Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

  • Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:

Fireside at Greenway Farms: Thursdays in October 13, 20, & 27

Thanks to Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union for sponsoring Fireside, a free, family friendly, outdoor music series.. All ages are invited to come out to unplug and enjoy an autumn evening in the park. Bring your blankets and chairs, marshmallow roasting stick and perhaps a picnic supper, then sit back around the campfire and enjoy live music in this rustic setting.

The events occur on Thursdays in October 6, 13, 20, & 27 beginning at 7 p.m and ending at 9 p.m. The events gather behind the gardens at the Sniteman Log Cabin at Greenway Farm Park, 5051 Gann Store Rd., Hixson, TN 37343.

2016 Fireside Lineup
Oct. 13: Caney Creek Company - An Americana/Folk-Rock/Bluegrass Band established in 2015, made up of Tennessee natives; Katie Bradford (Fiddle/Vocals), Corey Bradford (Guitar), Doug Ford (Bass), Drew Streip (Mandolin), Konstantine Vlasis (Banjo/Vocals). The band has a distinct approach to their craft, which includes traces of gospel, rock and classical music. Using traditional bluegrass instrumentation, they have a natural balance that favors intimate venues. Their chemistry shines through in every performance. From up-tempo bluegrass to ballads, every song resonates with listeners. It's the music you want to hear; the music you'd want your kids to listen to; the melodies you just can't quit humming.

Oct. 20: Tin Cup Rattlers - Old Time Music. The Paulsons' soulful renditions of traditional Appalachian music keeps them in demand for appearances at festivals throughout the Southeast. Marcy has placed for two years in a row in The Great Southern Old Time Fiddlers Convention's traditional song competition with a voice that some say just stepped out of the 19th century, and Jeff's frailing on the open back banjo gets toes tapping. The duo has been featured on the Round Up Radio Show on WIAA out of Interlochen, Michigan and WUTC's River City Sessions. They've opened for bluegrass favorites The New Coon Creek Girls and country music legend Roy Harper.

Oct. 27: Vincent Ivan Phipps - Master Storyteller. Vincent Ivan Phipps, Owner of Communication VIP Training and Coaching and professional storyteller; will delight the audience with original, family friendly, supernatural ghost stories from his book entitled, Spooky-nooga. Vincent Ivan Phipps. M.A., CSP has earned the Certified Speaking Professional designation. Established in 1980, the CSP is the National Speakers Association's and Global Speakers Federation's highest recognized honor.

Before Fireside, enjoy the changing season with a calm water paddle on North Chickamauga Creek in a canoe. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide all the equipment and support staff for you to paddle the creek at your own pace. Children under 30 lbs. should bring their own Personal Flotation Device (life jacket). Meet at the N. Chick canoe launch behind the old Sniteman Cabin. Canoes available from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. for $25 per canoe | first come, first served. For more information call Outdoor Chattanooga at 423-643-6888.

Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour October 15

Join Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and Outdoor Chattanooga for a free, leisurely paced, historical bike tour through Chickamauga Battlefield on Sat., Oct. 15 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. 

More Outdoor Chattanooga Events 

Community Events

Haunted Trail October 14 & 15
Bring the family out to Enterprise South Nature Park on Friday, October 14 and/or Saturday, October 15 for a hauntingly good time on the Haunted Trail! Activities include the Kids Train Ride: 4:00-5:30 p.m. and the Haunted Trail-Hayrides: 7:00-10:00 p.m. There will also be photo stations, READ 20 Read-A-Louds, ghost stories, Halloween and pedestrian safety, and face painting. Admission: $15.00 per car load, cash only. There will be an additional fee for food truck purchases and inflatables. For more information call 423-893-3500.

Fall Classic Road Ride October 15
Cycle Sport Concepts is hosting their third annual Fall Classic Road Ride on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 'concept' is simple. They lay out a course, give you directions via cue sheets and then it's up to you to find your way from the start to the finish. It's a 60 mile road ride with 4,000ft of elevation gain. Ride with a group or solo. Everything you do is up to you. No support. No sag. No aid stations. Just you, your bike and the road in front of you. There is no entry fee. There will be an after-party at Cycle Sport Concepts from 3:30-6 p.m.

Stone Fort Trail Day October 16
Join the Southeastern Climbers Coalition at Stone Fort for Stone Fort Trail Day on Sunday, October 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to do some Fall cleaning and erosion control to prepare for Triple Crown! Fall weather has arrived, so be sure to bring your climbing gear to do some bouldering after!

Weekend Guide to RiverRocks Chattanooga:

RiverRocks is a multi-day event (October 1-15) that brings world-class and amateur athletes to the Scenic City to compete in a variety of sporting events, enjoy live music and celebrate Chattanooga outdoors lifestyle.  

Lookout Mountain Challenge October 13
Join Velo View Bike Tours for the Lookout Mountain Challenge, a ride up to the top of Chattanooga's most iconic mountain on Thursday, October 13. Riders will meet downtown at 9:00 a.m to start the ride off on the newest extension of the Tennessee Riverwalk, riding south to connect to the back roads of the Chattanooga Valley. After the warm-up, they'll turn towards the mountain and head up the steep slopes of Nickajack Road (with double-digit grades!) and then on to Point Park before descending back to town. It's a fun, but challenging ride with a bucket-list climb, rewarding views, and a thrilling descent! 

Best Town (For) Ever Street Party October 14

Chattanooga won Outdoor Magazine's Best Town Ever competition, not once, but twice! To celebrate this awesome accolade, RiverRocks Chattanooga and Chattanooga Presents are hosting The Best Town (For)Ever Street Party on Friday, October 14 from 6-9 p.m. at the 700 block of Cherry St. It will be a street party like no other with live music, street entertainment, a climbing wall, jungle gym geo dome, food and beverage trucks and an expo of outdoor outfitters and non-profits on site to showcase their contribution to making Chattanooga the Best Outdoor Town (For)Ever! You're a part of this town so come celebrate with us! 

Wings to Soar Raptor Program October 14
Join John Stokes and Dale Kerenahan for the Wings to Soar Raptor Program, which provides a unique opportunity to view and interact with birds of prey at the beautiful Reflection Riding Center on Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m. Cost: $15/adults, $12/children - Members Cost: $5/adults, $2/children. 

Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 October 15

The Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 is Chattanooga's Ultimate Endurance Mountain bike race. Racers will enjoy a grueling course packed with single track, climbs, downhills, rock gardens, and smooth flowy trails through the 5 Points Trail system, Lula Lake Land Trust, the Cloudland Connector Trail (including the 6.5 mile Long Branch/Nickajack section) and private property. Post race activities include camping, music, vendors, food and fun. New for 2016 is a 25 mile option that gives racers a taste of the endurance mountain bike experience. Same great trails as the 50, just easy on the mileage. The race is presented by Lula Lake Land Trust and Roost Racing and will be held on Saturday, October 15. The 50 mile starts at 9:00 a.m. and the 25 mile starts at 9:15 a.m.

The Cannonball October 15
There is no race at RiverRocks quite like the Cannonball. It is a grueling race that could end up as an all-day event with the winner being the last person running. Curious? The race begins at 8 a.m., and runners have one hour to complete the four-mile trail loop. If they don't finish in the hour, they're eliminated. Simple, right? Nope. The race resumes at 9 a.m., and the remaining runners race again. The pattern continues every hour  throughout the day--and possibly into the night--until the last runner remains. The Cannonball also features a 10K if that's more your speed.

McLemore Cove Ramble October 15

Join Velo View Bike Tours for the McLemore Cove Ramble, a 28 mile guided bicycle ride on Saturday, October 15. Riders meet at 9:00 a.m. on Chattanooga's North Shore to load up the Velo View van and shuttle down to the Pigeon Mountain Grill, about 30 minutes south of town. The group ride a loop through rural farmland framed by beautiful mountain ridges, with a pit stop about halfway through. Although the ride is in the valley there is some climbing involved.  However, the pace will be relaxed and the views will be well worth the modest effort to get over the rolling hills. It really is a spectacular ride! For more information email Velo View Bike Tours or call 423-834-8388.

7 Bridges Marathon October 16
The 7 Bridges Marathon takes runners across 7 bridges while offering a scenic view of downtown Chattanooga. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 16 in Coolidge Park. There are a few slots available for racers that are interested in signing up last minute. There will be a host of other activities going on in Coolidge Park the morning of the race.

Community News

Prentice Cooper (T-Wall) will be closed for hunting on these dates:
Oct 22-23 
Oct 27-29 
Nov 4-6 
Nov 26-Dec 1

Upcoming Events
October
1-15    RiverRocks Chattanooga
13      Fireside: Caney Creek Co.
14      Best Town (For)Ever Street Party
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
         AWC Ocoee River Clean up
         Signal Mountain Movie on the Lawn
16      7 Bridges Marathon
         Nature Calls 15K & 5K
         Stone Fort Trail Day
20      Fireside: Tin Cup Rattlers
         Reel Rock 11 Chattanooga
21      Triple Crown Stone Fort Competition
22      Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge
         Fall Colors Paddle
         ChattaJack 31
         Beginner's Ride & Maintenance Clinic
         TYMBR Race Series at Johnston Woods
         Cloudland Canyon Star Party
27      Fireside: Master Vincent Ivan Phipps
29      Lookout Mountain Trail Work Day
30      TVCC Ocoee Boo Run

November
5        Medicinal Plant Workshop
5-6     Head of the Hooch
12      Pangorge
         Running with Sasquatch 5K
         PanCross Cyclocross Race
14      Walker Farm Pioneer Days
19      Chattanooga Strong Day
26      Chattanooga Hungry Turkey Run
27      StuffedCross Cyclocross Race

December
10      Old Grey Barn Cyclocross Race

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