FEBRUARY
1, 6-7: Appalachian Trail Conservancy Hiking Workshops
Learn more about trekking the Appalachian Trail with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which is offering 10 classes throughout North Carolina and Georgia in February. Hiker Education Accredited instructors or individuals who've worked with the ATC will teach the workshops which will cover all aspects of planning a long-distance hike on the AT. Learn more about specific workshop locations and dates at appalachiantrail.org.
9: Pose Your Heart Out
Join UTC Campus Recreation for this inaugural yogathon to benefit the American Heart Association. The campus Aquatic and Recreation Center will offer three hours of yoga from 4:30-7:30 p.m. along with giveaways. Admission of $10 provides access to the entire event, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to benefit the AHA. Find out more at utc.edu.
11: An American Ascent
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Outdoor Chattanooga are hosting a screening of An American Ascent at the Robert Kirk Walker Community Theatre, as well as introducing a new group of multicultural, multilingual outdoor ambassadors. The documentary features the first African-American expedition to climb North America's highest peak, Denali. Find out more at facebook.com/events/1193366160678338.
14: Sunset Cruise
Are you and your dearest nature-lovers? Then consider celebrating your love for each other and the outdoors with a sunset trip through the Gorge on the River Gorge Explorer. The three-hour cruise is led by a naturalist - and the captains are all ordained ministers. (Wedding license not provided.) See the gorge as never before: through rose-colored glasses. Book via community.tnaqua.org/events/winter-1516/valentine-sunset-cruise.
19-21: Float the Boat
Don't miss this annual bouldering competition at Boat Rock Preserve in Atlanta, Georgia. The event includes a pre-party at Red Brick Brewing Company on Feb. 19 and the competition at Boat Rock on the 20th with an after-party at Mellow Mushroom. The competition supports the preservation of Boat Rock, which has been under threat in recent years from development and construction. Find out more at floattheboat.org.
20-27: Survival Preparation and Skills Course at Buck Shoals
Is our Trail Survival series inspiring you to learn more about survival in the wild? Georgia State Parks is hosting a preparation and skills course in Smithgall Woods State Park this month, featuring classroom and outdoor instruction on the psychology, planning and equipment necessary for survival. Find out more at gastateparks.org.
LOOKING AHEAD: MARCH
4-6: Chattanooga Marathon
The inaugural Chattanooga Marathon is hitting the streets March 4-6, taking runners from the Tennessee River, through downtown, to the base of Lookout Mountain and more. The event features a marathon, half marathon, team relay option, 5k and a kids' fun run. Find out more at chattanoogamarathon.com. Then, flip to page 48 for our complete race guide comprising races of all kinds throughout the region.