Your Ultimate Guide to Boating in Chattanooga - Boat Dealer

You’re heading out for a day of boating in Chattanooga but aren’t sure what to do first! Don’t worry – Skier’s Marine has you covered.

Chattanooga, conveniently located on the Tennessee River, has numerous restaurants, marinas, parks, and popular tie-up/raft-up spots. You can also find on-water events such as concerts and watersports competitions throughout the year!

With so many options for fun, we created a guide to boating in Chattanooga to help maximize your time on the water.

Tennessee River Gorge

The Tennessee River Gorge is a 27-mile long stretch of the Tennessee River. It begins in west Chattanooga near the Suck Creek Boat Launch, wraps around Elder Mountain, and snakes over to Hales Bar Dam Marina. 

The Tennessee River Gorge Trust (trgt.org) protects over 17,000 acres along the Tennessee River. Several endangered species and archaeological sites call the Gorge home. If you’re lucky, you might spot an Osprey or Bald Eagle during your day on the water! The Gorge is a serene boating and fishing location in Chattanooga and a prime location for hiking, biking, and climbing. 

Suppose you’re looking for a great weekend spot full of scenic views, cabins to rent, and premier kayaking opportunities. In that case, the Tennessee River Gorge is your spot! 

WHERE TO LAUNCH:

Suck Creek Boat Launch, Raccoon Mountain Boat Ramp, Sullivan’s Landing, Hales Bar Boat Ramp

LOCAL MARINA:

Hales Bar Marina and Resort

Harrison Bay, Paradise Cove & Chester Frost

Heading upstream, you will find Harrison Bay and Paradise Cove, both on the east side of the river. 

Established in 1937, Harrison Bay was the first Tennessee State Park. It is still a popular location for both day-boaters and RV vacationers! The park includes 1200 acres of hiking trails, campgrounds, rentable facilities, a golf course, and a marina. 

Harrison Bay allows all types of boats and offers 24-hour access to the boat ramp at no charge. The marina is stocked with gas, snacks, ice and provides access to restrooms, pump-out service, and rowboat/fishing boat rentals. You can also find the Dockside Cafe tucked in next to the Harrison Bay Marina.

Paradise Cove may not look like much on a map, but it’s the hot party spot for holiday weekend tie-ups! 

The “Party Cove” is nestled inside Harrison Bay State Park and provides a private hangout spot away from choppy waters. During the week, Paradise Cove makes a quiet spot for fishing and kayaking, but the weekend guarantees an all-day social hour. 

Directly across the river from Paradise Cove, you will find Chester Frost Park and Campground. Chester Frost Park is an excellent location for family days on the water. Tucked away from the main channel, you can find the Chester Frost bay area off of the park’s shoreline. You may find less boat traffic here for your day of water activities!

A public boat ramp is convenient to the boat docks, beach, and picnic areas, making Chester Frost a prime home location for day boaters. A bonus at this park is the numerous activities for families and kids of all ages. Check the park’s website for upcoming movies in the park, kayaking, craft nights, and more!

Harrison Bay and Chester Frost Park both offer a quiet shoreline with ample outdoor conveniences. What Paradise Cove lacks in amenities, it makes up for in social hangouts and on-water entertainment! All three locations are close enough to downtown Chattanooga for easy access to the city but far enough to escape from the crowded waterways. 

WHERE TO EAT:

Amigos Mexican Restaurant, Dockside Cafe, Steve’s Landing, Lakeshore Grille

WHERE TO LAUNCH:

Wolftever Creek Boat Ramp, Chester Frost Park

LOCAL MARINA:

Island Cove Marina

Watts Bar

Watts Bar Lake is about halfway between Chattanooga and Knoxville and stretches from the Watts Bar Dam to the Ft. Loudon Dam. Several state parks and recreation areas are within an hour’s drive to Watts Bar Lake. Rhea Springs, Hornsby Hollow, and Fooshee Pass are a few lakeside campsites with a boat launch on Watts Bar. 

You will see various boats on Watts Bar Lake, from houseboats to jon boats, so make yourself at home! Some marinas in the area offer boat slips and cabin rentals for your weekend getaway too. 

WHERE TO EAT:

Nick’s Lakeside Grill, Crows Nest, Terrace View Restaurant

WHERE TO LAUNCH:

Watts Bar Dam Boat Ramp, Euchee Boat Ramp, Rhea Springs Boat Ramp, Foshee Pass Boat Launch

LOCAL MARINAS:

Lakeshore Marina, Terrace View Marina 

Honorable Mention: Parksville Lake

Parksville Lake is not on the Tennessee River but is just an hour’s drive east of Chattanooga. This smaller lake is the oldest in the Cherokee National Forest and is sometimes referred to as Lake Ocoee since it feeds the Ocoee River. If you need a scenic forest background for your boating photoshoot, head over to Parksville Lake! 

The lake has a few public boat launch locations and excellent recreational areas like Parksville Beach, Sugarloaf Park, and Mac Point.