As the air gets colder and people bunker down inside until spring, many Chattanooga-area residents will head outdoors to enjoy what some say is the best outdoor recreation time of year.
Chattanooga's mild climate provides year-round outdoor opportunities, with fall and winter being especially popular for climbing, bouldering, mountain biking, hiking and trail running.
"Honestly, these are my favorite months in front of us right now for being outdoors," says Rock/Creek owner Chad Wykle. "I love them, and I think a ton of people who are outdoor enthusiasts love it, too. The cooler temperatures make for a better experience."
Customers continue to flood the retailer throughout fall and winter, preparing for outdoor activities as the calendar heads toward the new year. The store sees an influx in base layer and breathable clothing purchases along with climbing gear.
The cooler, dryer weather is ideal for climbing, Wykle says, and his customers' purchases reflect that. The cool weather keeps climbers' hands dry, allowing for better grip and an easier climb.
"This is the season for rock climbing," he says. "Now through winter and into the early spring is the best time to be out rock climbing. It's all performance-related. Fingers are tackier, stickier, on the rock. This is the time of year to be outside."
Wykle is not the only one who thinks fall and winter are the ideal outdoors seasons. Outdoor Chattanooga sees recreational activity pick up throughout fall, program coordinator Terri Chapin says, adding that this is her favorite time of year to hike.
The program has an uptick in web traffic and more visitors in its office. Fall break is especially popular for visitors, Chapin says, and October is usually the busiest outdoors month with River Rocks and other events. From then until spring, mountain biking, hiking and climbing become especially popular as it gets colder. This is the time the area's trail systems get a lot of use, she says.
"That's what's attractive in our area: We have the seasons," she says. "In the fall, it seems there's a lot more focus on mountain biking, especially. It tends to be somewhat dry and not as hot. It's nice to get out when it's cooler."
While the cool seasons are ideal for local outdoor enthusiasts, that has not translated to a sizable increase in winter tourism. Winter is the slowest season for tourism in the city, according to Bob Doak, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. However, Doak says outdoors enthusiasts continue to visit the city year-round, exploring the area's mountains while visiting the city's restaurants and hotels.
There are 63 million people within 400 miles of Chattanooga. Having trails, mountains and wilderness so close to a vibrant downtown makes the city a destination for many of those people looking for a weekend getaway, he says.
"You combine all that and encompass it with the amazing outdoor opportunities in Chattanooga, we believe that makes for an incredible time," Doak says.
This winter also will be especially popular for paddlers. A rock slide above the Ocoee River will allow for paddling throughout winter. A large rock damaged the flume Tennessee Valley Authority uses to transport water for power generation, meaning the water is currently being diverted through the river. That act of nature has paddlers rejoicing as they will be able to enjoy the area's grand rapids during a time the river is usually barren.
Contact Mark Pace at mpace@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @themarkpace and on Facebook at ChattanoogaOutdoorsTFP.