The Starlight Paddle takes kayaks onto the Tennessee River after dark Friday
Kayak, vest and headlamp provided.
Ijams Nature Center's Starlight Paddle is a two-hour guided trip on the Tennessee River after sunset on Friday, October 30, from seven to nine. Naturalists lead it from the boat dock at Ijams River Landing, pointing out the plants, animals and rock along the bank and the night sky above it, and the park provides the kayak, the life vest and the headlamp. It is for ages 14 and up, with anyone under 18 accompanied by an adult, and costs $45.
- When
- Fri Oct 30 · 7 – 9 PM
- Where
- Ijams River Landing boat dock · 3507 Island Home Pike (park there, not at Meads Quarry or the visitor center)
- Ages
- 14+ · under 18 with an adult
- Gear
- Kayaks, life vests and headlamps provided · bring your own vest or paddle if you like, not your own boat · bring water, dress for the weather
- Weather
- Mostly sunny Friday, 77, clearing to the 50s by nine
The practical part
Park at Ijams River Landing itself, down the road between the main visitor center and Meads Quarry, not at either of those lots. The park notes that its launch and dock have accessible elements but do not meet ADA requirements for a fully accessible dock, and asks anyone who needs accommodations to write before buying a ticket. Last weekend's Hunter Moon paddle was the last full-moon date of the season, so Friday's is the darker sky, and the forecast is clear: mostly sunny all day, into the 50s by the time the boats come in.
