Erwin Marine Riverfront

A Wanderer’s guide to Erwin Marine Riverfront

Erwin Marine is the perfect place to dock your boat and explore all Chattanooga has to offer. Just steps away from sites like the Tennessee Aquarium and easy access to walking trails and fun spots to eat and drink, Erwins is a great home base to check out the sites of the River City.

Approach and Dockage

If you are heading upriver (east) you will pass the self-serve fuel dock and pump-out station first. It will be located on your starboard side next to a small row of covered slips in front of the marina office. The fuel dock is perpendicular to the river and will be a port side tie if you head in bow first.

Erwin’s operates four transient docks along the Tennessee River, all steps away from downtown Chattanooga. After leaving the fuel dock heading upriver (east), the first transient dock, the Olgiati dock, will be right before the P.R. Olgiati Bridge. This is where the marina office is located. Boats can tie up on either side of the T-dock (check with the dockmaster to confirm your spot). It also has access to restrooms. Half a mile up the river is Erwin’s Commercial Dock, where sometimes the marina will place you depending on need, however you will likely be sharing the dock with tourboats. Another quarter mile up the river you can tie up to the Aquarium Wall, which is a large concrete wall in front of the aquarium. Just a few steps farther up river is the last Erwin dock, the Bluff Floating dock, which is a floating dock with a gated entrance. On the Aquarium and Bluff docks, there is no protection from river traffic, which sometimes can be a bit rolly, but calms down at night. All docks will be on your starboard side if you are headed up river (east).

The current can be very strong in this part of the river, which can make docking challenging. The marina often does not have deckhands available to assist with docking, so be prepared to ask for help from neighboring boats or to dock on your own.

Marina Amenities

Bathrooms Mens and womens bathroom stalls are located at the Olgiati docks outside of the marina offices. They are open 24/7 and require a key code to enter. While they are available for all transient boaters, they are not close to the other docks. There are no shower or laundry facilities.

Pet Access The docks are located along the Tennessee Riverwalk, which is a biking and walking path along Chattanooga, so plenty of room to walk and take your pets to shore.

Fuel/Pump-Out Diesel/gas and pump out are available on the fuel dock in front of the marina office. They are self-serve so available 24/7

Proximity to Attractions by Land

We recommend spending at least a few days in Chattanooga to eat and explore all the city has to offer--here are some of our favorite spots.

Tennessee Aquarium (0.3 miles) There’s a reason this is one of the top-rated aquariums in the country. The aquarium is divided into two sections--one all about the sea and the other all about the river. Watching penguins dive into the water, sharks and humongous fish swim inches from your nose, stingrays glide underneath your fingers--it’s awe-inspiring no matter your age. The part we appreciated most was learning about the rivers and its wildlife--the water under your boat will never look the same again.

Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge (1 mile) About a quarter mile long, the Walnut Street bridge connects downtown Chattanooga to the north shore, and is one of the longest pedestrian-only bridges in the world. Walk, bike, or run to stretch your legs while also getting some great views of the city and the Tennessee River.

Tennessee Riverwalk (directly outside marina) Walk, bike, or run the 16 mile- Tennessee Riverwalk, which runs along the south side of Chattanooga from the Chickamauga Lock and Dam to near the Wheeland Foundry Trailhead. The path crosses attractions such as the Bluff View Arts District or Hunter Museum of Art as well as restaurants and breweries, making it a great way to get some exercise while exploring the city.

Classic Arcade Pinball Museum (0.6 miles) If looking for a fun indoor activity, spend an afternoon at Chattanooga’s Pinball Museum playing on their pinball and arcade machines dating back to the 1970s.

Lookout Mountain (Incline Railway Base 4 miles) When you cruise to Chattanooga, it’s hard not to miss the towering bluffs that line the Tennessee River. Believe it or not there's a whole town at the top and even a national park that memorializes events that took place in the area during the Civil War. There are a few ways to experience the mountain, but this is what we recommend. - Bike (or taxi) the 4 miles from Erwin’s (which is mostly on the Riverwalk) to the base of the Incline Railway. - Lock up your bikes and take a ride up the world’s steepest passenger railway to the top. - At the top, walk 5 minutes to Point Park and explore the grounds to take in some great views while learning about how Confederate and Union soldiers fought in the “The Battle Above the Clouds.” - Walk through Point Park and hike the Sunset Rocks trail for some beautiful views of the valley. - Head back along the trail to take the railway back down. If you decided to take a car up the mountain, you can also check out Ruby Falls or Rock City, both under a 10 minute drive from the top of the Incline Railway.

Dining

Main Street Meats (2 miles) This fun spot is half butcher shop, half restaurant--with a focus on sourcing locally. Come in for a drink (they have house-made cocktails on draft) and a chef’s choice charcuterie board or if you are hungrier try a burger or steak. If you’re looking to cook a special meal back on the boat, pick up some items from their butcher shop to go--or even one of their prepared meals if looking for something less intensive in the galley.

Flying Squirrel (2 miles) A fun, hip restaurant with a varied menu of easily shareable plates and full bar with an extensive cocktail menu. The plates come out as they’re ready so order a few and get ready to have a steady stream of delicious and unique dishes come your way.

Aretha Frankensteins (1.7 miles away) Located on Chattanooga’s north side, after crossing the Walnut Street Bridge, walk a mile to this cozy spot nestled in between residential homes. They’re open every day from 7 am to midnight, but if you come for breakfast don’t miss out on their infamous thick pancakes (you can even take a mix with you to make them at home).

Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery (2 miles away) If you’re looking for incredible breads, sandwiches and pastries, this is a must-stop. Try a cruffin (yes that’s a croissant and muffin in one and absolutely delicious) to accompany one of their many tasty sandwiches, all on their house made bread. They have an outdoor patio with a fireplace along with some indoor seating to make it a great spot to sit back and enjoy anytime of the year.

Clumpie’s Ice Cream (1.6 miles away) Local to Chattanooga, they have a few locations around the city and have been making handmade ice cream since 1999. Started by the son of a third generation candy maker, Clumpie’s is a proud Chattanooga tradition you don’t want to miss while you’re here.

The Whiskey Thief Rooftop Bar (0.6 miles away) When you need a break exploring the city, head to Chattanooga’s only rooftop bar for a handcrafted cocktail and to enjoy some of what Tennessee does best (whiskey) while overlooking the city. If you’re hungry, check out their menu, which changes seasonally.

Proximity to Attractions by Water

Chickamauga Dam and Lock (7 miles away) Chickamauga Dam and Lock is about 7 miles northeast of Erwin Marina and takes boaters 50 feet up and down. If you don’t head there by boat, you can also check it out by bike on the Tennessee Riverwalk.