Outdoor Chattanooga hosts a guided and equipped canoe trip to Nickajack Cave, where thousands of endangered gray bats come each summer to raise their young. We will begin with essential canoeing instruction for the novice paddler and set out for a short paddle to the mouth of the cave at dusk and watch the bats fly to start their nightly feeding. Boats anchor just off the cave entrance to view the emerging bats. Visitors should be careful not to shine beamed lights of any kind on the bats during emergence as it affects the bats and the viewing. A short return paddle in the twilight tops off the experience. No public admittance within the cave is allowed.

This special trip is appropriate for the entire family, adults and kids ages 5 and older.
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10 pm
Cost: $20 per adult (2 per canoe) and $10 for children under 10 years of age (sits on the floor of canoe if the child is very small and total weight is under 500lbs)
Limit: 10 participants
Online reservations required in advance

PADDLER REQUIREMENTS: Beginner friendly. At least one "adult" (18+) must be in each boat. Children must be at least 5 years old and 50 lbs (minimum for weight range on our PFD's). Young children may be seated in the center floor of the canoe (one/canoe), older children typically take the bow seat but will need to participate in paddling forward. Individuals may be paired with other individuals or a guide. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) are required and provided.