Touring Kayaking - Day Trips
2008 Trips
River Gorge Overnighters
May 3 & 4
July 19 & 20
October 11 & 12
Kayak and Canoe Trip Descriptions
All trips include transportation, equipment, and guides. For more information, call OutVenture at (423) 842-6629.
Richland Creek to Blythe Ferry
Cost: $40.00 per person
Length: 7 miles / 5 hours on the water
Level: Intermediate
6-person minimum
These five-hour trips begin on the sheltered waterway of Richland Creek, in Dayton, Tennessee. The shallow creek is a favorite feeding ground to many Herons, King fishers, and Ospreys. After two miles, the creek enters the Tennessee River just above the boundary of The Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. The river provides a nice current that eases paddling along farmlands, rock out croppings, and sections of reed grasses. At Hiwassee Island, there is time to put down paddles and break out binoculars and cameras to view the abundant wildlife while the current eases boats to the take-out at Blythe Ferry Landing.
South Chickamauga Creek
Cost: $25 per person
Length: Half Day
Level: Beginner - Intermediate
6-Person minimum
An gentle day of paddling and exploring along the twisting turns South Chickamauga Creek. This seldom paddled waterway is rich in history and full of breath taking beauty. Trips will launch at Brainerd Levy and paddle nine miles down stream, running the occasional small rapid to view rock ledges, wildlife, old railroad bridges and beautiful hardwood canopies. Participants will have the opportunity to paddle a canoe or recreational kayak for this adventure.
Intro to Sea Kayaking Clinic
Cost: $25.00 per person
Length: 3 hours
Level: Beginner
6-person minimum
Learn the basics of sea kayaking from the experienced guides of OutVenture. Participants will learn about the different features of the boats and how to adjust the boats to fit them. Proper paddle technique, how to enter and exit a boat, safety guidelines, and what to do if you turn over will all be covered. If you have ever wanted to try sea kayaking out this is a great opportunity. Participants should bring a change of clothes and come dressed to get wet.
North Chickamauga Creek Canoe Trip
Cost: $10.00 per person
Length: Around 2 miles / 3 hours
Level: Beginner
8-person minimum
A scenic, flat water trip in the deep, crisp, cool water of North Chick. OutVenture staff will make sure everyone is properly outfitted, teach basic canoeing skills, and answer all questions before the trip starts. Participants will then launch from the dock at The Greenway Farm and navigate their way downstream towards the confluence of the creek and the Tennessee River. While participants work on canoeing skills, they may spy turtles, herons, king fishers, and more. OutVenture staff will continually work with individuals who need further instruction and provide advance techniques for those who are ready. This is a very popular experience with camps, school groups, and families who are looking for a less traditional outing.
Downtown Sunset Kayak Tour
Cost: $20.00 per person
Length: 4 miles / 2 hours
Level: Beginner
6-person minimum
Enjoy the sunset from a new prospective while paddling sea kayaks on downtown Chattanooga's greatest natural resource: the Tennessee River. Get up close and personal with the breathtaking cliffs of The Hunter Museum, wave to the curious pedestrians on the Walnut Street Bridge, and sneak up on wildlife that lives on Maclellan Island. These trips are great opportunities to learn the fast-growing sport of sea kayaking.
Nickajack Bat Cave Kayak tour
Cost: $30.00 per person
Length: 2 miles / 2.5 hours on the water
Level: Beginner
6-person minimum
This trip starts at Greenway Farm, followed by a short thirty-minute van ride to the put-in on Nickajack Lake. After a brief on-shore instructions, participants we will take to the water to see the show. Participants will experience on of the Tennessee Valleys most amazing spectacles, as they watch nearly 100,000 federally endangered gray bats exit the Nickajack Cave in a silent wave of blackness.
Sale Creek Kayak Adventure
Cost: $40.00 per person
Length: 6 miles / 5 hours on the water
Level: Intermediate
6-person minimum
Navigate a kayak through the tall marshy grasses and trees of this secluded waterway. Shallow water and obstructed channels make this creek easy for canoes and kayaks, difficult for motor boats. This trip is ideal for those who like to explore and always want to know "what is around the next bend". Bring a lunch, camera, and water bottle along with an adventurous spirit.
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge Sunset Kayak Tour
Cost: $30.00 per person
Length: 3 miles / 2 hours on the water
Level: Beginner
6-person Minimum
There may be no better way to unwind from the day than watching the sunset while paddling around scenic Hiwassee Island. The Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is home to many birds including bald eagles, herons, ospreys, countless species of ducks, and more. Participants will circumnavigate the island watching out for raccoons and other animals who feed along the river banks before enjoying the sunset. Take your paddle out of the water, let the river push you along, and watch and listen as the birds take advantage of the last light of the day.
River Gorge Trip
Cost: $125.00 per person
Length: 2 days and 17 miles
Level: Intermediate
6-person minimum
Trips begin at the The Greenway Farm at 9:00 a.m. and return to the farm at 5:00 p.m. the next day. OutVenture shuttles participants and gear to the Tennessee River Gorge Trust's private boat launch. The first day's paddle goes 8/5 miles to a campsite alonside the river. Participants will enjoy a hearty meal, hot drinks, and campfire camaraderie. An evening paddle under the stars is an option for those wanting more. In the morning, a hot breakfast with plenty of coffee begins the day, followed by camp break down, boat loading, and an 8-mile paddle to the Sullivan's Landing take-out.
What is provided:
* All paddling equipment (boats, paddles, PFDs)
* All food (please inform OutVenture of any dietary restrictions)
* Transportation to and from the river
* Tents and sleeping pads for those who need them (participants must provide their own sleeping bags)
What to bring:
River shoes or sandals, Camp shoes, Aqua socks or synthetic socks, Wool or synthetic socks for camp, 1 pair long pants, Long underwear bottoms and top, Wool sweater or fleece jacket, Warm hat (covers ears), Sun hat (provides shade), 1 pair of shorts (bathing suit), T-shirt, Rain suit or poncho, Flashlight with fresh batteries, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad, Water bottle(s), Bandana or small towel, Tent, Personal toiletries, Insulated mug, Sunglasses and eyeglass retainer.
Optional Items:
Camera, Note pad, Book, Camp chair, Pillow
Tips for packing:
Pack items in plastic zipper bags to insure they will stay dry, and remember everything you bring has to fit inside of your boat. Try to avoid cotton once it gets wet it does not provide any insulating ability. Stuff sacs with a garbage bag as a liner make for ideal packing. You can easily organize yourself this way (all toiletries and socks in one bag and rain suit in another)
