About River Drifters
River Drifters is a paddling and tubing outfitter based in Chattanooga that specializes in getting people out on the Tennessee River and its tributaries for relaxed, self-guided water adventures. Their operation focuses on the kind of mellow, scenic paddling that Chattanooga's river system is perfectly suited for — calm stretches with views of Lookout Mountain, the Walnut Street Bridge, and the city's revitalized waterfront.
Their rental fleet includes single and tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and river tubes. Rentals come with paddles, PFDs, and dry bags, and River Drifters provides shuttle service to and from popular put-in and take-out points along the river. They offer flexible rental durations from a couple of hours to full-day excursions, and their staff can recommend routes based on experience level and how much time guests have. Tubing floats on nearby creeks are a popular summer option for groups and families.
What River Drifters does well is remove the logistics barrier to paddling in Chattanooga. For visitors without their own boats, the combination of quality rental gear and reliable shuttle service means you can be on the water within minutes of arriving. Their laid-back, friendly operation and competitive pricing have made them a favorite among both locals looking for a weekend float and tourists exploring Chattanooga's outdoor scene for the first time.
