About Us
Our role is to connect you with Chattanooga’s outdoor scene! There’s so much to see and do in the Scenic City, that it can be a little overwhelming finding the right information on how to get outside and play. We’re here to help. Search this site by activity or location to find detailed information about the places to run, climb, paddle, hike, bike, and more, all within an hours drive of Chattanooga.
You’ll find plenty of outdoor activities that you can do on your own or with local outfitters and guide services. Or, check out Our Programs and calendar of events for the special programs and events we offer throughout the year that are designed to introduce the public to a variety of outdoor activities and improve outdoor skills. You can also visit us at our LEED Gold certified facility in Coolidge Park, which contains two classrooms, a large central lobby with a traverse climbing wall and office space for our staff. Here you can pick up brochures and pick our brains about all the amazing outdoor spaces, places and activities that Chattanooga has to offer. The Bike Chattanooga station that sits in front of our building offers a car-free alternative and ‘wheelie’ fun way to see the City.
Meet Us
In Memory of Philip Grymes
Director of Outdoor Chattanooga
The legacy left by Philip can be seen throughout Chattanooga, in the faces of the residents and visitors who come to enjoy the built and natural resources for pursuit in outdoor adventure. Philip Grymes joined Outdoor Chattanooga as the Executive director in 2006, and excelled in the task of promoting Chattanooga and the surrounding area as an outdoor recreation destination. During his 15 years with Outdoor Chattanooga, he was notably instrumental in much of the behind the scenes work to bring several large scale events to Chattanooga, such as Head of the Hooch and Ironman. He also found support for the development of grassroots events such as Swim the Suck and Chattajack, to name only a few. Philip’s adventurous spirit will live on with Outdoor Chattanooga with the mission to continue to inspire, educate and break the barriers of participation in outdoor recreation, for everyone.
Terri Chapin joined Outdoor Chattanooga in 2010 as Outdoor Programs Coordinator. She holds over 25 years of experience in teaching youth and adults a broad range of outdoor skills and has dedicated her career to adventure-based education. Developing outdoor educational programs, experiences and building outdoor community is her focus and passion. Terri built her love of the outdoors in the mountains and on the rivers in 27 states and 2 countries, specializing in whitewater kayaking where she literally cut her teeth leading whitewater river trips. Inspired by the power of experiential education she earned a Master’s in Recreation Management and an undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Ohio University. When not in the office, Terri can be found biking, kayaking or exploring the next adventure.
Erik grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee where his family introduced him to outdoor recreation in the mountains of East Tennessee and North Carolina. At age 8, Erik began whitewater paddling with his father which sparked a lifelong pursuit and passion for the outdoors. Erik attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. In 2018, Erik and his wife moved to Chattanooga to enjoy the wonderful outdoor recreation that the area has to offer as well as begin a career in with Outdoor Chattanooga 2022. When he is not promoting all of the awesome outdoor adventure available in Chattanooga he continues to explore all the area and pursue adventure.
James grew up jumping BMX bikes and biking narrow highways in west Tennessee. He moved to Chattanooga to attend UTC, where he earned his degree in Sport and Leisure Administration with a concentration in Outdoor Recreation. After moving to Chattanooga, he invested in his first mountain bike and fell in love with the trails at Raccoon. He also discovered and came to appreciate the world-class rock climbing areas, the scenic whitewater rivers and creeks, remote camping spots, miles of hiking trails, and, of course, all the amazing people in Chattanooga that inspire others to play outside. James sought a career and lifestyle that feeds his love of outdoor recreation and impacts people the same way its impacted him by joining Outdoor Chattanooga in 2012 as a Recreation Specialist.
Cole grew up in Cleveland, Tennessee near the foothills of Chilhowee and Big Frog mountains where his family spent time backpacking and canoeing. Cole’s dad was an avid canoeist, which inspired Cole’s passion for the outdoors and whitewater kayaking. In 2012, Cole moved to Chattanooga to attend UTC, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and spent two summers working for Outdoor Chattanooga as a summer employee. After graduation, Cole worked for a couple of small businesses in Chattanooga while pursuing Class V expeditions on new rivers out west and abroad; from waterfalls in Mexico to big slides in Colorado. He’s also competed in whitewater races. Cole’s travels made him seek a career in the outdoor industry and he’s excited to return in 2018 to Outdoor Chattanooga full-time as the Recreation Program Specialist.
Find Us
Contact Us
Email: info@outdoorchattanooga.com
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