Now that it’s officially summer, it’s the perfect time to get out on a body of water + start paddlin’.
The hardest part? Figuring out where, exactly, you can start your journey with a canoe and kayak-friendly launch point. We’ve got ya covered on where to find some of the top spots in town. 🛶
📍TN River | Coolidge Park launch, Ross’s Landing, TN Riverpark boat launch, Upper TN Riverpark boat launch, Suck Creek Boat Access | While some of these launches are located at weird addresses (35°05'47.2"N 85°15'18.6"W seems a little sketchy — we know), they’ll get ya out on the water in no time.
#ProTip: The Coolidge Park launch is one of the easiest + most popular paddling launches around town.
📍South Chickamauga Creek | Sterchi Farm Park, off Old Harrison Pike | Google says that the park is temporarily closed right now, so make sure to check in before you drive over.
📍North Chickamauga Creek | Greenway Farm, 5051 Gann Store Road. | The top of North Chickamauga Creek has some intense whitewater rapids, but this launch offers a calmer, 2.5-mile stretch of creek for families + beginners to enjoy.
📍Lookout Creek | Reflection Riding, 400 Garden Rd. | Fees apply to enter Reflection Riding, so if you’re looking for a free place to launch the kayak, keep that in mind.
📍Booker T. Washington State Park | Booker T. Washington Boat Ramp, 5444 Vincent Rd. | After paddling in Lake Chickamauga, you can hang out at the state park + enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, and more.
📍Nickajack Lake | Shellmound boat ramp, Maple View Recreation Area | Head to either North Nickajack at Shellmound or South at Maple View for a relaxing paddle on the lake — just watch out for boats.
Don’t have your own water craft? Local businesses like L2 Outside, Adventure Sports Innovation, River Drifters, and many more can get you set up with a rental.
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