Chattanooga, Tennessee

 

We didn’t need to take a cue from Outside Magazine’s Facebook voters who declared Chattanooga, Tennessee the “Best Town Ever” in Outside’s October 2011 edition.  We were already on to this little secret before the cat got out of the bag.  But, in case you are looking for validation, Outside’s voters’ (who are the hippest among outside know it all hippies) voted Chattanooga as the mecca of outdoor activities over usual favorites such as Boulder, CO, Burlington, VT and Portland, OR.

It’s pretty rare to find a one-stop shop for whitewater rafting, caving, climbing, mountain biking and hang gliding, but this picturesque, active riverfront city surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery provides all of that and more! Home of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater competition and America’s best hang gliding, when it comes to adventurous getaways, this trip soars to new heights and depths for that matter!

Join us for this six day, nature lover’s adventure as we camp in the beautiful Cherokee National Forest and enjoy four full days of activities.

Day 1: Arrival

Lovell Field (CHA) in Chattanooga will be the arrival airport for those flying in.  Bonvoy will provide pick-up transportation from the airport to our campsite location, Thunder Rock Campground in Cherokee National Forrest, just outside of Chattanooga.  The campground is nestled alongside the Ocoee River and close to the white water put-in site of the 1996 Olympic Venue.  Bonvoy will have already set up camp upon arrival so the day will be spent unpacking, settling in and getting to know one another amongst the beautiful scenery.  Feel free to roam around the many hiking trails located near the camp ground before a camp dinner.

Day 2: White Water Rafting

Time to get your feet wet and test the waters of your adventurous side! Done in conjunction with professionally licensed guides, we’ll take you through a full day of exhilarating rapids including a run through part of the Olympic Course.  If a rapid named Humongous doesn’t get your blood pumping, then consider the source of the name, which was taken from a very large and evil character in the movie “Mad Max.”  After a fun and challenging day through the rapids, we’ll have a little R & R time back at camp to prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 3: Rock Climbing

For all you history buffs: The city of Chattanooga has a rich war history and is home to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.  Some of the Civil War’s hardest fighting battles were fought here.  No doubt, the cliffs surrounding the battles (the very same ones we’ll be climbing) played a part in each battle.  In fact, Sunset Rock, one of Chattanooga’s more popular climbing spots offered a strategic view of the valley below and was influential in a significant war battle.  We’ll spend the day testing our skills in one of the oldest and most established climbing areas in the southeast and walk…..errr, climb in our ancestor’s footsteps.

 

Day 4: Mountain Biking

The Tennessee Overhill, located in the mountains of southeast Tennessee, is a three county area that includes the southern portion of the Cherokee National Forest (where our campgrounds are).  There are about 100 miles of trails for  cyclists to choose from, ranging from very easy to very difficult.  We will assess everyone’s cycling level the first day then decide what will be the best route for the group.  We will most likely take the Tanasi Mountain Bike Trail System with the launching point being near our campground.  This system has been described by The International Mountain Biking Association as a “fast, flowing single track that riders of all levels will savor.”  There are also many flat, paved trails that are perfect for beginners.  We’ll have breakfast at camp then head to the local outfitters to get fitted for our bikes before hitting the trail.  We’ll enjoy a rest for lunch along the way followed by an evening back at camp!

 

Day 5: Hang Gliding and Caving

Remember when you were eight and you dreamed of flying like a bird or exploring deep, dark caves?  Today we’ll channel our inner eight-year-old and fly amongst the birds over beautiful Chattanooga on a one-of-a-kind hang gliding experience!   With the help of an instructor, we’ll take turns tandem flying off of Lookout Mountain where we’ll fly up to 2,000 feet above the valley below.  After a morning soaring high followed by lunch, we’ll take a drastic turn and head to the depths of the earth to one of Chattanooga’s famous caverns.  We’ll experience a challenging network of underground chambers, canyons, and tunnels that will require us to walk, crawl, and climb over, under and through a rugged maze of varying rock formations.  We guarantee you’ll get dirty and we guarantee an exciting and unforgettable adventure!  After that full day, we’ll give you the option to eat some local fare at a nearby pub or head back to camp for our last night together.

Day 6: Departure

Bonvoy will provide transportation back to (airport name) prior to the earliest flight’s departure time.