Dam Kayak Tours
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided and equipped Dam Kayak Tour and have the unforgettable experience of locking down through the Chickamauga Dam. Our experienced guides will lead you on a leisurely paced paddle across Chickamauga lake into the entrance of the lock where the tie off to a pin and watch the Lock Master lower the water and open the doors to exit at river level. The tour continues down the Tennessee River with a shuttle provided. Prior to departure, you’ll receive basic paddling instruction, water safety information and be properly outfitted in a lifejacket and kayak.
Cost is $35 per person which includes guides on the water and all the kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, and PFD). This dam kayak tour is appropriate for ages 14+ when accompanied by an adult. Some prior kayaking/paddling experience is helpful but not required to participate in this tour. Guides will offer basic paddling instruction and provide on water support throughout the duration of the tour, which lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Reservations and payment are required in advance as space is limited.
What You’ll Discover
- How to adjust a kayak and lifejacket to comfortably fit you
- Beginner paddle strokes to direct your kayak in the direction you want to go.
- The inside of the Chickamauga Lock and how it functions for water crafts to pass through.
- How to navigate through the dam and launches along the TN River
FAQs
When and are the tours offered?
Check out our calendar HERE to see upcoming Dam Kayak Tours.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, online reservations are required in advance as space is limited.
Can I use my own equipment?
No, Outdoor Chattanooga provides all the equipment as this tour is intended to be guided and equipped. We cannot accommodate personal watercrafts due to limited space in our shuttle vehicle, watercrafts not fitting on the trailer and because we follow ACA requirements of guide to participant ratios when on the water.
How much does it cost?
Cost is $35 per person which includes all the kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, and lifejacket), guides through the duration of the tour and a shuttle ride to your vehicle.
Do I have to have experience to participate?
Some prior kayaking/paddling experience is helpful but not required to participate in this tour. Guides will offer basic paddling instruction and provide on water support throughout the duration of the tour, which lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Are there age or weight restrictions?
Yes, this tour is most appropriate for ages 14 and up when accompanied by an adult. We utilize Wilderness Tsunami Sea Touring Kayaks that have a weight limit of 300lbs and are designed as sit-in with limited space in the cockpit area.
Events
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
1 event,
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Learn more about how to get involved with the club and even more opportunities to get outdoors!https://www.sierraclub.org/tennessee/cherokeeThe Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the […]
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: Developing Outdoor Learning in Schools
FREE Winter Workshop: Developing Outdoor Learning in Schools
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
2 events,
Toddler Treks
Toddler Treks
Are you and your little explorer ready for a captivating journey into the wonders of winter wildlife? Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a parent/child program that sparks a lifelong love for […]
Chattanooga Classics: Hike the Cumberland Trail
Chattanooga Classics: Hike the Cumberland Trail
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a unique and scenic guided one-way hike along The Cumberland Trail, a stunning natural pathway with scenic winter views that traverses the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. […]
1 event,
Silver Adventures: Hike Blue Blazes Trail at Moccasin Bend
Silver Adventures: Hike Blue Blazes Trail at Moccasin Bend
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and the Hunter Museum of American Art for an immersive and educational woods walk along the Blue Blazes Trail as part of our Silver Adventures series, specifically […]
1 event,
Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
Chattanooga Grotto is the caving club of Chattanooga, TN. Meetings are held every first Monday of the month at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park at 7PM EST. Anyone is welcome […]
3 events,
Adult Archery!
Adult Archery!
Calling all adults 18+ who would like to join us indoors at Outdoor Chattanooga for target-style archery with fun and engaging games! Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals of […]
Try Archery!
Try Archery!
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This indoor class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery. Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals […]
Adult Archery!
Adult Archery!
Calling all adults 18+ who would like to join us indoors at Outdoor Chattanooga for target-style archery with fun and engaging games! Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals of […]
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: Intro To Caving
FREE Winter Workshop: Intro To Caving
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
1 event,
Hike Through History: Pleasant Garden Cemetery
Hike Through History: Pleasant Garden Cemetery
Join us for "Hike Through History" on February 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Pleasant Garden Cemetery. This unique event, presented by the City of Chattanooga Department of Parks and […]
1 event,
Bushcraft: Fire Building (and Marshmallow S’moring) Techniques
Bushcraft: Fire Building (and Marshmallow S’moring) Techniques
Outdoor Chattanooga's new Bushcraft Series offers you the chance to learn essential outdoor skills such as how to properly start a campfire, survival skills, knots, campfire cooking, navigating, and building […]
1 event,
Volunteer Orientation and Open House
Volunteer Orientation and Open House
Curious about how you can get involved and make a difference? Join us for our Volunteer Open House & Orientation! This event is designed to introduce new and returning volunteers […]
2 events,
Learn to Ride a Bike
Learn to Ride a Bike
Learn how to ride a bicycle in as little as one class, or come see us to refresh your rusty skills. The class consists of a set of exercises and […]
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club monthly meeting
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club monthly meeting
Contact Tennessee Valley Canoe Club for information about their monthly meetings.Visit https://tvccpaddler.com/ for learn about how you can connect with paddling trips and opportunities.
1 event,
Full Snow Moon Hike-Stringer’s Ridge
Full Snow Moon Hike-Stringer’s Ridge
Named after the winter season, the Cold Moon aligns with the winter solstice, creating a powerful moment for reflection, planning, and manifestation. Join us on February’s Full Moon, known as […]
1 event,
Free Winter Workshop: Bike Maintenance 101 + 201
Free Winter Workshop: Bike Maintenance 101 + 201
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
1 event,
Free Adult Archery-Pin the arrow on Cupid!
Free Adult Archery-Pin the arrow on Cupid!
Unleash your inner archer with "Pin the Arrow on Cupid," a fun and free archery class exclusively for adults. Perfect for beginners and those looking to improve their aim, this […]
1 event,
Chattanooga Classic Hike-Walden’s Ridge
Chattanooga Classic Hike-Walden’s Ridge
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a Classic Hike at Walden's Ridge Park. This park encompasses 200-acres of outdoor fun including mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and bouldering. A trail system on […]
0 events,
1 event,
Chattanooga Bike Club Monthly Meeting
Chattanooga Bike Club Monthly Meeting
Chattanooga Bicycle Club meets at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center the 3rd MONDAY monthly from 6pm- 7:30 pm.The CBC is a recreational cycling club whose members share the good fortune of […]
1 event,
Try Archery!
Try Archery!
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This indoor class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery. Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals […]
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: Where to Gear Up? How about the Library?
FREE Winter Workshop: Where to Gear Up? How about the Library?
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
1 event,
Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour
Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour
View remnants and ruins of the town of Old Harrison by kayak, which was lost when submerged from the creation of Chickamauga Dam in 1940. Our guided and fully equipped […]
0 events,
1 event,
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Learn more about how to get involved with the club and even more opportunities to get outdoors!https://www.sierraclub.org/tennessee/cherokeeThe Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the […]
1 event,
Try Archery-FREE
Try Archery-FREE
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more […]
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: TN State Office of Outdoor Recreation
FREE Winter Workshop: TN State Office of Outdoor Recreation
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
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 considered a national Blueway destination for recreational paddlers. 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!