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.