Is prior kayaking experience needed?

No, the tour is suitable for beginners and guided by experienced instructors.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars if desired, and enthusiasm for wildlife.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children of suitable age can participate, but parental supervision is recommended.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Tours may be rescheduled or canceled in severe weather to ensure safety.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility options are limited in the kayak setup; contact the business for specific accommodations.

Can I join the tour alone?

Absolutely—many guests join solo and meet other wildlife enthusiasts.

Sandhill Crane Kayak Tour with Chattanooga Guided Adventures in Birchwood

Birchwood, Tennessee, offers a prime window into wild winter wildlife with Chattanooga Guided Adventures' Sandhill Crane Kayak Tour. Launching from the calm waters of Hiwassee Island, paddlers are treated to a spectacle of thousands of soaring sandhill cranes, their haunting calls echoing across the landscape. This guided tour provides a rare opportunity to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat during their seasonal migration, a moment that feels almost cinematic in its scale and serenity.

The journey on these tranquil waters is as much about connection to the environment as it is about wildlife observation. The quiet of the kayak makes it possible to observe cranes—some with their vibrant red crowns—gliding overhead or wading leisurely through marshy areas. As the tour unfolds, guests can enjoy the crisp winter air and the gentle rocking of the boat while listening to the chorus of calls that fill the sky. To warm up after the paddle, hot chocolate is offered, sealing the experience with a cozy touch.

Chattanooga Guided Adventures has crafted this experience to highlight Tennessee’s urban-adjacent wilderness, bringing the drama of bird migrations to the forefront in a setting often overlooked by tourists. The Hiwassee Island area is a vital habitat for wintering cranes and other waterfowl, making the tour both awe-inspiring and educational. The reserve’s rich history as a crucial stop for migratory birds adds a layer of cultural significance, reconnecting visitors with the region’s natural and historical roots.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or new to paddling, this tour offers an accessible, memorable glimpse into Tennessee’s winter wildlife scene. It’s a standout adventure that combines active exploration with the quiet majesty of these extraordinary birds.

About Chattanooga Guided Adventures

Chattanooga Guided Adventures operates in Chattanooga, Tennessee, offering guided outdoor trips and mountain bike rentals that showcase the region’s rivers, gorges, and trails. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the company leads kayak experiences such as the Nickajack Bat Cave Sunset Kayak Tour, Fall Colors Kayak Tour in the Tennessee River Gorge, Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour, and seasonal wildlife trips like the Sandhill Crane Kayak Tour. Mountain biking options include guided rides at Lookout Mountain and a range of multi-day mountain bike rentals.

Each offering pairs guided instruction with local route knowledge and industry-standard equipment for paddling and mountain biking. Trips emphasize wildlife viewing and natural history—participants may see endangered gray bats, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and river otters according to trip descriptions—and include educational context about local ecology and infrastructure such as the Chickamauga Dam lock descent.

Chattanooga Guided Adventures provides rental packages that span two to seven days with a selection of well-known bike models and features like full suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and dropper seatposts listed in rental summaries. Tours are described as suitable for beginners and families where noted, and seasonal scheduling accommodates autumn leaves and winter crane migrations.

By combining guided experiences, equipment rentals, and location-specific knowledge in and around Chattanooga, Chattanooga Guided Adventures offers accessible outdoor adventures for paddlers and mountain bikers seeking wildlife encounters, scenic paddling, and technical singletrack riding. Trip offerings include sunset, seasonal, and lock-based experiences that highlight local ecology, scenic gorges, and historic river infrastructure for paddlers and riders alike.