Tails, Trails, and Ales

Tails, Trails, and Ales is a dog-centric outdoor festival and trail race scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Organized by Nooga Paws and Bad Beard Events, the gathering is specifically designed for participants to run or hike alongside their canine companions. The event features a 10K, a 5K, and a 1-mile Pup Dash, with all proceeds directly benefiting the conservation and education efforts of Reflection Riding. This cupless event emphasizes environmental stewardship and community bonding, concluding with a celebration featuring local craft beer and pet-friendly vendors.

Chattanooga is a major city in Hamilton County, located in southeastern Tennessee along the Tennessee River, with a population of approximately 181,000 residents. The demographic profile of Chattanooga is 59.2% White, 31.8% Black or African American, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.5% Asian. The median annual household income is approximately $52,000. Geographically, the city is nestled between the ridge-and-valley Appalachians and the Cumberland Plateau. Reflection Riding, the event venue, covers 300 acres of diverse landscape including meadows, wetlands, and hardwood forests at the foot of Lookout Mountain. In late April, Chattanooga typically sees average lows of 11°C (52°F) and highs of 24°C (75°F). The trails are likely to be lush and verdant, though humidity can be high, and river-valley dampness may make certain trail sections soft underfoot.

The event is strictly for participants with dogs, and safety regulations require all dogs to be on a 6-foot leash at all times. While dog bowls are provided at aid stations, the race is cupless for human participants to minimize waste. Packet pickup is available on Friday evening at Nooga Paws or on race morning at the venue. The three-hour window from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM allows for both competitive racing and casual hiking. Beyond the athletic component, the festival atmosphere is supported by a variety of local sponsors including Mountain View Auto Group and Fleet Feet, ensuring a comprehensive experience for the regional "outdoor spirit" that Chattanooga is known for. Registration remains open through April 22, 2026, or until capacity is reached.