Chattanooga Paddlefest is an organized, recreational people-powered paddle event to celebrate Chattanooga as a cohort river town of the Tennessee RiverLine Partnership. In addition to Paddlefest, the Summer Skate Splashdown will occur at the waterfront, allowing skateboards and bmx bikes to launch into the river.  Riverfront Nights will conclude the evening with a full concert and concessions at Ross’Landing.

The Tennessee RiverLine, North America’s next great regional trail system, flows through Chattanooga’s vibrant downtown. The event welcomes kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards to paddle a 5.4 mile stretch of the Tennessee River, from TN Riverpark to Ross’ Landing. Coordination with local rental companies provides additional opportunity to participate or bring your own personal paddle craft. Shuttles are provided to assist with parking logistics prior to the event start. 

The event is supported by Outdoor Chattanooga, a division of the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors Department.

Information is listed on the Outdoor Chattanooga website, links to rental companies, Q and A and more!

 Shuttle: 11am – 1pm

If you are bringing a personal boat, please drop it off with the boat valet at TN Riverpark boat ramp. Your boat will be in the boat corral with event volunteers until you return. You will return to park your vehicle at Ross’s Landing and take the event shuttle back to the put in. Shuttles are provided from 11am – 1pm. If you are renting a boat, park your vehicle for the day at Ross’ Landing and utilize the event shuttle to the put in.  

Post-event shuttles to the put-in (TN Riverpark) are not available.  Transportation logistics support is provided in the morning only, therefore vehicles are encouraged to park at the take-out.  Should you choose to remain parked at the put-in, you will be responsible for your own transportation back to your vehicle.  Boat valet services are not available at the take-out.

Paddle: 1:30 pm – 5:30pm

The paddle will occur from 1:30pm – 5:30pm.  Paddlers can finish/takeout at any time; however, we ask that paddlers are off the river by 5:30 pm. There will be support from staff and volunteers along the stretch of river. Lifejackets are required for all participants. Participants may bring their own craft or rent a craft.

Rentals: 

Pre-registration is required if you are planning to rent a boat for the event. You may rent a boat from Outdoor Chattanooga or one of the other community partners listed below. To secure your rental from a community partner, please contact them directly. 

Outdoor Chattanooga Rental

Rock/Creek Rental – Use code PADDLEFEST

 Chattanooga Paddleboard Rentals

Chattanooga Guided Adventures

Raffle:

Thanks to our friends at Chattanooga Paddleboard Rentals, you can sign up to win an Infinite Fishing iSUP board!  Must be present at Chattanooga Paddlefest to win. Click here to sign up to win. Limit one registration per email. 

Schedule:

11:00 am – 1:00 pm — Shuttles running from Ross’ Landing to TN Riverpark (no shuttle after the event)

1:00pm – 5:30pm — Community Paddle on Tennessee River from TN Riverpark to Ross’ Landing (approximately 4.5 miles)

3:30pm – 5:30pm — Skater Splashdown at Ross’ Landing

5:00pm – 7:00pm — Dinner at your favorite area restaurant 

7:00pm – 10:00pm — Riverfront Nights Concert Series at Ross’ Landing