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About the Tennessee River Blueway
Formed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the 1930’s, and designated as a river trail in 2002, the Tennessee River Blueway flows through Chattanooga, TN and the Tennessee River Gorge for over 45 miles, from Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam. It provides opportunities for canoeists and kayakers to take day trips, or camp overnight in marinas, parks, or in designated Blueway primitive campsites.
Flowing through downtown Chattanooga and the scenic Tennessee River Gorge, the Blueway offers a unique urban and wild paddling experience. Kayakers and canoeists have the opportunity to visit wildlife preserves and camp on protected lands as they share the Tennessee River with commercial barge traffic, bass fishermen, and recreational boaters.
Industrial sites in downtown Chattanooga give way to the high, forested walls of the Gorge, where agencies and land trusts protect thousands of acres. When the river opens up for the final miles to Nickajack Dam, the Tennessee River system shows off its immense scope and influence.
The TN River Blueway, Point-by-Point:
471.0 Chickamauga Dam
469.0 Tennessee Riverpark (Launch)
468.0 Rivermont Park (Launch)
467.8 South Chickamauga Creek (Launch)
464.8 Downtown Chattanooga/Maclellan Island (Camp)
464.4 Coolidge Park (Launch)
463.6 Ross' Landing (Launch)
459.0 Lookout Creek (Camp - Chattanooga Nature Center)
455.2 Williams Island (Camp)
453.3 Suck Creek Boat Ramp (Launch)
451.5 Suck Creek
447.7 Pot Point (Camp)
444.5 Prentice Cooper S.F. (Camp)
444.4 TVA Raccoon Mtn. (Launch)
440.0 Sullivan's Landing (Launch/Store)
432.4 Oates Island (Camp - Seasonal)
431.0 Hales Bar Marina (Camp)
429.0 Marion Co. Park (Camp/Launch)
426.0 TWRA Boat Ramp (Launch)
425.5 Shellmound Rec. Area (Camp/Launch)
424.7 Nickajack Dam
How to Lock through on TVA Rivers
Chickamauga Lock and Dam (423) 875-6230
Nickajack Lock and Dam (423) 942-3985
Navigation Aids on the TVA River System
Camping Along Blueway
Special Camping Facilities along the Blueway
The Chattanooga Nature Center's Paddler's Perch
Tennessee River Gorge Trust Pot Point Cabin
Overnight Parking
Always lock your car. Leave no valuables. None of these lots are secured.
Greenway Farm (N. Chickamauga Creek, 1 River Mile to Chickamauga Dam)
Free - Call Outdoor Chattanooga for permission (423) 643-6888
Tennessee Riverpark (River Mile 469.0)
Free - Call Jim Wigley at (423) 493-9239 for details.
Outdoor Chattanooga (River Mile 463.6)
Charges May Apply - Call Outdoor Chattanooga (423) 643-6888 for details
Suck Creek Boat Ramp (River Mile 453.3)
Free - Not well trafficked at night.
T.V.A. Raccoon Mtn. (River Mile 444.4)
Free - Not well trafficked at night. TVA rangers patrol occasionally
Sullivan's Landing (River Mile 440.0)
Free - Not well trafficked at night. Remote area.
Shellmound Campground (River MIle 425.5)
Call Campground Office for permission
Emergency Contact Information
Any Emergency 911
Hamilton Co. Sheriff’s Dept. (423) 622-0022
Chattanooga Police Dept. (423) 698-2525
Marion Co. Sheriff’s Dept. (423) 942-5667
TVA (TN Valley Authority) Police (423) 751-3783
TN Wildlife Resources Agency (800) 262-6704
U.S. Coast Guard (423) 622-2101
