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NPS Kayak Tour-“Jacob Cummings and the Paddle to Freedom”
August 17, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Rangers for a FREE guided and equipped historical kayak tour on the Tennessee River to experience the story of Jacob Cummings.
Jacob Cummings was enslaved since birth and spent much of his early life toiling on the farm of James Smith, located along the upper banks of Moccasin Bend, just across the river from Ross’s Landing. In late July 1839, just a year after the Cherokee had been forced out of the area, and still months before Chattanooga was formally chartered, Jacob Cummings decided to make his escape. From near Brown’s Ferry on Moccasin Bend, Cummings took a canoe and paddled away from a life of slavery.
This special kayak tour, made possible through the support of National Park Partners, shares Cummings escape and follow his route from Brown’s Ferry, to Williams Island, to Walden’s Ridge. Participants will learn about Cummings story both as a passenger and agent on the famed Underground Railroad.
PADDLER REQUIREMENTS Children must be at least 14 years old. No experience is necessary. Some paddling experience is recommended due to the meandering creek and undeveloped launch sites. Low water may require exiting the boat at times. Equipment and instruction provided.
WEATHER and CANCELLATION POLICY Outdoor Chattanooga and the National Park Service reserve the right to cancel a trip at any time at their discretion, due to weather or water conditions. A rain date has been set.
You will be notified via phone and email by the trip leader to confirm your participation 3 days prior to the program. Your reply will confirm you spot on the trip. Otherwise, we may need to move to the wait list so that the trip runs at capacity. We appreciate your understanding in the confirmation as this is a very popular program. This trip is typically wait listed. Participants will be notified as soon as possible if there is a cancellation. About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.