Where to try outdoor recreational activities in Chattanooga
Have you explored Chattanooga from the water? | Photo provided by Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Chattanooga is known for its vibrant nature scenes and as a haven for those who love all things outdoor recreation.
We get asked often where to participate in activities like stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, mountain biking, camping, etc. Today, we’re sharing five local spots you can check out if you’re wanting to try out a new outdoor activity.
Chattanooga Guided Adventures
This organization offers a variety of educational and seasonal kayak + bike tours. We recommend trying out the Nickajack Bat Cave and the Chickamauga Dam Lock through kayak tours. Additionally, you can check out the Outdoor Skills Development classes to learn things like how to use a map and compass.
Outshine Adventures
Check out Outshine Adventures for stand up paddleboarding, biking, hiking, and outdoor yoga experiences for those of all skill levels. You can even take a stand up paddleboarding yoga class if you’re looking to double up on the fun.
Bonus: the vans are dog-friendly if you want to bring your furry friend along on your trip.
Want to add some fun to your next camping trip? Try van camping with Nomad Be Happy. These vans are fully stocked with everything you need for your next adventure, and each rental comes with a Chattanooga swag bag filled with over $200 worth of locally-made products.
Outdoor Chattanooga
The folks at Outdoor Chattanooga offer a ton of activities to try like backpacking, horseback riding, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and so much more. Check out the calendar for activities + classes being offered.
L2 Outside
Ever wanted to paddle out to Maclellan Island or float along the Tennessee River? Rent a kayak, tandem kayak, or stand up paddle board from L2 Outside located in NorthShore. You can also take a sunset tour, group classes, or lessons if you’re looking for a guided experience.
Bonus: Several of these activities were on our Chattanooga summer bucket list, so extra points if you’re able to cross them off.
Events
Today, July 19
Drink Up at Main St. Farmers Market | Wednesday, July 19 | 4-6 p.m. | Main St. Farmers Market, Corner of W. 20th Street + Chestnut Street, Chattanooga | Free+ | This Drink Up Month edition of the farmers market will have several drink features and vendors.
Thursday, July 20
Free Ride Day | Thursday, July 20 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Locations vary, Chattanooga | Free | Celebrate Bike Chattanooga’s 11th birthday with a free day pass to unlock unlimited 60-minute rides.
Business Brews | Thursday, July 20 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Expand your personal network while enjoying two-for-one drinks, a popcorn bar, and themed trivia.
Friday, July 21
Photo Transfer Workshop | Friday, July 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, 201 High St., Chattanooga | $20 | Hear from the museum’s artist in residence Kris Bespalec about her photo transfer + collage process.
Nightfall | Friday, July 21 | 7 p.m. | Miller Plaza, 850 Market St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy food trucks, artist vendors, and live music by Fawley + The Red Clay Strays.
Meet the Brewers Q+A | Friday, July 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Naked River Brewing Co., 1791 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Meet the brewers, try out some new brews at a discounted rate, and take a tour of Naked River — NOOGAtoday readers can enjoy $5 pints.
Saturday, July 22
Fish + Sips | Saturday, July 22 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St., Chattanooga | $70-$85 | Enjoy an after-hours adventure at the aquarium while sampling beers from local + regional breweries.
Sunday, July 23
FiveStar Food Fight | Sunday, July 23 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Local chefs will have to utilize ingredients from the market during this live cooking competition.
This is news that will wake you up. Uncommon Coffee Bar will officially open its doors on Thursday, Aug. 20 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1795 Reggie White Blvd. Learn more about the shop.
Tech
LaunchTN recently endorsed five US EDA Tech Hub city proposals on behalf of the state of Tennessee, including Chattanooga. The organization will support the proposals through “advocacy and resources designed to bolster Tennessee innovation.”
Weather
Hamilton County’s Office of Emergency Management was recognized by the National Weather Service as a “Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador.” This initiative works to build cities’ resiliency + responsiveness to extreme weather events.
Cause
The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is seeking bottled water donations for its Life Navigation Ministry + other supplies for its Beat the Heat program. Think: box fans, cooling towels, ice packs, etc. You can drop items off at 822 McCallie Ave. now through Thursday, Aug. 31.
Plan Ahead
The Soddy-Daisy Fall Festival is slated on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Soddy Lake Park + sponsor, vendor, and volunteer applications are open. The festival will be a day of fun and help raise funds for Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful’s community programs. Learn more.
Sports
The Chattanooga Roller Derby will have its last home bout of the season on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Camp Jordan Arena (323 Camp Jordan Pkwy.). Doors open at 2 p.m. + the triple header will go until 9 p.m. Get tickets.
Listen
Velvet Poetry and the Chattanooga Hip-Hop Summit will host a “Dear Hip Hop” poetry + storytelling event on Friday, Aug. 11 to celebrate the 50th birthday of hip-hop. The event is free and will feature cake, trivia, and more. RSVP.
Need outfit inspo? Check out the Barbie rack at The Local Dive. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
It’s no secret that folks are excited for the new “Barbie” movie to hit the big screen on Friday, July 21. Whether you’re here for nostalgia or just love all things hot pink, get in the Barbie spirits at these local spots.
Barbie at The Local Dive | Thursday, July 20 | 5-8 p.m. | The Local Dive Retail, 607 Cherokee Blvd. | Free+ | Come out in your best Barbie or Ken costume for an opportunity to win a $50 gift card. Plus, take plenty of photos with fun backdrops + enjoy 25% off all pink items.
Let’s Go Barbie: Sip & Strokes | Thursday, July 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Eros Hat Co., 45 E. Main St. | $75 | This 21+ event will feature an opportunity to paint alongside local artist Olivia Reckert while enjoying charcuterie and themed drinks from The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery.
Bonus: Sip on the Malibu Barbie cocktail from Barley Chattanooga made with gin, strawberry, lemon, and glitter.
Shop
Shop
Make sure your child’s wardrobe is upgraded this school year with Ducks & Drakes, a clothing company with tall kids at the heart of its designs.
Active
Contemplating an e-bike purchase? Upway — the No. 1 certified e-bike provider — sells top-quality electric bikes up to 60% cheaper than retail.
Eat
Slice and serve your favorite meats + cheeses on this sleek yet durable maple wood cutting board. Bonus: It’s preconditioned with beeswax, linseed, and lemon oil.
Travel
Don’t get stuck paying those pesky airline fees with a bag that exceeds the weight limit. Use this portable luggage scale to save time + money.
This Saturday, July 22 is Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors Department’s “Land and Sea Night.” From 6-8 p.m., you can swim for free at Warner Park Pool and then enjoy a screening of “The Sandlot” in the grove next to the pool. Bring a chair or blanket to get cozy during the movie.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.