About this Course

Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a guided and equipped kayak adventure at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, where the Hiwassee River meets the Tennessee River. Bring your binoculars or borrow ours to view a variety of birds that summer at the refuge. Explore the Refuge: In the summer months, access all lands and waters within the refuge to observe resident and migrating birds, seasonal wildflower blooms, and great swaths of water hyacinths in Hiwassee Island’s inlets. Historic Context: The Hiwassee Refuge lies near the center of Cherokee Nation’s ancestral lands. Explore Blythe Ferry, a key site in the Cherokee Forced Removal (Trail of Tears), now home to the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park. Equipment Provided: Our guide staff will provide basic instruction and help you get acquainted with our recreational kayaks, life jackets, and other equipment. Paddle Experience: This is a leisurely paced paddle up and down the creek with possible shallow water portages. No previous kayak experience is required. Plan to explore the area after your paddle for a full day of adventure! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature, history, and wildlife. 🌿🛶🐦