RiverRocks, Chattanooga's new celebration of the great outdoors, has plenty of offerings for serious bikers, paddlers and runners. But even casual enthusiasts will find plenty to draw them outside over the next 10 days.
If your enthusiasm is surer than your muscle tone, just remember that mountain biking, paddling and trail running aren't your only options. We've scoured the calendar for a few highlights for the serious beginner and listed them below.
Just remember that RiverRocks' array of options is a good time to challenge yourself. You might just find a new hobby to put you in the advanced ranks of athleticism by this time next year.
MONDAY
* Pot House nature trail hike: Moderately strenuous 3.5-mile loop at high altitudes, 9:30 a.m.
* Paddling with Joe Jacobi: Olympic gold medalist leads discussion on paddling and RiverRocks at Tennessee Aquarium, 12:30 p.m. Free with Aquarium admission ($24.95 adults, $14.95 children 3-12).
* Rockin' on the River: Two-hour tour of river gorge on River Gorge Explorer, departing at 2 p.m. from Ross's Landing. $29 adults, $21.50 children 3-12, $18 toddlers.
* Moccasin Bend Civil War fortifications hike: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park historian Jim Ogden leads moderate, 1.5-mile, 90-minute hike around Union Army cannon positions on Stringer's Ridge, 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
* Indian Profile Trail hike: Moderate 2.5-mile or 7.5-mile hikes begin and end at Chattanooga Nature Center parking area, 10 a.m.
* Nicely walking tour: Irish Hill: Meet Chattanooga History Center staff at Hamilton County Courthouse to learn history of the area around McCallie and Georgia avenues, noon. $3.
* Rockin' on the River: Two-hour tour of river gorge on River Gorge Explorer, departing at 2 p.m. from Ross's Landing. $29 adults, $21.50 children 3-12, $18 toddlers.
* Standifer Gap Marsh bird talk: Dr. David Aborn of UTC leads program on importance of marsh habitat to native species at 6735 Standifer Gap Road, 3 p.m.
* Picture the Aquarium with Tom and Pat Cory: Hands-on instruction for photographing marine life, penguins and tropical butterflies, 6 p.m. $30 members, $45 nonmembers. Register at www.tnaqua.org.
WEDNESDAY
* Pot Point Loop trail hike: Moderate to strenuous 11.9-mile hike with considerable elevation change in Prentice Cooper State Forest, 9 a.m.
* Snoopers Rock hike: Moderate, 6.8-mile hike in Prentice Cooper State Forest, with lunch at the overlook, 10 a.m.
* Nature Walk at Reflection Riding: Explore the grounds with Tennessee Aquarium educator Bill Haley, 10:30 a.m. $8 Aquarium members, $13 nonmembers. Limited to 20. Register at www.tnaqua.org.
* Cory nature photography: Learn how to take photos through glass and water in Tennessee Aquarium's River Journey auditorium, 12:30 p.m. Free with Aquarium admission ($24.95 adults, $14.95 children 3-12).
THURSDAY
* Lookout Mountain Bluff trail hike: Easy, 9-mile trail with scenic overlooks and interesting geology, starting at 9 a.m. from Point Park. Bring lunch.
* Tennessee River Gorge cruise: Learn about bird species, surrounding landscape and history of the area aboard Blue Moon cruiser, 10 a.m. $29. Reservations required, 888-993-2583, www.bluemooncruises.org.
* "Call of the River": Screening of documentary about kayaking and paddling, produced by a Whitewater Hall of Fame inductee, 12:30 p.m. Free with aquarium admission ($24.95 adults, $14.95 children 3-12).
* Rockin' on the River: Two-hour tour of river gorge on River Gorge Explorer, departing at 2 p.m. from Ross's Landing. $29 adults, $21.50 children 3-12, $18 toddlers.
* Nicely walking tour: Ross' Landing: Explore the history of the site that was the northern edge of the Cherokee Nation with Chattanooga History Center staff, 6 p.m. Meet at CVB Visitors Center in Tennessee Aquarium plaza. $3.
* 20 Minutes and a Million Miles Away: Join Tennessee River Gorge Trust under a tent at Coolidge Park for music by the Bramble Roses, falconry display and activities relating to the work of the trust, 6 p.m. Food by Taco Mamacita, 212 Market and Food Works.
For more information
* Weekend spotlight: See today's FYI Weekend section.
* Complete schedule: www.riverrockschattanooga.com.