Here are upcoming news and events from Outdoor Chattanooga:
Rapid Learning Kayak Program
Wed., Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
September is the last month to catch our Rapid Learning Kayak Skills Classes outside at Chester Frost County Park. We're there every Wednesday evening with two session: 6-7 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. The first session is always free. No prior experience, reservations or equipment needed. Just show up and learn the basics of whitewater kayaking from our experienced staff.
For more info call (423) 643-6888.
Rapid Learning Kayak Skills Program
Intro to Mountain Biking
Friday, Sept. 7 & 21 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Leave the asphalt behind and get in gear for the trails with Outdoor Chattanooga's Intro to Mountain Biking Class. Learn the basics of mountain biking from our experienced mountain bike instructors through skills demonstration and practice in a controlled setting. Instructors teach in a format that's structured to your pace and individual learning style. We can provide bicycles and a helmet for use during the class. All participants must wear a helmet. Reservations required in advance as space is limited. Call 423-643-6888 to learn more and register. Cost: $10 for 2 hour session. Recommended for ages 10+.
Intro to Mountain Biking
Battlefield Bike Tour
Sat., September 15 | 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a leisurely-paced bicycle tour on the Chickamauga Battlefield with the National Park Service and 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
Mountain to Town Bike Adventure
Sunday, Sept. 16 | 1:00 - 4:00 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
Bike Commuting 101
Monday, September 17 | 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 3rd Monday each 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
Chattanooga Area Interscholastic Climbing League
The 2018-2019 school year is back in session, and Outdoor Chattanooga is excited to once again offer Chattanooga area middle and high school students the opportunity to participate in the Interscholastic Climbing League (ICL). The ICL introduces student climbers to a challenging sport in an environment that emphasizes communication, teamwork, and positive social interaction without the competitive pressures often associated with traditional sports. The ICL offers six organized meets for school teams to compete in through the winter months at the three local climbing gyms. Prior experience is not required to participate in the league. Most area schools, including public, private and home schools have established climbing teams. Check with your school to see if a team already exists and how to join. If your school doesn't have a team, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call 423-643-6888 to find out how to form a new team or compete individually.
Interscholastic Climbing League
Community Events
Moon River Festival
September 8-9 | 2:30-11:30 p.m.
Moon River Music Festival presented by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors and AC Entertainment is an exciting two day music festival featuring 22 acts on two stages. Originating in Memphis in 2014, now in its 4th year, the Festival has found a new home on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga, TN. Tickets for the 2018 festival sold out the day they went on sale! Please note that road closures and very limited access to parking on the Northshore will occur during the Festival Sept. 8 & 9.
Moon River Festival
Miller Park Grand Opening
September 14 | 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
It's here Chattanooga! The re-opening of Miller Park is set for Friday, September 14 and they're celebrating with a day full of fun activities in the new public space. Join River City Company and the City of Chattanooga for the official ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. followed by local musicians on the new EPB Community Stage! There will be food trucks, and a retail market along with a myriad of performance artists (belly dancers, jugglers, fire troupe, aerialists) until 10 p.m.
Miller Park Grand Opening
Sunset Kayak the TN River Gorge
Thursday, Sept. 20 | 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
Skyhoundz World Championships
September 21-23
Skyhoundz offers competitions for disc dog enthusiasts world-wide. There are three competition series: Disc Dogathon, Skyhoundz Classic, and Xtreme Distance. Events throughout the year culminate in an incredible World Championships right here in Chattanooga at Coolidge Park! This weekend long high flying disc dog event is free and fun for all ages!
Skyhoundz World Championships
Chickstock
September 22
Hosted by North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, the annual Chickstock music festival offers a great lineup of musicians, food, and beverages (for purchase) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22. Bring your family, friends, and the pup for a great day at Greenway Farms. Suggested donation of $5 for entry, but members and racers enter for free. Race in the Chickstock Family Challenge hosted by Wild Trails.
Chickstock 2018
National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 22
Join volunteers across the nation taking part in the 25th annual National Public Lands Day - the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the U.S. At Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, volunteers will be working to rehabilitate a section of the Brown's Ferry Federal Road Trail located at the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District- removing old material and spreading mulch to make for easier access to the Tennessee River. This trail has a long and storied history as it served as an original route on the Trail of Tears as well as being part of the Union supply line during the Siege of Chattanooga during the American Civil War. The park will provide all the tools. Please wear long pants and tennis shoes or boots, no open toed shoes. Bring sun screen and bug spray. Sign-up begins at 9 am at the Brown’s Ferry Federal Road Trailhead.
National Public Lands Day
Wilderness First Aid
September 22-23
SOLO Wilderness Medical School is coming to Chattanooga September 22 - 23 to offer Wilderness First Aid and/or First Responder Recert. Register today!
MEDIC SOLO Disaster + Travel + Wilderness First Aid Certification
Ironman Chattanooga
Sunday, September 30
The Little Debbie IRONMAN Chattanooga returns to the Scenic City on Sunday, September 30, bringing with it thousands of athletes that have made the trek to Chattanooga to complete 144.6 miles of swim, bike, run in one day! The energy in the city is electric! Here's everything you need to know about this year's race. Schedule of Events, and Course Info.
Noteworthy Side Note:
Wonder why Chattanooga continues to host IRONMAN Races? IRONMAN athletes voted Chattanooga Overall satisfaction, Best Overall swim, Best Overall Bike, Best Race Venue, Best Host City, and Best Post-Race Celebration. All that should come as no surprise since Chattanooga was voted the Best Town Ever twice by Outside Magazine!