For your next adventure, look no further than the middle of the Tennessee River. Audubon Island, also known as the Maclellan Sanctuary, is an island wildlife sanctuary located right offshore in downtown Chattanooga. The island offers a unique downtown wilderness experience where you can spend an afternoon hiking around the island’s loop trail, wildlife watching or lounging by the water’s edge.
“The issue is having a way to get out there,” says Kyle Simpson, the sanctuary manager for the Chattanooga Audubon Society. “We get calls all the time from visitors who see the bridge running out to the island and wonder if they can just drive out there.”
Simpson recommends renting a standup paddleboard from L2 Boards as a unique way to paddle out to the island.
Mark Baldwin, owner of L2 Boards, says renting a standup paddleboard is an easy and fun way to explore the island and surrounding river.
“It is a unique experience to get on the river downtown,” Baldwin says. “There are tons of things to do. It is great just getting out on the water on a hot summer day and enjoying it.”