Join Outdoor Chattanooga and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Rangers for a FREE 3-hour, guided and equipped historical kayak tour on the Tennessee River to experience the story of Jacob Cummings.

Jacob Cummings was enslaved since birth and spent much of his early life toiling on the farm of James Smith, located along the upper banks of Moccasin Bend, just across the river from Ross’s Landing. In late July 1839, just a year after the Cherokee had been forced out of the area, and still months before Chattanooga was formally chartered, Jacob Cummings decided to make his escape. From near Brown’s Ferry on Moccasin Bend, Cummings took a canoe and paddled away from a life of slavery.

This special kayak tour, made possible through the support of National Park Partners, will mark the 180th anniversary of Cummings escape and follow his route from Brown’s Ferry, to Williams Island, to Walden’s Ridge. Participants will learn about Cummings story both as a passenger and agent on the famed Underground Railroad.
 
The following reservation and paddler requirements must be met prior to tour participation. 
Directions to the launch site will be provided with a reservation confirmation. National Park Service signs will also be placed at certain locations to assist participants in finding the launch location. 

PADDLER REQUIREMENTS
At least one “adult” (18+) must be in each boat.
Children must be at least 10 years old.
No experience is necessary.  Equipment and instruction provided.  Lifejackets provided and required.

Outdoor Chattanooga and the National Park Service reserve the right to cancel a trip at any time at their discretion, due to weather or water conditions. A rain date has been set. Participants will be notified as soon as possible if there is a cancellation. If you must cancel your reservation for any reason, please try to do so with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. Please call between the hours of 8 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday to cancel a reservation.
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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.