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 tour leads paddlers by the old building foundations, roads, and guardrails that have been trapped in time under the water and viewable at winter pool lake levels.  Enjoy visiting and learning more about this important marker in history.

Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour

Explore a bit of Chattanooga’s history.

Sign Up

Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour

Explore a bit of Chattanooga’s history.
Sign Up

Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour

Explore a bit of Chattanooga’s history.

Sign Up

Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour

Explore a bit of Chattanooga’s history.
Sign Up

About the Tour

Cost is $35 per person which includes guides on the water and all the kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, and PFD). This winter 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, water safety 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 PFD (Personal Floatation Device) to comfortably fit you
  • Beginner to intermediate paddle strokes, braces and maneuvers to keep your kayak upright, and in the direction you want it to go
  • History of the TVA Chickamauga Dam and the past and present effects on the communities above and below it, including the town of Old Harrison. 
  • Basic map navigation by kayak on Chickamauga Lake.

FAQs

When and are the tours offered?

Stayed tuned for our 2024 tour dates!

Do I have to make a reservation?
Reservations are not required to attend skills development classes. Just show up. The first session is always free. Equipment is distributed on a first come first served basis.
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 any 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

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

This Month

Calendar of Events

S Sun

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

0 events,

1 event,

-

Chattanooga Grotto Meeting

0 events,

0 events,

0 events,

0 events,

2 events,

-

Hike through History

1 event,

2 events,

4 events,

+ 1 More

0 events,

0 events,

0 events,

0 events,

0 events,

1 event,

0 events,

0 events,

0 events,

2 events,

3 events,

Earth Week

Earth Week

-

Learn to Skateboard

1 event,

2 events,

-

Sustainability Open House

4 events,

-

Silver Adventures: Wildflower Hike

2 events,

2 events,

1 event,

2 events,

0 events,

0 events,

0 events,

4 events,

+ 1 More

0 events,

0 events,

2 events,

+ 1 More
+ 1 More

Did You Know?

The Chattanooga region holds great and diverse whitewater paddling opportunities, for beginners and experts. To the east, the Appalachian Mountains hold iconic whitewater streams like the Ocoee, Hiwassee, Cartecay, Nantahala and Chattooga. Closer to home, the ridges of the Cumberland Plateau offer some of the best steep creek boating in the Eastern U.S.

American Whitewater offers the region’s best river database.

Go Paddling!
--

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use this website.

Close