Kayaking Chickamauga Dam Lock in Chattanooga

Drop 45 feet inside a working dam lock from your kayak seat

Kayaking through Chickamauga Dam Lock is a guided paddle activity in Chattanooga where you enter a 120-foot lock chamber, secure your kayak as massive gates close, and descend with the water level as it drains toward the Tennessee River below. The experience lasts about two and a half hours and includes private transportation from your location, all kayak gear, and a live guide. This is not a sightseeing tour. You operate the kayak and feel the lock's mechanics from inside it.

The experience

The paddle starts when you and your guide motor into Chickamauga Dam's lock chamber. Once inside, the massive gates close behind you. Your guide connects the kayaks to a moving anchor at the side of the lock, securing the group as the lockmaster slowly empties the water from Chickamauga Lake into the Tennessee River below. You watch the water level drop around you: the high water mark on the lock walls slides past the deck of your kayak as you descend 45 to 60 feet. The rounded doors at the far end of the lock open when you reach river level, and your guide leads the group into the river to continue paddling.

The whole outing runs about two and a half hours. Private transportation picks you up and brings you to the launch point, so you don't need a car or need to arrange your own way there. You get a kayak, paddle, lifejacket, kayak light, and a guide who stays with the group throughout. The guide also carries a throw-bag, towline and first aid kit. This is a working dam, so the experience depends on lock operations and water conditions. The descent and the mechanics are the point, not a leisurely paddle.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Chattanooga location.
• kayak, paddle and lifejacket.
• kayak light.
• live guide throughout.
• group throw-bag, towline and first aid kit.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to SundayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Chattanooga Guided Adventures

Is this one for you?The private pickup means you don't need a car or have to find your own way to the dam. Your guide collects you from your hotel or location in Chattanooga and handles the logistics, so the focus stays on the paddle and the lock itself.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What happens inside the lock chamber when the gates close?

The lockmaster slowly drains water from Chickamauga Lake into the Tennessee River below, and your kayak descends with the water level. Your guide has secured all the kayaks to a moving anchor at the side of the lock, so the group stays stable as the water drops 45 to 60 feet until you reach river level.

How do I get to the kayak launch if I don't have a car?

Private transportation is included with the activity, so your guide picks you up from your location in Chattanooga and brings you to the launch point. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer.

What kayak gear and safety equipment do I need to bring?

You don't bring anything: the kayak, paddle, lifejacket and kayak light are all provided. Your guide carries a group throw-bag, towline and first aid kit for the outing.

How long does the whole experience take?

The activity runs about two and a half hours from start to finish, including the lock passage and the paddle on the river afterward.

Is this kayaking experience suitable for someone who has never paddled before?

Yes, the activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Your guide leads the group and handles the technical parts of navigating the lock. The guide is there to manage the group's safety and movement through the chamber.