If you are looking for places to take our rental equipment or need some inspiration on where to play outside, check out these ideas from our friends:
Rock/Creek Adventures
Where adventure begins
Recreation to inspire conservation and health
Spending time outside is proven to boost overall mental and physical health, and our goal is to help people get outside to further or to develop a relationship with wild places. We work to introduce people to local natural areas so they understand the need to maintain and improve access for future generations.We’re committed to donating one dollar from every booking to our local nonprofit partners, who support land and water conservation, and bring outdoor engagement opportunities to underserved communities in and around Chattanooga.
We believe that people who love our landscapes will want to protect them, which is why we’re on a mission to get as many people outside as possible.
Rental hours are 10am-6pm Monday through Saturday, and 1pm-6pm on Sundays at our Riverside Drive location.
Our Riverside store is just 5 minutes from numerous paddling access points but is not on the water and guests need to be able to transport their rented watercraft to/from the river. We rent transport pads and inflatable SUP boards to help facilitate easy transport.
Let us show you why Outside Magazine named Chattanooga “The Best Town Ever," twice.
ADVENTURES
RENTALS
MORE
R/C Adventures aims to foster a love for recreation and the natural world in every participant. Our guided Adventure trips are designed to accommodate anyone, whether visitors to the Scenic City, those who are new to the outdoors or someone seeking a more in-depth nature experience. Our half-day trips showcase the fantastic access that Chattanooga has to the great outdoors and are easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Guided Trip times: Every day 9am - 6pm, call for day of availability
All of our professionally guided adventures leave from our Rock/Creek Riverside location - 1530 Riverside Drive Chattanooga, TN 37406. Just 5 minutes from downtown.
We provide:
- Any equipment needed for the Adventure - bikes, boats, paddles, life jackets, etc. See each trip for specifics on what we provide and what we recommend you bring/wear.
- Hand sanitizer and a local Chattanooga delicacy for snacking.
- Stimulating conversation about:
- Ecology - How organisms interact with their environment
- Area History - Early human settlement, the Civil War, the evolution of Chattanooga, etc.
- Geology - Rocks and formations
- Botany - Plants and trees
- Outdoor Education - Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics principles
Safety Procedures in response to COVID-19: Following the Tennessee Pledge
Being outside is the best place to be.
FACE COVERINGS and HAND SANITIZER
Please bring face coverings/masks with you on your adventures, in case they are needed. You will not be required to wear it as long as we are outside and properly distanced. If you do not have one, we can provide disposable masks. Face coverings are required in Hamilton County effective July 10, 2020*.
*Info taken from Hamilton County Health officer Executive Order - Exceptions: g. Persons who are outdoors unless the person cannot substantially maintain appropriate social distancing from others outside of the person’s household. Facial coverings should, however, be kept accessible in the event of encountering a larger group.
Hand sanitizer is provided on all trips.
PRIVATE TRIPS and SOCIAL DISTANCING
All of our trips are now group exclusive; it's just you, your friends/family and your guide - a personal adventure. As soon as a trip books that time slot is blocked out so that all trips are private tours. We can accommodate groups of up to 6 people. If you would like to book separately from your friends please make a note in your reservation or call 423-643-1524, so that we know you are associated. Our goal is always for guests to leave feeling like they have learned something amazing about the natural world and that they have made a new friend, but we will strive to practice social distancing and maintain a minimum of 6 feet while sharing adventures - “further is safer”
TRANSPORTATION
We will not be providing transportation for the foreseeable future. Riding in a vehicle is nearly impossible to maintain the accepted social distance. Before the trip we will communicate the meeting place by email/text, with an address that can be followed from google maps. If this causes you a hardship then please reach out and we can work out some options.
TEMPERATURE CHECKS FOR GUIDES
Guides will have their temperature checked every day.
Any guide with a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will not be permitted to work on that day.
ENHANCED CLEANING PROTOCOLS
All bikes/SUPs/kayaks will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after each adventure in accordance with CDC guidelines.
SNACKS
We provide a local Chattanooga delicacy on every trip. We encourage you to bring your own water, preferably in a reusable container. Our guides love to stop and snack, and we do so responsibly. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks (and use hand sanitizer before enjoying them) as we will stop for a snack break to take a minute to be still while outdoors. We would be happy to carry your snacks and drinks to lighten your load and facilitate your adventure.
The Heart of the City Bike Tour
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 2 out of 10
Zip through the Scenic City on Specialized pedal-assisted electric cruiser bike. These e-bikes have wide, comfy seats and level the playing field for those less physically fit, taking most of the challenge out of the ride. (Not to mention that they make even seasoned riders go "WOOOO!") Check out our trusty steeds here.
Our route takes us along the mighty Tennessee River, where we’ll stop to talk about early civilizations and river ecology. We’ll discuss art in the Bluff View Art District then cruise through the iconic parts of downtown Chattanooga, stopping along the way to talk about city history and maybe even sing the ole “Chattanooga Choochoo” song. After meandering across the Walnut Street bridge we will stop for a picnic in Coolidge Park. Finally, we’ll make the return ride back to our starting point at Rock/Creek’s Riverside store.
We will make sure to stop numerous times for photos and if needed, bathroom breaks.
- Trips start and end at Rock/Creek Riverside, where there is ample free parking. We will leave from there on bikes.
- The trip time is around 2.5 hours, with over 2 hours on the bikes.
- We provide e-bikes, helmets and a healthy trip snack
- Trip difficulty level: 2 out of 10. You should be comfortable steering a bicycle but you don’t need to be a seasoned cyclist.
- Participants must be 12 years or older and able to ride their own bike. We hope to offer kid trailers or companion seats in the future.
- What to wear: exercise clothes, warm/windbreaker jacket (seasonal) and closed toed shoes are recommended
- What to bring: a water bottle, sunscreen, a sense of adventure
If you are looking for a Road or Gravel bike tour check out our friends over at Velo View Bike Tours for a custom tour!
The Heart of the City Paddle Tour
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 3 out of 10
This aquatic voyage showcases the beating (and flowing) heart of Chattanooga, the mighty Tennessee River. Guests receive paddling pointers on how to most effectively use their watercraft, and can choose between our top-of-the-line Boardworks Stand Up Paddle Boards. Participants can choose between wide, beginner-friendly boards and a narrower, more aggressive board for experienced paddlers.
Our Perception Tribe sit-on-top kayaks are best for families or the true novice, and offer a single-padder or two-paddler option.
Our route through downtown provides a rare perspective on the iconic four bridges, the Art District bluff and the Tennessee Aquarium. We show you some of the secrets of the city and the hard-to-reach places while talking about river ecology, history and geology. We’ll get out of our boats and walk around in a few places, and stop for a relaxing picnic during the trip.
- Our trip starts and ends at Rock/Creek’s Riverside store.
- Around 2.5 hour trip time, with almost 2 hours on the water.
- Includes a shuttle ride to and from the river, with changing and bathrooms at our Riverside store
- A personal flotation device (life jacket), paddle and a small drybag (for you phone) are provided
- We provide a healthy trip snack
- Difficulty level: 3 out of 10. No experience is required but good balance is helpful for the Stand Up Paddle Boards since there is current. The sit-on-top kayaks are the easiest to paddle. We will cross the river and your guide will help you navigate the waters.
- Minimum participant age is 7 in a tandem kayak, and 12 for a solo paddler.
- What to wear: swimsuit/clothes you don't mind getting wet, water shoes/sandals, a sun shirt or big hat
- Bring: a change of clothes for after (you can leave in your car), sunscreen, a water bottle, a sense of adventure
Lula Lake Hiking Excursion
Duration: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: 5 out of 10
This adventure explores one of our favorite places to walk in the woods. This destination has it all: huge trees, towering bluffs, scenic vistas, a 70-foot waterfall, a rare (these days) grassland savanna and close proximity to Chattanooga. Lula Lake is only open to the public by reservation on select days, but our partnership with the land trust allows you a true behind-the-scenes experience on this gorgeous property.
Though short, our hike is very scenic and has ample photo opps. It would be easy to spend a whole day preaching the grassland gospel, talking about the fascinating geology, identifying trees or giving thanks to people who thought to preserve these scenic wonders, but we will manage to hit all the highlights in around 2.5 hours on the trail. There are numerous beautiful places to sit and enjoy our trip snack and we are happy to cater to where/when participants want to have the picnic.
- Trips start and end at the Rock/Creek Riverside store, there is ample and free parking
- Shuttle to Lula Lake in a Rock/Creek vehicle is included
- We provide a healthy trip snack
- ~3.5 hours trip time, door to door.
- Trip difficulty level: 5 out of 10, but can be customized to be much easier. The general route is 2-3 miles and has one short and steeper section in and out of the river gorge
- Minimum participant age is 9 years old
- What to wear: exercise clothes, warm/windbreaker jacket (seasonal), and closed toed shoes are recommended
- What to bring: a water bottle, sunscreen, a sense of adventure
Updated rental hours are 10am-6pm Monday through Saturday, and 1pm 6pm on Sundays at our Riverside Drive location.
If you live in Chattanooga or have heard that National Geographic Adventure called it one of the “Best Adventure Towns in the US to Live & Play,” then you probably already know that there are:
- over 100 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails within 15 minutes
- 54 trailheads within 25 minutes
- More than 70 miles of paddle-ready blue ways within 25 minutes of downtown
With this kind of proximity and renowned quality all you need is the right gear and you’ll be set for some epic experiences. This is where we come in. Rock/Creek Rentals gives you access to top-of-the-line outdoor gear that you can take on all your Chattanooga adventures.
Pick up your rental bike/kayak/SUP at our Basecamp: 1530 Riverside Drive
Bike Rentals
Powered by Specialized
Hard-tail Mountain Bike
Hard-tail Mountain Bike
Gravel grind to greatness with the Specialized Rockhopper
Available for 2-3 hours, or a full day.
Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Shred the single track on a Stumpjumper.
Available for 2-3 hours, or a full day.
Cruiser Bike
Cruiser Bike
Rally the Riverwalk with a Roll Sport.
Available for 2-3 hours, or a full day.
Electric Cruiser Bike
Electric Cruiser Bike
Zoom zoom on a Turbo Como.
Available for 2-3 hours, or a full day.
Youth Mountain Bike
Youth Mountain Bike
The Hotrock is great for trying the trail.
Available for 2-3 hours, or a full day.
Youth Bike
Youth Bike
Introduce trail riding with the Riprock Coaster.
Available for 2-3 hours, or a full day.
Kayaks Rentals
Perception - Tribe 11.5 sit-on-top
Perception - Tribe 11.5 sit-on-top
This longer version of our super stable and maneuverable one person boat is made for lakes/pond and slow moving rivers/streams. Its padded and adjustable seat means it is comfy for full days, and the big storage compartments allow you to bring along more toys and lunch.
Paddle and lifejacket included.
Perception - Tribe 9.5 sit-on-top
Perception - Tribe 9.5 sit-on-top
This one person beginner friendly kayak is our lightest kayak option, is very stable but maneuverable, and is perfect for leisure trips. A bit smaller and lighter but also slower than the Tribe 11.5 we also rent, if your looking to cover more distance then look at the the "sit-on-top kayak - long" option.
Paddle and lifejacket included.
Perception - Tribe 13.5 Tandem
Perception - Tribe 13.5 Tandem
This two person beginner friendly kayak is stable and fast, featuring padded adjustable seats, cup holders, and gear storage compartments. It's a great way to work together with a partner to tackle Lake Chickamauga or the mighty Tennessee River.
This rental is for up to 8 hours, it includes a paddle, personal flotation device, and location recommendations.
Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals
Shubu Solr - Stable SUP
Shubu Solr - Stable SUP
Rent our inflatable, beginner friendly, all around Stand Up Paddle Board for up to 2 hours. The SHUBU is rigid enough you won't know its inflatable but friendly is you fall onto it or run into rocks. It's great for cruising, SUP yoga, fishing, or just floating along with friends.
Boards have bungee cords that help to hold a bag, a cooler, or your paddle when you're not using it. An adjustable paddle, personal flotation device, and location recommendations are included.
Shubu Muse - Stable SUP
Shubu Muse - Stable SUP
Rent our inflatable, beginner friendly, all around Stand Up Paddle Board for up to 4 hours. The SHUBU is rigid enough you won't know its inflatable but friendly is you fall onto it or run into rocks. It's great for cruising, SUP yoga, fishing, or just floating along with friends.
Boards have bungee cords that help to hold a bag, a cooler, or your paddle when you're not using it. An adjustable paddle, personal flotation device, and location recommendations are included.
Shubu Raven - Touring SUP
Shubu Raven - Touring SUP
Rent our inflatable, touring Stand Up Paddle Board for up to 8 hours. The SHUBU Raven is rigid enough you won't know its inflatable but friendly is you fall onto it or run into rocks. It's great for going longer distance or those looking for a more narrow high performance SUP experience.
Boards have bungee cords that help to hold a bag, a cooler, or your paddle when you're not using it. An adjustable paddle, personal flotation device, and location recommendations are included.
Fishing Rentals
Jackson - Bite Angler
Jackson - Bite Angler
This one person fishing boat is made for lakes/pond and slow moving rivers/streams. Its elevated and padded seat means it is comfy and dryer for full days. Big bungee cord storage compartments allow you to bring along more toys and lunch. Cup and fishing rod holders keep things close and convenient.
This rental is for up to 8 hours, it includes a paddle, personal flotation device, and location recommendations
Transportation Racks
Yakima HalfBack - 3 Bike
Yakima HalfBack - 3 Bike
Need to haul a bike but don't have an easy way?
We rent the 3 bike hauler, that allows you to transport your bikes with the front wheels still on. It quickly attaches to a car trunk, hatch back, or SUV rear door.Yakima Ridgeback - 4 Bike
Yakima Ridgeback - 4 Bike
Need to haul a bike but don't have an easy way?
We rent the 4 bike hauler, that allows you to transport your bikes with the front wheels still on. It quickly attaches to a trailer hitch and can accommodate both 1.25 and 2 inch hitch sizes. It tilts down for easy trunk access.Yakima HangOver - 6 Bike
Yakima HangOver - 6 Bike
Need to haul a mountain bike but don't have an easy way?
You can rent our Yakima HangOver Hitch Bike Rack. This only works for mountain bikes, this does not haul road bikes. We rent the 6 bike hauler, that allows you to transport your bikes with the front wheels still on. It quickly attaches to a trailer hitch of a 2 inch hitch size. It tilts down for easy trunk access or to keep the tires from touching the back of a van/suv.
Yakima EasyTop - Kayak Rack
Yakima EasyTop - Kayak Rack
Need to haul a boat but don't have a rack?
You can rent our Yakima Easy Top Temporary Roof Rack. They go through the door frames and clip inside the vehicle for quick installation.
Camping Gear
Backpack
Backpack
Our Osprey packs come in a variety of sizes and options. Click available, select your dates and hit continue to see specific packs and their descriptions.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Bag
Our Marmot sleeping bags come in a variety of lengths and warmth ratings. All of these bags are synthetic fill.
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Pad
Our Sea to Summit sleeping pads come in a variety of sizes and options. Click available, select your dates, and hit continue to see specific pads and their descriptions.
Trekking Poles
Trekking Poles
Our trekking poles come in a variety of sizes and options. Click available, select your dates and hit continue to see specific poles and their descriptions.
Climbing Gear
Crash Pad
Crash Pad
This is a full day rental of Metolius Session 2 bouldering crash pads. Equipped with padded backpack straps, a waist belt, suitcase carry handles, and an angled hinge to eliminate the gutter seam.
North Shore or Downtown stores available as pickup locations.
Rock/Creek Adventures Base Camp
1530 Riverside Drive,
Chattanooga, TN 37406
423-265-1836
adventures@rockcreekoutfitters.com
Lodging Partners
Treetop Hideaways
Treetop Hideaways
Located on the side of Lookout Mountain, just minutes away from downtown Chattanooga, Treetop Hideaways is a boutique treehouse hotel, providing a nostalgic experience resting comfortably in the treetops. Our old growth forest on the side of Lookout Mountain just below Rock City provides visitors with the beauty of nature and a quick drive to any of the nearby attractions. Our desire is that you leave feeling rested, renewed, and energized.
Dwell Hotel
Dwell Hotel
The Dwell Hotel is a boutique hotel in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga, where lively meets luxury, and high class meets high comfort. Our 16 unique rooms are retro reimagined with mid-century modern decor- full of color and life, with a touch of old Hollywood glam. Our service is hospitality redefined. Sip under the stars in the swanky cocktail bar Matilda Midnight. Have the most unique breakfast, brunch or lunch in the locally beloved Syrup and Eggs restaurant.
Chattanooga Vacation Rentals
Chattanooga Vacation Rentals
Chattanooga Vacation Rentals is a locally owned vacation rental company that manages over 25 homes throughout the Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain areas. Whether you want to be in town, on the mountain, or on the river, we have a home that you will love. Hot tubs and pet friendly homes available. Let our team of locals find you your best vacation home, and make your trip amazing!
Inspiration
Non-Profit Partners
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Thrive Regional Partnership
Thrive Regional Partnership inspires responsible growth through conversation, connection, and collaboration across the tri-state greater Chattanooga region. An unprecedented, collaborative organization, Thrive unites people across 16 counties to preserve community and natural character for generations to come. Thrive is dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of natural places and the role they play in the vibrant health and economy of our region.
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Tennessee River Gorge Trust
TRGT works alongside the community to protect the wild lands of the Tennessee River Gorge through stewardship, environmental research, and education. We also strive to bring the community out into the River Gorge to better learn about and interact with this natural treasure.
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Lula Lake Land Trust
Founded in 1994, Lula Lake Land Trust (LLLT) is dedicated to the mission of preserving the natural and historic landscapes surrounding Rock Creek and Bear Creek, and their tributaries, through conservation, education, and low impact recreation.
- Southeastern Climbers Coalition
- Friends of the Cumberland Trail
- Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
- Lookout Mountain Conservancy
- Cumberland Trail Conference
- Leave No Trace - Center For Outdoor Ethics