About us
"I chose the road less travelled… Now I don’t know where I am."
"Never follow someone else's path unless you're in the woods and you're lost, and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that." - Ellen Degeneres
"Bring a compass. It's awkward when you have to eat your friends." - Unknown
So maybe we caught your interest?
Quick note then I’ll tell you what we’re about. We’ve never gotten lost or had to look at members as a food source. This is Chattanooga Outdoor Adventures not the Donner Party (some of you will get that).
We enjoys the outdoors in all forms. Events like Hiking, Rafting, Kayaking, and everything else.
But wait there’s more! I sound like a Ginsu knife commercial. Let’s not let any of the Donners have one of those.
We also plan other great activities in and around Chattanooga. Not just hiking. Musical events, food and wine festivals. A concert in a cave, you get the idea
It’s an open group and would love to get everyone involved and plan a lot of different things. Inclusion and fun are key.
Not just hiking, Adventures of all kinds
Upcoming events
13
Kayak to Maclellan Island
Coolidge Park Canoe Launch, 100 River St, Chattanooga, TN, USBring your own paddle board or kayak. Rentals are available. Link below.
Meet at the canoe launch: 100 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Parking is available at 99 River Street at Coolidge Park.Paddle Board & kayak rentals: https://l2outside.com/
There is a $5 suggested donation per person for day use of Maclellan Island.
Maclellan Island is an 24.5-acre nature sanctuary situated in the middle of the Tennessee River, in the heart of downtown Chattanooga.
***Pets are NOT allowed on the island.***
One mile of trails offer a peaceful setting for hiking and bird watching, while the beaches offer a place to rest while paddling or spend an afternoon by the water.
***Please be aware there is poison ivy on the island.
Maybe grab a beer or some food after?
There is always Basecamp
We could walk there.Rock the look the Pups are wearing on their Paddleboards at our Merch Shop and support the group.
Chattanooga Outdoor Adventures Merch Shop14 attendees
Urban Hike-Lunch at Parkway Pourhouse
t Trailhead, west 26th street, chattanooga, TN, USI originally said before we cancelled this hike the last time because of weather this would be my. last hike for summer, but it got rained out. The weekend got rained out. I then. went on to do about 10 miles solo this past week in Savage Gulf. Six tick bites later I am staying on town
Let's try this again.
This is an easy urban walk on a Sunday afternoon.
Meet at the West 26th Street Trailhead.
2.1 mile walk to Parkway Pourhouse to eat.
Parkway Pourhouse Menu & InfoThen we walk back.
4.2 ish miles total with a beer refresher in the middle
Want to rock the look of the Monkeys with their swag and stylish look? Grab a shirt just like it @
COA-Merch Store
Shameless promotion for our merch7 attendees
Picnic then Nickajack Batcave Kayak/SUP (Walking Option Available)
Maple View Public Use Area, maple view road, South Pittsburg, TN, USThe time listed is CENTRAL TIME. I have faith you can convert Nooga time into Central Time. We will meet in the Central time zone at the CENTRAL TIME @5:30 Pm
Meetup only lets me publish it in Eastern time
Learn how to calculate the time difference between two time zones using simple easy steps as a guide and examples to make the concept easy
MASTERING TIME ZONE CALCULATIONS WITH MR. MALGASThere you go
There are two options this event. We will Picnic beforehand then the very short paddle to watch the bats come out of the cave or you can walk to the observation deck and watch them come out.
No outfitter. Bring your own kayaks or paddle boards and gear. Or shoes to walk to the observation deck.
Some links at the end of this with more info
To see the bats emerge, timing is everything. On July 3, 2026, sunset in the New Hope/Chattanooga area is expected at approximately 8:00 PM CDT (9:00 PM EDT).
- Arrival at Maple View: Aim to arrive by 5:30 PM CDT. This gives our group time to picnic, unload gear, prep the boards/kayaks, and park.
- Launch Time: Plan to be on the water by 7:20 PM CDT.
- The "Main Event": The bats typically begin to emerge in mass roughly 15 to 30 minutes after sunset (around 8:15–8:30 PM CDT).
- Note on Time Zones: This area is right on the border. Maple View is in the Central Time Zone, but many local outfitters and visitors from Chattanooga operate on Eastern Time. Always double-check which "8 o'clock" your group is using! We are meeting at the Central Time listed.
***
## What to Expect
- The Paddle: From the Maple View boat ramp, it is a very short paddle (about 5–10 minutes) across the inlet to the cave mouth.
- The Emergence: You will be watching roughly 60,000 to 100,000 Gray Bats (an endangered species) exit the cave for their nightly hunt. It looks like a swirling "smoke" or a fast-moving ribbon of black against the twilight sky.
- The Boundary: The cave entrance is fenced off to protect the bats. You must stay outside the perimeter; do not attempt to paddle into the cave.
- The Return: You will be paddling back in the dark or deep twilight. The water is generally calm, but visibility will be low.
***
## What to Bring
Since you are heading out at dusk and returning in the dark, safety and comfort are priorities.
### Essential Gear
- Navigation Lights: Per TVA and Coast Guard regulations, you must have a light source (a white flashlight or headlamp) to signal other vessels after dark.
- Life Jackets (PFDs): Ensure every person in your group has a properly fitted life jacket.
- Dry Bag: Essential for keeping car keys, phones, and towels dry.
### Personal Comfort
- Bug Spray: The mosquitoes near the cave can be intense at dusk.
- Binoculars: Great for seeing the bats clearly before it gets too dark.
- Water Shoes: The ramp area can be slippery or rocky.
- Light Layers: Even in July, being on the water after dark can feel a bit cooler.
### Rules of the Cave
- No White Lights on the Bats: Do not shine bright flashlights or headlamps directly into the cave or at the emerging bats. It disorients them and can harm the colony.
- Keep it Quiet: Loud noises can startle the bats and delay their emergence.
Other related stuff
The Mystical Cave Hidden Along The Tennessee River
38 attendees
Past events
1957
