The Black Women Paddle event is making a triumphant return, and this year it’s set to be bigger, bolder, and more exhilarating than ever! As part of the Chatt Town Cool Down End-of-Summer celebration, we’re once again setting sail across the Tennessee River.

Last year, we had the pleasure of welcoming 38 incredible individuals to the Tennessee River, many of whom were new to paddling. This year, our goal is to bring together 50 amazing people. That’s right—50!

Our mission is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for Black women to paddle, connect, and celebrate the joys of paddling together. 

Must be 18 years or older to participate.

IT’S BACK!  The Splash Down is coming back to the Chatt Town Cool Down!  Ya’ll saw it at the Chattanooga River Games, ya’ll saw it last year, you know the drill.  Bring out your bike, skateboard, or roller skates and launch into the Tennessee River.   We will have skateboards, bikes, lifejackets, helmets and floatation support to borrow. If you would like to bring your own wheels, please make sure they float and that the floatation (pool noodle, etc.) is securely attached and won’t pollute our rivers. After that, it’s a fun send off into the river.  As always, thanks to Chatt Skate for making this possible.

Bring your bike out to Two Bikes mobile clinic and learn the basics of bike repair!

Join us for a serene sunset yoga class led by the inspiring and talented Alexis Willis, an incredible local yoga teacher dedicated to blending movement and mindfulness. Embrace the beauty of the evening as the sun dips over the horizon. All levels are welcome to enjoy this experience. No registration is required.
There are a limited number of mats to be loaned so please bring your own if you’re able.

Two Sessions: 8-8:20pm and 8:20-8:40pm

Wrap up the festival with a magical outdoor short film screening under the stars. Enjoy a curated selection of captivating short films hand selected by Lookout Wild Films that showcase diverse storytelling and creative brilliance set against the backdrop of a twilight sky.  Bring a blanket, relax, and immerse yourself in the world of film as the night unfolds.

Paddle Down is a signature event of the Chatt Town Cool Down and is  an organized, recreational people-powered paddle parade group river float. Coordination with local rental companies provides additional opportunity to participate or bring your own personal paddle craft. *There will be prizes this year for the most creative craft*. Free shuttles are provided to assist with parking logistics prior to the event start after dropping off your watercraft. The event is supported by Outdoor Chattanooga, a division of the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors Department.

We will start at the Rivermont Park Dixie Boat Launch and paddle down to Coolidge Park along the Tennessee River.  The paddle is approx. 4.3 miles long and will take about 2-3 hours.  Launch time is 10am.  We are offering free shuttles (information below) and we ask that paddlers be either out of the water or “check out” of the parade with one of our paddle safety personell by 1pm.

The Shuttle will take you from Coolidge Park (the take out) up to Rivermont Park at the Dixie Boat Ramp (the put in).

Please note, the Paddle Parade begins at Rivermont Park and paddles down to Coolidge Park.  There will be NO PARKING at the Rivermont Park due to a Tennis Tournament so plan to either take the provided shuttle or shuttle your own party and park down by the take out at Coolidge.

If you are bringing your own boat, you must drop it off at the Dixie Boat Ramp before you come to the shuttle.  There will be a boat valet that will give you a tag to identify your boat when you return.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON THE SHUTTLE.

Each shuttle can hold 50 passengers.

When you arrive to Coolidge Park, find the large yellow busses.  You will be asked to sign a waiver in person for the shuttle and the Paddle Parade.  Your boat will then be tagged and you will be given a wristband with the tag number so you can identify your boat after the shuttle.

We love our furry family but unfortunately, no pets are allowed on the shuttles.

Car seats are not permitted on the shuttle, little ones must be old enough to sit in thier own seat to take the shuttle

That’s right!  This year, the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club is awarding prizes to the Top 3 Most Creative Floatation Devices!  It can be a kayak, SUP, canoe, or whatever nonmotorized floatation device you choose.  Dress it up, give it some flare, and bring it out on the water if you dare!

Please be mindful to not pollute our river – no trash that might fall off or toxic paints please 🙂 

Some inspiration…

Are you ready for the most creative paddle parade the Southeast has ever seen?  Make a splash with us!

Bring Your Own Floatation

If you’re bringing your own creatively decorated paddlecraft, please note that it must be *non-motorized* to participate.  Kayaks, SUP, canoes, waterbikes, anything that you paddle will do!
You MUST have a lifejacket to participate.

You may either be dropped off with your boat at the Rivermont Park Dixie Boat Ramp or you may park near Coolidge Park and take the Outdoor Chattanooga Shuttle up to the Rivermont Park Dixie Boat Ramp.  Please note, there will not be parking at Rivermont Park due to a tennis tournament.

Shuttle information above.

If you bring your own paddlecraft, your furry friends are welcome to ride with you!  They are however not allowed on our shuttles so please plan to drop off the paddler with the furry friend at Rivermont Park in advance.

Rent Floatation

TN Riverline, Outdoor Chattanooga and Ocoee Watersports have combined our fleets to make one mega paddle parade fleet!  To register to borrow a boat, click the ling below and your boat will be waiting for you at Rivermont Park.  And yes, the boat rental is free!

Register Here

We unfortunately cannot allow furry friends on our paddle boards so if you are renting, the furry friends must stay home.

What should I bring?
Water, sunscreen, a hat, and a lifejacket!

Can pets come?
Pets are not allowed on rental crafts but if you bring your own, your furry friend is welcome to ride with you!

What should I not bring?
No alcohol or drugs allowed on the paddle parade.  No trash that will pollute our rivers. 

Join The Town of Walden & Green Steps for our W Road Cleanup! To ensure safety, the W road will be closed, with access only given to volunteers.

Schedule:

8am– Meet at McCoy Farm & Gardens, using the 1604 Taft Highway entrance, to get supplies & free refreshments. Gloves and trash grabbers will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Please bring your own if you have those items. We will disperse in groups to various parts of the W road. Please select the location you would like to be assigned to for litter pickup in this signup.

11am– Leave your supplies by your bagged trash and we will pick up those items.

We recommend close-toed shoes, long pants, weather appropriate clothing, and a refillable water bottle.

We look forward to working with you all!

See information above!

Come learn how to rock climb at the Walnut Wall climbing wall!  Close-toed shoes and waivers required.  Free to join!  All equipment will be provided.

Practice your bike skills with a Bike Rodeo with White Oak Bicycle Co-Op!

Calling all herb curious and plant enthusiasts! Join Joel and Leah Larabell of High Garden Tea as they guide you through the urban landscape, introducing you to local plants while sharing the food and herbal medicine associated with each. These are the plants you often see every day, and learning their stories can really foster a sense of community and well-being. 

To help you stay cool on this walk, High Garden will provide complimentary “Iced Tea Shirts”—literally ice cold T-shirts you can wear or wrap around your neck to stay chill. At the end of the walk, we’ll enjoy some complimentary iced tea together and chat about what we’ve learned.  

Meet at the Coolidge Park Stage for this thirty minute experience.

Come down to the riverfront to hear the firechief talk about the importance of…. getting splashed with the firehose!

Calling all herb curious and plant enthusiasts! Join Joel and Leah Larabell of High Garden Tea as they guide you through the urban landscape, introducing you to local plants while sharing the food and herbal medicine associated with each. These are the plants you often see every day, and learning their stories can really foster a sense of community and well-being. 

Join us for Family-Friendly Yoga in the Park, a fun and relaxing outdoor class designed for all ages! Enjoy gentle stretches, playful poses, and mindful breathing exercises in a beautiful, natural setting. Perfect for parents, kids, and everyone in between, this class promotes fitness, relaxation, and family bonding. 

No Registration Required.  Limited number of mats to share.