Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures
Overview
Locking through the dam is a great break from the ordinary. You wait as the massive gates to the lock open, and the boats heading upstream slowly motor out of the lock. We then kayak into the lock and secure our spots as the gates close behind us. We take note of the high water mark that is slightly below the decks of the kayaks and watch them grow as the water slowly drains into the river below. Once we lower 45 to 60 feet and reach river level the even larger rounded doors open in front of us and release us into the river to continue on the rest of the tour.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Kayak, Lifejacket, Paddle, Guide, Group Throw-bag, Group Towline, Group First Aid Kit, Kayak Light
Meeting Location
3PWV+FW
Chattanooga, TN 37406, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Try the unique guided experience of locking through Chickamauga Dam from the seat of a kayak. You will paddle into the 120 ft tall lock and the massive gates will close behind you. Your guide will connect the boats to a moving anchor at the side of the lock to secure all of the passengers on the trip. The lockmaster slowly empties the water in the lock from Chickamauga lake into the Tennessee River below the dam. As the water empties the lock, you slowly descend into the depth of the lock to match the river level below the dam. The massive doors in front of you open and your guide will lead you into the river where the paddling tour continues. This is a truly unique Chattanooga kayaking experience.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-310725P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 75 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Private transportation.
- Kayak, Lifejacket, Paddle, Guide, Group Throw-bag, Group Towline, Group First Aid Kit, Kayak Light.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 7..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Private transportation
- Kayak, Lifejacket, Paddle, Guide, Group Throw-bag, Group Towline, Group First Aid Kit, Kayak Light
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
