Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Ruth Thompson

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga Offers Climbing League Financial Aid

The Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga (501c3) have contributed $300 to a fund which will offer financial aid for student participants of theChattanooga Area Interscholastic Climbing League (CAICL).

The Outdoor Chattanooga program introduces and engages area high school students in the sport of climbing. Monies donated to the fund will be distributed among 12 participating high school teams for the 2014-2015 school year. The $300 donation will underwrite five students for eight scheduled meets, Nov. - Feb. at local indoor climbing gyms. To learn more about CAICL and the student aid program, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.

Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga Spectator and Traffic Information

On Sun., Sept. 28, 5,000 competitors will take to the river and roads in and around Chattanooga for the first annual Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga. Visit the event Website to see all details, including course maps and traffic impact.

Outdoor Chattanooga Featured Event

Downtown Sunset History Tours by Kayak Sept. 16 & Oct. 14

The Chattanooga History Center (CHC) will partner with Outdoor Chattanooga to offer a special sunset kayak tour of downtown Chattanooga on Tues., Sept. 16, beginning at 6 p.m. from our facility in Coolidge Park. The special event will be led by a CHC historian, Caroline Sunderland, who will share the ups and downs of the city's commercial and environmental history. The beginner friendly tour will launch up river for a leisurely float into the sunset and twinkling city lights. Cost is $45 per adult, $35 for kids ages 8-13. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888 to reserve. Next tour: Tues., Oct. 14.

More Outdoor Chattanooga Events

Rapid Learning at Warner Park Sept. 10-24

The City of Chattanooga Aquatics program has opened up Warner Park pool for our weekly Rapid Learning Whitewater Program kayak skills practice, happening each Wed., with two sessions at 6 or 7 p.m. Adults and kids ages 8 and older can learn the skills they need to paddle area whitewater (and flat water) streams. All equipment and instruction provided. Your first visit to skills practice is free. To learn more, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.

Chattanooga Track Club: Early Signs of Injury for Distance Runners Sept. 11

The Chattanooga Track Club will host a free, public seminar on recognizing common injuries in distance runners on Thurs., Sept. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Chip Clifton, PT, DPT, CMT with Results Physiotherapy will speak about the stages of injury and help runners identify signs/symptoms of potential problems.

Little Cedar Mtn. Hike Sept. 13

Bob Butters, the Nickajack Naturalist and outdoor columnist for Nooga.com, will join Outdoor Chattanooga for a four mile nature hike on the newly re-opened Little Cedar Mtn. trail, Sat., Sept. 13, at 9 a.m. Learn about the native species that inhabit the mountain, and enjoy spectacular views of Nickajack Lake. The hike is free, but PRE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Email Bob Butters or call (423) 991-1548 to register or learn more.

Street Smarts Cycling Class Sept. 15

Cars, pedestrians, busses, on ramps, intersections, turn lanes, traffic lights . . . how do you deal with all these things when you're on a bicycle? Street Smarts Cycling Class is the best first step towards learning how to drive your bicycle in traffic. Hosted by Outdoor Chattanooga, this free class is at 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga's building, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing Outdoor Chattanooga or calling (423)-643-6888.

Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour Sept. 20

Enjoy historical stories of the Civil War while riding through the scenic Chickamauga Battlefield Sept. 20, 9:30 a.m. to noon! Hosted by the Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga along with the Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, this free event is available to adults and children 8 and older when accompanied by an adult. You may bring your own bicycle or borrow one from the Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga Mobile Bicycle Fleet. Helmets are required. To reserve a bicycle from the Battlefield Visitor's Center, please call (706)-866-9241.

Kayak Water Polo at Warner Park Every Thursday in September

Outdoor Chattanooga will be hosting some late summer fun with a series of recreational, non-contact kayak polo games at the Warner Park, 1101 McCallie Ave., outdoor pool! Kayak polo will be every Thursday this month (11, 18, 25) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. No experience is necessary, but mastery of a "wet exit" must be exhibited. Aquatic skills can be attained through attending a Rapid Learning weekly kayak skills practice Wednesday evenings. The games are free and all equipment will be provided.

Featured Community Event

Reflection Riding Fall Native Plant Sale Sept. 12-14

The public can stock up on nursery propagated, native wildflowers, shrubs and trees at the annual

Reflection Riding Fall Native Plant Sale,

happening Fri., and Sat., Sept. 12 and 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., Sept. 14, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. A free open house at the property also features special workshops, exhibits and nature walks.

More Community Events

Dirty Dozen Wilderness Hike Challenge

If you think you can hike 10+ miles in 12 designated wilderness areas in a year, then sign up for the Dirty Dozen Wilderness Hike Challenge. You get a cool sticker for signing up, chances to win more swag, but more important, the great satisfaction of exploring our region's most wild and beautiful places.

Team Hope Walk Chattanooga Sept. 13

The Huntington's Disease Society of America will be hosting the Team Hope Walk Chattanooga in Coolidge Park Sept. 13. The event is a fundraiser for aid against the disease, and the price is $25 per participant. Check-in is at 7 a.m. with the walk scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, email Cherie Valovcin or call her at (423)-413-1498.

Barn Nursery Fall Color Workshop Sept. 13

The Barn Nursery, 1801 East 24th St., will host a free seminar on adding plant color to your home Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. Talented designers will showcase examples and provide free coaching to inspire you to create displays teeming with gorgeous fall colors. The event is free to the first 50 adults who register at the event.

More Upcoming Events

September

27 UTC Intrasquad Rowing Regatta

Raccoon Mtn. Round the Rim Road Race

National Public Lands Day

27-28 Skyhoundz World Disc Dog Championships

28 Ironman Chattanooga

October

1-2 Over the Edge

4 Rock/Creek Stump Jump

Tennessee River Rescue

NoogaGlow 5K