Fall Colors and Chattajack

Updated: 10/23/26

We sure miss the beautiful fall colors and hiking in Tennessee! Another Chattanooga favorite we miss is Chattajack, the 31-mile paddling race that finishes at the marina where we lived for 18 years.

During those years, we experienced quite a bit of excitement at the marina, including two tornadoes, a boat fire, and, in more recent winters, finger piers sinking under the weight of heavy snow. The restaurant across the way remained half-sunken, and the so-called Dam Marina had become increasingly run-down. Most of our friends had either sold their boats or moved to more respectable marinas. We, too, eventually joined the crowd and sold our beloved Mai Thai last year.

So, I wasn’t too surprised to learn that Chattajack is moving its finish line to a new location this year. Still, it’s a little bittersweet to know I won’t be there tomorrow to cheer on the paddlers as they cross the finish line!

While we won’t miss the marina itself, we’ll always treasure the happy memories we made on beautiful Lake Nickajack and, most of all, the wonderful friendships that grew out of our time there.

Chattajack will always hold a special place in our hearts as one of Chattanooga’s favorite fall traditions. I’ll certainly miss being there to cheer on the racers as they paddle their way to the finish, but I’ll be watching from afar and wishing them all a wonderful race!

Want to learn more about this year’s Chattajack race? [Read more here!]

Original Post

A long time ago, the Fall Color Cruise festival was a tradition on this part of the Tennessee River (Lake Nickajack). Boaters from other marinas would cruise over here for the festival and the legendary potluck parties. We were lucky to be here for those fun times. The festival is no more. But ...

We have Chattajack! The paddling race that navigates the twist and turns of the scenic Tennessee River, all 31 miles of it from downtown Chattanooga to our marina at the old dam on Lake Nickajack. The event was last Saturday. The foliage was not exactly spectacular, thanks to the dry and warm weather. But what a lovely day it was (74 degrees F)! 

 The local Channel 3 captured a spectacular view of the Chattajack paddlers from above.

At the finish line, courtesy of the mvmaithai crew.

this brilliant color caught my attention at the Arts Bluff's district 

Fall won't be the same without some bright cherry chrysanthemums (from my garden, I might add).

A Trader Joe's opened in Chattanooga last summer. I was in the store last week and was so delighted to find some apple cider donuts! According to their Fearless Flyer, they came from a family-owned bakery in Western Massachusetts. We used to go apple picking in Massachusetts, so we know how yummy those treats are :-) Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

How are the fall colors in your neck of the woods?

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday and Bleubeard and Elizabeth's Altered Book Lover and Dare to Share.

Related Posts:

Falling for the South: Chattanooga, TN

Boating and Hiking in the Fall

Apples and Apple Picking