
Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 74 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures worth booking?
Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures is a 2.5-hour experience in Chattanooga, United States, from $86 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 74 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (74)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $86 per person
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
What you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Private transportation
- Kayak, Lifejacket, Paddle, Guide, Group Throw-bag, Group Towline, Group First Aid Kit, Kayak Light
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chattanooga
We meet at the Hubert Fry Center Boat Ramp off of Amnicola Road. Directly Across the Street from the Coca-Cola Bottling plant. You cross over the RR tracks and will see a boat ramp on your left. Park next to the bike share station in single car spots. https://goo.gl/maps/AXhGy8LmqjuCVbDi9
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We meet at the Hubert Fry Center Boat Ramp off of Amnicola Road. Directly Across the Street from the Coca-Cola Bottling plant. You cross over the RR tracks and will see a boat ramp on your left. Park next to the bike share station in single car spots. https://goo.gl/maps/AXhGy8LmqjuCVbDi9
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Chattanooga Guided Adventures
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 74 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
74 verified traveler reviews for Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Summer fun on the Tenn River
Chattanooga Guided Adventures never disappoints, this is our third tour over the past couple years and first time through the Dam Lock. Brandon, our guide made sure everyone felt comfortable throughout the trip. Going through the lock was way more interesting than I anticipated. Every time we've booked a kayak trip with Chattanooga Guided Adventures, it's been a first class experience. They have good equipment and the guides and knowledgeable and experienced.
via Tripadvisor
Unlucky with the lock
We were unlucky today and the lock was too busy to accommodate our tour. Which led to us paddling around the lake for 1.5 hours. If I would have known that the tour was subject to lock traffic, we probably wouldn’t have booked. I feel like there should be an option to cancel if the lock is busy, which they knew about upon our arrival. We did see a bald eagle, but we could have rented our own kayaks for much less $$. Tour guide was very nice and everything was well run, but just be advised you could end up with a pretty $$ and boring paddle.
via Tripadvisor
Chattanooga guided kayak through the Lock
Great way to experience Chattanooga and the Tennessee River which is integral to this region. Our guide Zach supplied everything including Kayaking lessons for beginners. All equipment and kayaks are high end. Great group activity to make memories. Outdoor activity so it can be weather dependent. The trip duration is perfect as it last 1.5-2 hrs. Zach teaches about the history of the region, the dam and lock system and also general knowledge of Chattanooga. He also points out wildlife along the way. A must do adventure in Chattanooga whether you are local or visiting.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
This was a great experience. Zach our guide was great. He was very knowledgeable on all the history of the locks. We enjoyed this so much, definitely something to see when in chattanooga!
via Tripadvisor
Great kayak tour!
Great experience with Russ as our guide. Would recommend to anyone interested in getting on the river to see eagles, ospreys and herons, as well as learn about the history of the dam and the TVA.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chattanooga.
How much does Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures cost?
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Prices start at $86 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chattanooga usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chattanooga is not rushed.
Is Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 74 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chattanooga, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures?
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Around 26 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chattanooga can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chattanooga and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chattanooga within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chattanooga?
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Chattanooga sells Lookout Mountain packages with Ruby Falls and Rock City, incline railway rides, Civil War battlefield tours, river cruises and caving trips. On Outty we rank every Chattanooga experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ocoee River Middle Whitewater Rafting Trip (Most Popular Tour), Middle Ocoee River Rafting Adventure Tour, Classic Middle Ocoee River Adventure. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chattanooga?
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April to June and September to November. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chattanooga?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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