The Tennessee River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race runs along a 48-mile canoe and kayak trail through downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge from Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam.

This year, the race will feature two courses—six miles and two miles—both beginning and ending at Ross’ Landing. The entry fee is $30 per person with all proceeds going toward the maintenance and improvement of Blueway facilities.

Race competition will be open to both beginners and experienced paddlers, with categories for racing kayaks, long and short canoes and kayaks, and tandem kayaks. Trophies will be awarded for the winners of sixteen categories, including a juniors division for kids ages 12-15. All participants will receive a special goodie bag, free lunch, and a chance for door prizes.

“Last year’s race was a huge hit with southeastern canoeists and kayakers,” says Outdoor Chattanooga Executive Director Philip Grymes. “Everyone had a great time and we’ve seen a big upswing in the number of people using the Blueway for overnight and day trips.”

“Proceeds from this year’s race will help us maintain our campgrounds, so more people can experience this amazing resource,” adds Grymes.

The Blueway provides a unique mixture of urban and wild scenery, as the trail passes through downtown Chattanooga, around Moccasin Bend, and into the scenic Tennessee River Gorge before ending at Nickajack Lake.

“There aren’t many river venues where one may camp downtown in a major city, pass by industrial sites with barges, and then paddle through such spectacular scenery as the Tennessee River Gorge,” said canoeist Don Kenagy, who paddled the Blueway last autumn. “The crowded city/backcountry contrast is unique.”

There are several designated primitive campsites along the trail, starting with downtown Chattanooga’s Maclellan Island. On Williams Island, 16 miles below Chickamauga Dam, a new dock and composting privy have been installed at the Blueway campsite.

The original idea for the Blueway was conceived by the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (www.trgt.org) and the National Park Service River Trails and Conservation Assistance program in 2001. The 50-mile corridor flows from Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam in Marion County, Tennessee.  Multiple boat launches and campsites allow paddlers to use the Blueway for single and multi-day trips.

The 2008 Tennessee River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race is sponsored by Rock/Creek, Merrill Lynch, Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Gordon’s Cleaners, ImageWorks Printing and Design, and River Canyon Adventures.

For more information: visit www.outdoorchattanooga.com or call (423) 643-6889.

About the Tennessee River Blueway:
Formed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the 1930’s, and designated as a river trail in 2002, the Tennessee River Blueway flows through Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge for 50 miles, from Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam. It provides opportunities for canoeists and kayakers to take day trips, or camp overnight in marinas, parks, or in one of five designated primitive sites. As the trail passes through Chattanooga and the Tennesse River Gorge, it flows through lands managed by the Chattanooga Audubon Society, the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, TVA, the National Forest Service, Marion County and Hamilton County, TN, and the City of Chattanooga. Through a cooperative effort, it is envisioned that a long-term, grassroots, self-sustaining organization will be created to coordinate stewardship and development of a broad network of Blueways within the Tennessee River Watershed.