The Walnut St. Bridge opens to dog walkers this Saturday and we’re looking to a special overnight kayak trip at the end of the month. Look for the lightning bolt ~to see new outdoor events and activities.
Stringers Ridge Hike Aug. 5
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a free, guided hike on Stringer's Ridge, Thurs., Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. Expect an hour and a half of hiking at a leisurely pace on singletrack trail, a few rocky sections, and a couple of good hills. Sturdy shoes are a must. Meet at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park to car caravan to the trailhead. The hike is suitable for adults and kids ages 8 and older when accompanied by an adult. The hike will go on, rain or shine, but not in thunder and lightning storms. An RSVP is appreciated. To learn more, call or email Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
Bike2Work Aug. 6
Come join us for our monthly Bike2Work breakfast on Fri., Aug. 6, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the south end of the Walnut St. Bridge. Join Chattanooga’s bike commuters for coffee and good conversation about pedaling to work. This month, we welcome special guests from DOGood Citizens for a Dog Friendly Chattanooga and new sponsor Velo Coffee Roasters. The Walnut St. Bridge will be opening to dog walkers on Sat., Aug. 7. For more information about Bike2Work, call or email Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
Walnut St. Bridge Opens to Dog Walkers Aug. 7
The Walnut St. Bridge will officially "reopen" on Sat., Aug. 7, at 2:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and special grand opening for dog walkers. DOGood Citizens for a Dog Friendly Chattanooga will host a special dog walk across the bridge and sponsor a booth with dog-related information, special treats and information about DOGood's efforts. From 4-6 p.m., a special "Yappy Hour" will take place at Greenlife Grocery following the official event. To learn more, email or call Rhonda Seeber at (423) 643-6079.
~Bicycle Ride for Older Adults Aug. 9
Outdoor Chattanooga and the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation division will host a free bicycle ride for older adults on Mon., Aug. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fry Center on the TN Riverpark. Adults ages 55 and older are encouraged to join these guided, instructional rides, which are geared specifically for people who want to get or stay active in their older years. Bring your own bicycle and helmet or borrow a bike from the Outdoor Chattanooga Mobile Bicycle Fleet. Some adaptive bicycles may be available for those who have disabilities, or bone and joint problems. For more information, email or call Kassi Webster at (423) 643-7880.
~Moccasin Bend Bicycle Tour Aug. 12
Outdoor Chattanooga will partner with Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park with free bicycle tour on historic and scenic Moccasin Bend on Thurs., Aug. 12 6 p.m., beginning at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. National Park Service interpretive rangers will discuss the natural and human history of Moccasin Bend, as well as its future as a National Park. Bring your own bicycle or borrow one from the Outdoor Chattanooga Mobile Bicycle Fleet. The trips are appropriate for adults and kids ages 14 and older when accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register and/or borrow a bicycle, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6889. Limit 20 participants.
Dale Hollow Lake Overnight Kayak Trip Aug. 28/29
Outdoor Chattanooga and Rock/Creek will host a special overnight kayak trip to Dale Hollow Lake on Sat., and Sun., Aug. 28 and 29. Dale Hollow is known for its pristine, clear water and excellent paddling. Transportation, meals and all kayaking and camping gear will be provided. Participants bring their own sleeping bag, personal items and spending money for the road. The group will travel from Greenway Farm in Hixson to the lake on Sat. morning, and then do day kayaking excursions on Sat. afternoon and Sun. morning from base camp before returning to Chattanooga. Cost is $150 and pre-registration is required. For more information, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
More Events
Greenway 5-Mile Trail Race Aug. 7
The Greenway 5-Mile Trail race, on Sat., Aug. 7, is a great way for people of all ages to run on a moderate, scenic course and raise money for the Wilderness Trail Association. The Rock/Creek trail running event takes place on the scenic farmland and woods of the City of Chattanooga’s Greenway Farm. Register Online to race or volunteer.
~Free Climbing for Kids at TBA Aug. 7
The TN Bouldering Authority climbing gym will offer free climbing for kids ages 12 and under on Sat., Aug. 7, from 6-9 p.m. Climbing shoe rental is also free and the gym staff will offer special instruction and attention for those who are new to climbing. For more information, email or call TBA at (423) 822-6800.
~Back to School Swaggfest Aug. 7
The City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Department will host a back to school Swaggfest for teens, young adults and their families on Sat., Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the First Tennessee Pavilion and Chattown Skate Park. A full day of activities will include a skating competitions, a talent showcase, art and entertainment activities and a special "block party.” Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event and $25 for V.I.P. pass, and may be purchased at Power 94, Dee’z Fine Cutz, M&J’s, Salon Relax, Tisdailes, Kinfolks, and Senegal. SwaggFest is a part of a city-wide Youth Development Initiative that helps teens and young adults living in inner city areas. For more information call Chris Brown at 468-0754, Marcus Thomas at 313-4290, or Montrell Besley at 802-7655.
~Missionary Ridge Road Race Aug. 14
The Chattanoga Track Club will host the 37th annual Missionary Ridge Road Race on Sat., Aug. 14, beginning at 6:00 a.m. at the Bragg Reservation. The 4.7 mile course runs on top of the ridge and features rolling hills, a couple of steep climbs and shaded neighborhood streets. Awards will be given for all age groups and a special award will be given to the oldest participant in honor of Arnold Godwin, a long time runner in the Chattanooga area. To learn more about the race, email or call race director Dan Bailey at (423) 667-2440.
~YMCA Strong Adventure Race Aug. 14
Adults and kids from five to 18 can compete in mountain biking, trail running, canoeing and orienteering events during the annual YMCA Strong Adventure Race on Sat., Aug. 14. Teams of three adults can register for a four or eight hour adventure race and compete for cash and special prizes. A special youth race offers two hours of fun for teams of two, three or four and adults can race with their kids for free. All races benefit the North River Family YMCA and Aquatic Center’s Strong Kids Campaign. To learn more, email race director Cathi Cannon.
Adventures
S. Cumberland State Park Activities
The South Cumberland State Park, near Monteagle, TN, hosts weekly activities and programs to get people out and about in the park. To see a complete schedule of activities visit the Friends of South Cumberland State Recreation Area Website. All times are CDT.
~Fri., Aug. 6
2 p.m. - Volunteer Day: Trail Basics - All volunteers welcome. Meet the Ranger at the Stone Door office. We will have hands- on education on trail maintenance, including trail dimensions, safety concerns, water management, exotic invasive removal, and liter control.
6 p.m. - Kids Intro to Hiking - Meet Jen at the Visitor’s Center for an easy 1.5 mile hike on the Meadow Trail. See the lovely wildflowers, butterflies, and dragonflies. Wear good walking shoes and tick repellant.
7:30 p.m. - Stargazing-Learn to ID Objects in the Night Sky - Meet Seasonal Ranger Aaron at the Savage Gulf picnic area for an informative demonstration on how to make and use a star wheel. Visitors will be able to make their own star wheel and hopefully practice using it (weather permitting). Materials will be provided. Bring a headlamp or flashlight.
~Sat., Aug. 7
9 - Nature Hike—Boulders Crossing - Meet Seasonal Ranger Aaron at the Collins West parking lot for a strenuous 3-mile hike over beautiful, rocky terrain to view Collins Creek with a side-trip to Suter Falls. Along the way we will identify some native trees and wildflowers. Bring water/snack and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget your camera!
10 a.m. - Twig Art - Meet at the Stone Door Ranger Station to create your own twig art. Just bring your creativity, we will supply the rest.
2 p.m. - Outdoor Preparedness/Wilderness Survival - Meet Ranger Chase at the Stone Door Ranger Station. We will discuss a variety of supplies to bring with you on the trail, whether out for an hour or a week. We will also discuss and demonstrate different survival methods, just in case you become stranded in the wilderness.
5 p.m. - Evening Hike to Sycamore Falls - Experience the magic of the golden evening sun through the leaves of a lush forest. Meet at Grundy Forest/Fiery Gizzard parking lot. Wear closed toe shoes with good traction and bring tick repellant; trail goes over some rocky areas. Bring a flashlight if you have trouble seeing in low light. This is a moderate 3 mile roundtrip hike.
~Sun., Aug. 8
7 a.m. - Alum Gap Hike - Meet at the Stone Door Ranger Station to join Ashlie for a moderate 7 mile hike. Bring plenty of water, a sack lunch and sturdy shoes.
2 p.m. - Drawing Nature - For all ages. Meet Ranger chase at the Stone Door Ranger Station. We will discuss and demonstrate different native animals and plants and how to draw them. Materials provided.
2 p.m. - Tree Hugging - Learn how to identify and appreciate some trees commonly found on the Cumberland Plateau as we walk along the Meadow Trail. Meet at the Visitor’s Center. Wear good walking shoes and tick repellant.
4 p.m. - Native American Story Telling - Meet at the Grundy Forest/Fiery Gizzard parking lot, and head a short way down to the rock overhang to hear some Native American stories. We will be sitting under the nice and cool rock shelter, so bring blankets, towels, or whatever will make you comfortable.
News
~Point Park Entrance Fees Waived Aug. 14 & 15
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will waive entrance fees at Point Park on Lookout Mtn., Sat. and Sun., Aug. 14 and 15. All entrance and commercial tour fees will be waived.. The park will host special activities that weekend, including guided walks at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and a special introduction to the new Moccasin Bend unit at 1 p.m. The tours will begin inside the Point Park entrance gate and will last approximately 45 minutes.
Playcore Donates Equipment to City/County
According to Chattanoogan.com, Playcore, sponsor of American Trails' National Symposium on Nov. 14-17, has donated $95,000 worth of playground equipment to the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. The equipment will be on display to delegates for the convention and then will be installed in Warner Park and at the Riverpoint section of the TN Riverpark where it meets S. Chickamauga creek.
Congressional Candidate Smith Advocates Cutting Federal Recreation Trail Funding
In an opinion letter to Chattanoogan.com outlining her position on eliminating “earmarks” in federal funding, Robin Smith, candidate for the 3rd Congressional district, has proposed cutting entirely the Federal Highway Administration’s National Recreation Trails Fund. The $250 million fund goes towards greenway, blueway, and singletrack trails projects, including bridge reclamation, signage, paving, and land acquisition. In 2010, Tennessee received $1.5 million from the fund to finance the development of recreational trails. Local and regional projects that have been funded by RTP dollars include the TN Riverpark, Upper Ocoee River Park, Cumberland Trail, and S. Cumberland State Park.
Contribute your Bicycling Photo and Quote to APBP's Calendar
Photos and inspiring words about bicycling, walking and healthy communities are needed to promote a new 16-month calendar project for the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP). The calendar will be distributed to bicycling and pedestrian professionals worldwide and will debut at this year’s Pro Walk/Pro Bike and American Trails Symposium, both in Chattanooga. APBP needs high-quality photos of bicycling and walking activities and facilities for each of the 16 months, plus any quotations (famous or otherwise) to inspire their work and keep members connected to their mission. To learn details, email or call Linda DuPriest at (830) 992-3042.
Web Hit of the Week
It’s HOT, so we’re repeating one of our fave Web hits: kayakers playing in Hell Hole on the Ocoee River. Watch it ‘til the end to see something pretty unusual.
Last Week’s Web Hit
Safe Routes to Schools’ new Bike to School promotional video: check out this kid!
Upcoming . . .
August
16 Fall Creek Falls Triathlon
21 TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Nickajack Cave
Booker T. Off-Road Triathlon and Youth Triathlon
Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Ride
28 TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Sequatchie River
Raft for the Cure
Chattanooga Mud Run
28/29 Rock/Creek Kayak Adventure – Dale Hollow Lake Overnighter
September
10-13 Black Bear Rampage
13-16 Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike
17 Park(ing) Day 2010
18 Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Ride
Flintstone Youth Triathlon
19 Mtn. Top Marathon, ½ Marathon & 5K
Rock/Creek Kayak Adventure – Williams Island
25 National Public Lands Day
25/26 TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Town Creek, AL
Skyhoundz World Disc Dog Championships
October
1-10 River Rocks Outdoor Festival
2 TN River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race
Rock/Creek Stump Jump
Sequatchie Valley Century
Tennessee River Rescue
9 Chattanooga Head Race
16 Signal Mtn. Road Race/Pie Run
TVCC Ocoee River Race
Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Ride
Swim the Suck 10-Mile Open Water Swim
16/17 Festival of Jack ‘o Lanterns
23 TVCC BYO-Boat Paddle – Raccoon Mtn.
23/24 Fall Colors Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
30 Wild Foods Day at Fall Creek Falls
For a full year’s listing of events, visit our Newsletter Web page.