If you're looking for a leisurely float down the river, don't go rafting with Southeastern Adventure Tours.
Founded by native Chattanoogan Charlie Jones, a Baylor alum and longtime outdoor advocate, the new Tennessee River Gorge rafting company is the realization of a dream years in the making. The Red Bank-based business, which officially started up with the new year, offers both a three-hour River Gorge river safari and weeklong day camps for children which blend nature education with adventure.
Jones says he and his wife, Karen, built the company around five tenets: conservation, sustainability, education, safety and fun.
"We didn't put all of this together just to have a Disney ride," he says, though the three-hour raft tours promise a great deal of sun and entertainment. " I think every person is going to come away with a greater appreciation of nature."
Each tour accepts up to six people and gets participants within 5 feet of the shoreline to better view the wildlife, such as osprey, herons, deer and more, from the non-motorized raft.
"It's one thing to rent a paddleboard downtown, but it's another to be out in these waters," Jones says of the more secluded River Gorge paddling locales. "You've got this wonderful gift sitting out here. Let's get out there and enjoy it.
" Our business mission is to inspire a personal mission in others."
The camps also speak to that mission. Throughout the months of June and July, each will offer outdoor opportunities for children ages 7-14 of all skill sets, with the goal being to foster a passion and appreciation for the natural world.
Ready for a ride?
To learn more about Southeastern Adventure Tours, or to sign up for a tour or a summer camp, visit southeasternadventuretours.com or call 423-800-4644.Tours are currently offered Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with advance booking, and nature walks, mineral hunts and gold prospecting day hunts are available upon request.
Natalie Weidner, director of programs and operations, says the camps will focus on everything from sailing with the Privateer Yacht Club, going on nature hikes and canoeing, to water quality testing and more, taking participants all across Chattanooga.
"Starting kids with the basics is the most important thing," she says of how she created the curriculum to be both adventurous and educational. "They'll have a really fun time, but they'll also leave with information on how to maintain [the land]. We want to foster that so they have these resources when they grow up."