Chattanooga

Paddlefest 

August 27 | Shuttle: 11:00am – 1:00pm | Paddle: 1:30pm – 5:30pm

Outdoor Chattanooga is hosting a free, community paddling event on Chattanooga’s waterfront along the Tennessee River from TN Riverpark boat ramp to Ross’s Landing.

 

Chattanooga Paddlefest is an organized, recreational people-powered paddle event to celebrate Chattanooga as a cohort river town of the Tennessee RiverLine Partnership. The Tennessee RiverLine, North America’s next great regional trail system, flows through Chattanooga’s vibrant downtown. The event welcomes kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards to paddle a 5.4 mile stretch of the Tennessee River, from TN Riverpark to Ross’ Landing. Coordination with local rental companies provides additional opportunity to participate or bring your own personal paddle craft. Shuttles are provided to assist with parking logistics prior to the event start. The event is supported by Outdoor Chattanooga, a division of the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors Department.

Paddlefest | TN Riverline

Paddle from Tennessee Riverpark to Ross’ Landing

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Paddlefest | TN Riverline

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Paddlefest | TN Riverline

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Paddlefest | TN Riverline

Lock through the Chickamauga Dam

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Paddlefest | TN Riverline

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Paddlefest | TN Riverline

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Paddlefest | TN Riverline

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Paddlefest | TN Riverline

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 Shuttle: 11am – 1pm

Click here for a free shuttle reservation. Space is limited; reservations are recommended. 

If you are bringing a personal boat, please drop it off with the boat valet at TN Riverpark boat ramp. Your boat will be in the boat corral with event volunteers until you return. You will return to park your vehicle at Ross’s Landing and take the event shuttle back to the put in. Shuttles are provided from 11am – 1pm. If you are renting a boat, park your vehicle for the day at Ross’ Landing and utilize the event shuttle to the put in.  

Post-event shuttles to the put-in (TN Riverpark) are not available.  Transportation logistics support is provided in the morning only, therefore vehicles are encouraged to park at the take-out.  Should you choose to remain parked at the put-in, you will be responsible for your own transportation back to your vehicle.  Boat valet services are not available at the take-out.

Paddle: 1:30pm – 5:30pm

The paddle will occur from 1:30pm – 5:30pm.  Paddlers can finish/takeout at any time; however, we ask that paddlers are off the river by 5:30 pm. There will be support from staff and volunteers along the stretch of river. Lifejackets are required for all participants. Participants may bring their own craft or rent a craft.

Rentals: 

Pre-registration is required if you are planning to rent a boat for the event. You may rent a boat from Outdoor Chattanooga or one of the other community partners listed below. To secure your rental from a community partner, please contact them directly. 

Outdoor Chattanooga Rental

Rock/Creek Rental – Use code PADDLEFEST

 Chattanooga Paddleboard Rentals

Chattanooga Guided Adventures

Raffle:

Thanks to our friends at Chattanooga Paddleboard Rentals, you can sign up to win an Infinite Fishing iSUP board!  Must be present at Chattanooga Paddlefest to win. Click here to sign up to win. Limit one registration per email. 

 

Schedule:

11:00 am – 1:00 pm — Shuttles running from Ross’ Landing to TN Riverpark (no shuttle after the event)

1:00pm – 5:30pm — Community Paddle on Tennessee River from TN Riverpark to Ross’ Landing (approximately 4.5 miles)

3:30pm – 5:30pm — Skater River Launch at Ross’ Landing

5:00pm – 7:00pm — Dinner at your favorite area restaurant 

7:00pm – 10:00pm — Riverfront Nights Concert Series at Ross’ Landing

Countdown to Paddlefest 2022!

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FAQs

When is the Chattanooga Paddlefest?

2022 Paddlefest will take place on August 27th. 

Do I need to make a reservation?

Yes, online reservations are required in advance if you are planning to rent a boat. You may rent from us but if you choose to rent from a community partner please reach out to them directly.  

Can I use my own equipment?

Yes! No reservations are required if you are planning to bring your own craft. Please bring your craft to the Boat Valet at TN River Park before heading to Ross’ Landing for shuttle. 

How much does it cost?

All rentals cost $35. 

Do I have to have experience to participate?

No, previous paddling experience is helpful but not required to participate. Do consider this is a  4.5 mile course in an urban waterway.  Depending on the level of experience, watercraft,, waterflow, and weather, it may take over 3 hours to complete. 

Are there age or weight restrictions?

Yes and no. Participants in personal watercraft may be of any age as long as a coast guard approved life jacket is worn. Rentals are appropriate for those ages 12+. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Where can I park?

Park near Ross’ Landing as this will be the takeout for the community paddle. If you are bringing your own craft you will need to drop it off with the boat valet at Tennessee River Park before parking at Ross’ Landing. 

What is included with my registration?

Registration includes shuttle to the put in and support for the paddle. Rentals include all gear needed (watercraft, paddle, life jacket). Pre-registration is required to rent a watercraft.

Is paddling on the Tennessee River safe?

Groups have been paddling safely in the Tennessee River for many years, but we do not take safety for granted. In fact, safety is our number one concern. Safety boats will be patrolling the route and will be able to offer paddlers first aid and other support as needed.

What happens if there is bad weather?

The community paddle is a rain or shine event, however, it will be canceled by 10:00am on the morning of the event if weather events make paddling unsafe (high winds, high water,  lightning, etc.).  Delay may be possible if the weather event is predicted to pass through.
If the event is canceled, participants will need to work with the original sales vendor regarding policy on refund.

Do I have to bring my printed reservation to the event?

Nope! Bring a valid ID and we will have a list of names.

When should I arrive?

The shuttle begins at 11:00am and the paddle begins promptly at 1:00pm.

Can I launch from another site and participate in the event?

You may paddle to this event from another location, but you must handle your own shuttle and watercraft.

What is the refund policy?

Rental agreements may vary with each outfitter.

Do I have to wear a lifejacket?

YES!  Lifejackets must be appropriately worn at all times while on the water.

Can I volunteer?

Yes! Email info@OutdoorChattanooga.com for more information.

What do I need to bring?

You should come prepared to be outside and exposed to the elements for the duration of the event. To participate, you will need to bring a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, a paddle, a life jacket (unless you are renting through the registration page), and a large bottle of water. You should also consider bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, shoes, and clothing that you won’t mind getting wet and/or dirty.

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Did You Know?

The Chattanooga region holds many diverse paddling opportunities for beginners and experts to enjoy. The Tennessee River flows through the heart of downtown Chattanooga and is now a part of the Tennessee RiverLine! All 45 miles from Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam are navigable and accessible to paddle crafts of all types. You can enjoy a leisurely paced afternoon paddle downtown or in the gorge, or turn it into a multi-day adventure! The lakes and tributaries feeding into the river also offer a multitude of paddling options. Our website offers the most comprehensive list of public accessible launches in the Chattanooga region. Come out and paddle with us!

Go Paddling!
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