New Kayak and Canoe Access Point to Open on South Chickamauga Creek
Photo by Nadim Merrikh on Unsplash
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Outdoor enthusiasts in Chattanooga will soon have a new access point to the South Chickamauga Creek, providing a convenient launch spot for kayakers and canoers. The new site, located at 4343 Shallowford Road, allows paddlers to embark on a scenic five-mile journey downstream to the Sterchi Farm Trailhead. The entire trip can be completed within an afternoon, offering a refreshing escape into nature.
The project is spearheaded by Chattanooga’s Parks and Recreation Department, which aims to enhance recreational opportunities for residents. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader vision of making parks and paddling activities more accessible to the community.
The Chattanooga City Council, with support from the Trust for Public Land, recently approved the acquisition of the Shallowford Road parcel. The purchase, totaling $200,000, was funded through a combination of $158,000 from the state, $36,000 from the city, and a $6,000 contribution from the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club.
Construction of the Shallowford Road access point is set to commence in the fall, with the aim of opening the site to the public soon after. The new access point will make it possible to navigate the creek in about two hours, providing a manageable and enjoyable paddling experience. This development marks a significant milestone after more than a decade of efforts to improve creek access in this area.
The Tennessee Valley Canoe Club highlights the strategic importance of the Shallowford Road location. Situated roughly halfway along the ten-mile stretch between Camp Jordan and Sterchi Farm, this site offers a practical mid-point for paddlers. The full journey from Camp Jordan can be challenging, particularly due to a five-foot-high sewer pipe downstream from Brainerd Road, which obstructs the path. South Chickamauga Creek, notable for its Class I rapids, presents a gentle current and minor obstacles, making it suitable for a wide range of paddlers.
This initiative is part of a larger comprehensive plan for Chattanooga’s park system, approved in June 2023. The plan, the first of its kind in 25 years, envisions adding hundreds of acres of park space over the coming decades. The goal is to ensure that every resident is within a short walk or bike ride of a recreational area. The first phase of this plan includes not only the development of new parks and greenway trails but also the enhancement of blueways along South Chickamauga Creek and the Tennessee River. Prioritizing new paddling access sites, the Shallowford Road parcel stands as a top priority.
With these efforts, Chattanooga continues to affirm its commitment to fostering outdoor recreation and providing its residents with greater opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
SOURCE: Chattanooga Times Free Press
