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?
2023 Tour Dates:
June 9 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
June 16 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
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,
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 […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Hike through History
Hike through History
Embark on a remarkable journey with "Hike through History" a partner program from Department of Parks & Outdoors and the African American Cemetery Preservation Fund. Join our low-impact walk/hike in […]
First Annual Chattanooga Outdoors Festival
First Annual Chattanooga Outdoors Festival
A Celebration of Outdoor Adventure, Conservation, Music, and Community! Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024 Time: 12 PM - 7 PM Location: Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens Join us for a day […]
1 event,
Learn to: Mountain Bike Repair
Learn to: Mountain Bike Repair
Curious about all those parts on YOUR mountain bike and how to take care of them? You just spent a bunch of money on a mountain bike and want to […]
2 events,
Try Archery (All Ages)
Try Archery (All Ages)
TRY ARCHERY! All ages welcome! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, […]
Try Archery (Adults Only)
Try Archery (Adults Only)
TRY ARCHERY! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405 […]
4 events,
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
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.
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
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 […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Try Archery (All Ages)
Try Archery (All Ages)
TRY ARCHERY! All ages welcome! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, […]
Try Archery (Adults Only)
Try Archery (Adults Only)
TRY ARCHERY! This is a free indoor archery session provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. No experience or reservation necessary. Location: Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405 […]
3 events,
Earth Week
Check out all the things happening this week in Chattanooga! We are so excited to be able to spend an entire week this year celebrating the Earth. We are incredibly […]
Learn to Skateboard
Learn to Skateboard
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and local skateboard experts for a FREE 90-minute class that will introduce you to the wonderful world of skateboarding! Experienced instructors will teach foundational skills such as […]
Adventure Library and Digital Outdoors
Adventure Library and Digital Outdoors
Outdoor Chattanooga is partnering with the Chattanooga Public Library to create The Adventure Library, a new outdoor recreational gear lending program. Here, you can check out a variety of outdoor […]
1 event,
2 events,
Sustainability Open House
Sustainability Open House
Come out to the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga center to learn all about three local powerhouses and their involvement in the world of sustainability. Access Fund is coming to talk […]
4 events,
Silver Adventures: Wildflower Hike
Silver Adventures: Wildflower Hike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Silver Adventure this month will lead participants along The Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail. This trail features a quarter-mile-long handicap-accessible boardwalk, protecting the delicate wildflowers. Beyond the boardwalk, we will […]
SMART Urban Cycling with White Oak Bicycle Co-op
SMART Urban Cycling with White Oak Bicycle Co-op
Urban Cycling will cover the important things you need to be a successful urban cyclist or commuter. This class, led by a Lead Cycling Instructor from the League of American […]
Crag Crafts: Upcycled Rope Workshop
Crag Crafts: Upcycled Rope Workshop
Not sure what to do with your old recycled climbing rope? Bring it to our Crag Crafts night! You can turn your old climbing rope (or our old climbing rope […]
2 events,
Green | Drinks at Outdoor Chattanooga
Green | Drinks at Outdoor Chattanooga
Join us for Green Drinks, green|spaces' monthly sustainability networking event at Outdoor Chattanooga on April 24th from 5-7pm. Come learn how you can protect the environment while enjoying the outdoors. […]
2 events,
Birds and Beer: Chimney Swift with the Ornithological Society
Birds and Beer: Chimney Swift with the Ornithological Society
Chimney Swifts are returning from their winter in the Amazon! Here's a chance to observe their mysterious roosting behavior at dusk during migration-- massing together to dive into a chimney […]
1 event,
2 events,
GEARage Sale and Spring Fest
GEARage Sale and Spring Fest
Outdoor GEARage Sale and Spring Fest Hosted by Waterways, Gear Closet and Outdoor Chattanooga! April 27, 2024 now at GREENWAY FARM 9 am - 2pm Reduce, reuse and resell your […]
0 events,
0 events,
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!