For most first-time visitors, the Tennessee River is the first thing they notice about Chattanooga. It winds past parks, bridges, and tons of neighborhoods. However, it’s not just a beautiful backdrop to a beautiful city. You can kayak, paddleboard, or fish right along its edge, join a riverboat cruise for a different perspective, or even venture into whitewater rafting nearby! Here’s a handy guide to the many ways you can experience the Tennessee River on your next visit.
Adventures on the Water
What better way to experience the river than to get out on it? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from L2 Outside right by the riverfront. They’ll get you set up with everything you need and walk you through the basics. If you’re feeling adventurous, paddle out to Maclellan Island and visit their wildlife refuge, currently home to a herd of goats and their friendly guard dog!
If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, try tubing or rafting along the Ocoee, which is connected to the Tennessee River through nearby waterways. Adventures Unlimited offers half-day and full-day guided trips with loads of action.
Fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy the Tennessee River up close. Along Chattanooga’s banks, you’ll find bass, catfish, and other local catches, and you can cast right from the shore, fish off a dock, or try your luck from a kayak! For those wanting to go deeper (literally and figuratively), Scenic City Fishing Charters offers guided trips to some of the area’s best fishing spots, along with plenty of local stories and insight from seasoned anglers.
If you’re up for some company, you can also check out Outdoor Chattanooga’s calendar, which is packed with group meetups, eco tours, and all sorts of seasonal happenings on the water.
Leisurely Time on the River
If you’d rather sit back and relax, you can hop aboard one of several Chattanooga boat tours. Book a dinner cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat, and enjoy good food, good wine, and scenic views. Or for something a little more rugged, Chattanooga Ducks takes you out on a WWII amphibious landing craft for a tour of downtown, the riverfront, and Maclellan Island. You can also rent your own pontoon from Tennessee River Gorge Pontoon Rentals and explore the River Gorge at your own pace.
Scenic River Moments
There are just as many ways to enjoy the river without getting in the water. The Chattanooga Riverwalk runs right along the shoreline, passing through wooded areas, parks, and stunning overlooks. The scenery changes as you go, which keeps things interesting.
One of the most popular sections runs from the Bluff View Art District to Coolidge Park, crossing the historic Walnut Street Bridge. If you’re there around sunset, the whole sky reflects on the water, making for one of the city’s best photo ops!
Follow the river farther down (either on foot or on a bicycle), and Tennessee Riverpark is lined with sycamores, benches, and picnic tables, making for a great walk or date night.
Learn more about the city’s Bike Share program and consider exploring the riverwalk on two wheels!
Riverfront Events
Riverfront events happen year-round, and they bring even more energy to the water. In the fall, the Head of the Hooch brings rowing teams from all over the world for one of the largest rowing regattas. And all summer long, Riverfront Nights brings weekly concerts to Ross’s Landing.
Wine Over Water turns the iconic Walnut Street Bridge (or nearby Renaissance Park, while the bridge undergoes repairs) into a floating wine tasting experience that supports historic preservation. For those drawn to high-energy competition, River Games delivers adrenaline-fueled action with paddle sports, trail running, climbing, and more, all centered around the river. And every fall, ChattaJack sends paddlers on a 31-mile race down the Tennessee River, from downtown Chattanooga to Nickajack Lake.
