Also known as the scenic city, Chattanooga’s access to outdoor activities and stunning natural vistas make it an ideal destination for your next Tennessee getaway. Visitors will love the city’s lush parks, waterfront walking trails, and historical architecture. Make sure not to miss out on the natural attractions and stunning views of the Chattanooga Valley at Lookout Mountain.
RiverRocks is a one-of-a-kind event combining outdoor athletic competitions with a spectrum of entertainment options, and it will take place October 6-21. The event will showcase water, rock, road, and bike competitions with events including swimming, team rowing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), bouldering, running, biking, and more. Patrons will also have the chance to attend more than ten live entertainment events at venues around the community. Catch the Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, and some of the best bluegrass musicians in the country at The 3 Sisters Music Festival. Families can head to the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center to participate in a variety of outdoor activities and watch some great nature adventure films at the Wild & Scenic Festival. Sculpture in the Sky will showcase a variety of large and vibrant kites with the beautiful Sculpture Fields as the backdrop. ResortsandLodges.com received the opportunity to interview Ann Ball, a representative for the event to learn more about this uniquely athletic experience.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
AB: This will be the seventh RiverRocks event.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
AB: Over the course of the two-week time frame we will have more than 50,000 people participate in and view the events.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
AB: The events attract a variety of audiences. We have many events that appeal to families like bike rides, canoe paddles, small runs, and short swims. We have entertainment events that appeal to everyone so, over the course of RiverRocks, there is something for everyone.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
AB: We took a group of existing activities (Chattanooga Head Race, StumpJump 50k, etc.) that were successful already and combined them into one big event. Then we encouraged those ‘tough’ events to add portions for less professional athletes, and they did. StumpJump 50k added a Family Run, the 7 Bridges Marathon added smaller runs over fewer of our bridges, and Swim the Suck added a Snail Darter for kids. The all-encompassing nature of our events is what sets us apart. Even if you aren’t a professional SUPer, you can participate in the Poker Paddle and have a great time.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
AB: There isn’t just one event. There are currently 31 events listed on the calendar, and that doesn’t even include one of our big entertainment events that are still ‘cooking’ and not quite ready. The full list of activities can be found on our website.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
AB: Chattanooga is full of unique places to stay. The easiest way to find lodging is to go to Convention and Visitors Bureau which has a list of all the places to stay in town. We have everything from all the big hotel chains to camping to hostels, to old mansions turned into B&Bs. The Bluff View Art District includes three old mansions that are now B&Bs, four restaurants, three art galleries, outdoor sculpture garden, and extensive landscaping.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?
AB: Most of the larger hotels offer a RiverRocks or 3 Sisters discount. Your readers just need to ask for a special discount for either of the festivals to see if a hotel has one. There are just too many to name.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
AB: It’s an opportunity for the city to put its best foot forward. Visitors and locals alike love the event, and the crowd grows each year.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
AB: Yes, downtown retail blossoms during the three weekends. The restaurants are packed, and retailers specializing in athletic gear like Rock|Creek Outfitters see significant increases in sales.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
AB: Chattanooga is beautiful year-round with the river running right through downtown. The public parks on and along the river offer a variety of activities, and the beautiful 18-mile Riverwalk allows walkers, bikers, and skaters to go from the Chickamauga Dam to Moccasin Bend. The fall of the year is spectacular, however, and we want everyone, of any athletic ability, to see our beautiful city during the fall. Chattanooga is a tourist paradise with natural beauty galore and RiverRocks is all for people of all interests and abilities. We want everyone to enjoy our lovely city, get out, get fit, and have a great time.
For more information about RiverRocks, please visit the event website.