BYO-Boat Day Trip to Williams Island
Saturday, September 13
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a free, guided kayak and canoe day trip to Williams Island. Bring your own boat, paddle, life jacket, and pack a picnic lunch.

We'll put in at the Suck Creek Boat launch, off of Suck Creek Road, then paddle upstream to the Tennessee River Blueway campsite at the southeastern tip of the island. Then, we'll take some time to explore the island, eat some lunch, then do a paddling circuit before heading back downstream to take out.

Participants should be able to paddle for two hours without a break, be comfortable handling their boats in a moderately strong current and winds, paddle backwards and forwards, and be able to assist in their own rescue should they capsize.

The trip is free, but reservations are required. Email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888 to make a reservation.

About Williams Island
Williams Island is a State of Tennessee Archaeological district, and one of the most historically significant areas in the Chattanooga area. Occupied by people for centuries, the earliest found archaeological sites date back to 12,000 B.C. The remains of a Mississippian-era Indian village, dating from approximately 1000 A.D. to 1650 stands on the western shore. The village included the leader’s residence, a temple and burial mounds, and many wooden houses. Spanish trade artifacts from the late 16th century have also been found. In 1776, Bloody Fellow, established the village, Tuskegee Town. and around approximately 1800, John Brown operated a ferry to the island. The island was purchased by Samuel williams after the Cherokee Removal of 1836.

It is currently managed by the Tennessee River Gorge Trust for the State of Tennessee. Cattle farmers and organic farmers currently lease land on the island.