtual map of 1609 New York City, complete with native plants, wildlife and original watersheds. Pretty amazing stuff.  

Last Week's Web Hit
sneak preview of what to expect when the pro cyclists come to Chattanooga Memorial Day. .  


2013

February
 
March
2           Family Waterfalls Hike
             Run with Trish 5K
9           Rump Run 
             Wash me Pink Color Run
             Soddy-Daisy 5K
            Rump Run
23         Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race
             Get Out Chattanooga Challenge 
30         Color me Rad 5K

April
6          Out Run the Police
           Color Me Chattanooga 5K
            Chickamauga Chase
             Chattanooga Tour de Cure
             Chattanooga Chase
25-27     USA Pro Cycling Championships

June
1           National Trails Day

30          Stars, Stripes and Wishes Run

July

11           Cannonball Charge

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

October
5            Rock/Creek Stump Jump



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