The time listed is CENTRAL TIME. I have faith you can convert Nooga time into Central Time. We will meet in the Central time zone at the CENTRAL TIME @5:30 Pm

Meetup only lets me publish it in Eastern time

Learn how to calculate the time difference between two time zones using simple easy steps as a guide and examples to make the concept easy MASTERING TIME ZONE CALCULATIONS WITH MR. MALGAS

There you go

There are two options this event. We will Picnic beforehand then the very short paddle to watch the bats come out of the cave or you can walk to the observation deck and watch them come out.

No outfitter. Bring your own kayaks or paddle boards and gear. Or shoes to walk to the observation deck.

Some links at the end of this with more info

To see the bats emerge, timing is everything. On July 3, 2026, sunset in the New Hope/Chattanooga area is expected at approximately 8:00 PM CDT (9:00 PM EDT).

• Arrival at Maple View: Aim to arrive by 5:30 PM CDT. This gives our group time to picnic, unload gear, prep the boards/kayaks, and park.
• Launch Time: Plan to be on the water by 7:20 PM CDT.
• The "Main Event": The bats typically begin to emerge in mass roughly 15 to 30 minutes after sunset (around 8:15–8:30 PM CDT).
• Note on Time Zones: This area is right on the border. Maple View is in the Central Time Zone, but many local outfitters and visitors from Chattanooga operate on Eastern Time. Always double-check which "8 o'clock" your group is using! We are meeting at the Central Time listed.

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What to Expect

• The Paddle: From the Maple View boat ramp, it is a very short paddle (about 5–10 minutes) across the inlet to the cave mouth.
• The Emergence: You will be watching roughly 60,000 to 100,000 Gray Bats (an endangered species) exit the cave for their nightly hunt. It looks like a swirling "smoke" or a fast-moving ribbon of black against the twilight sky.
• The Boundary: The cave entrance is fenced off to protect the bats. You must stay outside the perimeter; do not attempt to paddle into the cave.
• The Return: You will be paddling back in the dark or deep twilight. The water is generally calm, but visibility will be low.

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What to Bring

Since you are heading out at dusk and returning in the dark, safety and comfort are priorities.

Essential Gear

• Navigation Lights: Per TVA and Coast Guard regulations, you must have a light source (a white flashlight or headlamp) to signal other vessels after dark.
• Life Jackets (PFDs): Ensure every person in your group has a properly fitted life jacket.
• Dry Bag: Essential for keeping car keys, phones, and towels dry.

Personal Comfort

• Bug Spray: The mosquitoes near the cave can be intense at dusk.
• Binoculars: Great for seeing the bats clearly before it gets too dark.
• Water Shoes: The ramp area can be slippery or rocky.
• Light Layers: Even in July, being on the water after dark can feel a bit cooler.

Rules of the Cave

• No White Lights on the Bats: Do not shine bright flashlights or headlamps directly into the cave or at the emerging bats. It disorients them and can harm the colony.
• Keep it Quiet: Loud noises can startle the bats and delay their emergence.

Other related stuff

The Mystical Cave Hidden Along The Tennessee River

Nickajack Cave Wikipedia

Cheap lighting kit for your watercraft-Amazon

Mr. Malgas Youtube channel for other pro tips on travel