Chattanooga Paddle Parade 2026
Join us for a fun, organized, people-powered paddle through the heart of downtown Chattanooga! Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a seasoned river enthusiast, come make a splash.
The Route: A leisurely, 4-mile (approx. 2-hour) downstream paddle from Rivermont Park to Coolidge Park.
Get Festive: Costumes and decorated, non-motorized paddlecraft (kayaks, canoes, SUPs, waterbikes, dragon boats) are highly encouraged!
Costume & Decoration Contest Categories
Most Creative Paddler
Best Decorated Paddlecraft
Best Group Theme
Each category winner will receive a prize!
Eco & Safety Reminder: Ensure all costumes and decorations are securely attached so they do not create river debris. Costumes must not interfere with your required U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Special thanks to our partners at Tennessee Valley Canoe Club and Tennessee River Gorge Trust for providing on-water support and safety.
Event Schedule
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Pre-event shuttles run from Coolidge Park to the launch site.
10:00 AM: All paddlers gather at the launch for the Costume Contest, Safety Talk, and Group Launch.
IMPORTANT: Parking & Shuttle Logistics
EXTREMELY LIMITED PARKING AT THE LAUNCH SITE: Due to a concurrent tennis tournament, there is extremely limited parking at Rivermont Park. You are highly encouraged to use the free shuttle service or arrange your own drop-off. There is NO AFTERNOON SHUTTLE.
How the Shuttle & Valet Works (For Personal Boats):
- Drop off your boat: Drive to the launch point (Rivermont Park Dixie Boat Launch) and leave your personal paddlecraft with our boat valet staff.
- Park your vehicle: Drive your car back to the take-out point (Coolidge Park) and park there.
- Catch the shuttle: Head to the shuttle bus located next to the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center. The bus will take you back up to the launch site to reunite with your boat.
- End of the parade: When you arrive back at Coolidge Park, a second boat valet will hold your gear while you grab your vehicle, prizes, and swag.
Shuttle Bus Schedule
Reservations are highly encouraged to help us plan capacity!
Shuttle 1 | 8:30AM (Recommended if borrowing a boat)
Shuttle 2 | 9:00AM
Shuttle 3 | 9:30AM
Need accessible transit? Email us at info@outdoorchattanooga.com ahead of time to coordinate a shuttle with the accessible CARTA Care-a-Van.
Equipment & Rental Info
Option 1: Bring Your Own Paddlecraft
- Must be entirely non-motorized.
- Life jackets are mandatory and must be worn for the duration of the event.
- Pets: Furry friends are welcome on your own personal craft! However, pets are not allowed on the shuttle buses. Please plan to have a teammate drop off the paddler and the pet at Rivermont Park ahead of time.
Option 2: Borrow a Kayak (FREE!)
Thanks to our partners at Tennessee Riverline, Sequatchie River Outfitters, and Outdoor Chattanooga, we have a limited fleet of single-cockpit and sit-on-top kayaks available to borrow for free. Your borrowed boat, paddle, and life jacket will be waiting for you at the Rivermont Park boat valet.
Note: Pets are not allowed on borrowed/rental equipment.
Sign up for shuttle. Shuttle only in the morning. Boats are not shuttled. Boats must be dropped at put-in before you park.