Maximize Your Adventure at Chattanooga's RiverRocks Festival: Top Events Guide
Chattanooga's RiverRocks Festival delivers an exhilarating array of events aligned with three core pillars: Get Out, Get Fit, and Have Fun. Attracting amateur enthusiasts and elite athletes alike, it goes beyond competition to offer immersive adventures, live music, and access to the city's premier outdoor spaces. Whether you're into trail running, hiking, cycling, paddling, or climbing, discover endless participation opportunities from October 5-21, 2018.
Key festival highlights include:
WATER
Poker Paddle
Experience the gambler's thrill on the river with Poker Paddle. Collect tokens as you paddle, then trade them for the best poker hand to win prizes. This casual, free event is open to all Wild Trails members.
Snail Darter
For a gentler introduction to open-water swimming, join the Snail Darter's 0.5-mile or 1-mile downstream course along the Chattanooga Riverfront. This family-friendly swim offers stunning views of downtown from the Tennessee River.
Swim the Suck
The 9th Annual Swim the Suck is a premier 10-mile open-water challenge through the Tennessee River Gorge. A RiverRocks staple now among the world's top swims, this year's event sold out quickly—volunteer spots remain. Note: Many events fill fast; register early for future festivals.
ROAD & TRAIL
Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K & 10 Miler
Tackle the Southeast's largest, most competitive 50K trail race at the 17th annual StumpJump. Navigate stunning single-track trails on Signal Mountain and Walden Ridge with over 4,500 feet of elevation gain. Register here.
7 Bridges Marathon
The 7 Bridges Marathon showcases Chattanooga's landmarks as runners cross the Tennessee River multiple times. Highlights include the Tennessee Aquarium, AT&T Field, Creative Discovery Museum, Riverwalk, Bluff View Arts District, Hunter Museum of American Art, and Walnut Street Bridge—finishing in Coolidge Park after 26.2 miles. Register here.
Trailblaze Challenge
This 26-mile hike supports Make-A-Wish East Tennessee, starting at Cloudland Canyon base and ending atop Lookout Mountain at Lula Lake Land Trust. Enjoy fall foliage on Georgia and Tennessee's premier trails while aiding children with life-threatening conditions. Register here.
BIKING
Mountain to Town Guided Bike Adventure
Outdoor Chattanooga leads a guided downhill ride from Lookout Mountain's summit to downtown. Beginner- and family-friendly, it features the Guild Trail and new Tennessee Riverwalk section in St. Elmo. Reserve here.
Lula Lake Land Trust Five Points 50/25
Chattanooga's ultimate endurance MTB race awaits with a demanding course of single track, climbs, descents, rock gardens, and flowy trails at Lula Lake Land Trust and Cloudland Connector. Post-race: camping, music, vendors, and food. Register here.
ROCK & BOULDER
Triple Crown of Bouldering
At Stone Fort (aka Little Rock City), witness top U.S. climbers conquer legendary boulders—or join in. This event helped establish Chattanooga as a bouldering mecca. Register here.
ENTERTAINMENT
Fireside at the Greenway
Outdoor Chattanooga hosts free, family-friendly music around a campfire at Greenway Farm. Bring blankets, chairs, and marshmallows for a cozy fall evening.
3 Sisters Music Festival
Celebrating 12 years, this free bluegrass event by Fletcher Bright Company features Della Mae, The Infamous Stringdusters, Mipso, and more over two days. Bring chairs; view full lineup here.
Sculpture in the Sky
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park hosts aerial spectacle with giant kites, stunt kites, Rokaku battles, parachute races, Chattanooga Aerials performances, activities, food trucks, and beer.
For more events and details, click here.
