Booker T. Washington State Park is located on the shores of Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga. It offers a blend of recreational opportunities and natural beauty, ideal for family outings and outdoor enthusiasts.
State Park3532+ Trails
1950STATE PARK
Designation
State Park
Total Wilderness Area
353
Elevation / Terrain
Diverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide
About Booker T. Washington State Park
Booker T. Washington State Park is located on the shores of Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga. It offers a blend of recreational opportunities and natural beauty, ideal for family outings and outdoor enthusiasts.
Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located twelve miles north of Chattanooga, Booker T. Washington State Park spans 353 acres along the western shore of Chickamauga Lake. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The park is named after Booker T. Washington, a notable African-American educator, and leader. It features a combination of forested areas and open spaces, providing diverse habitats for a range of wildlife. Amenities include a group camp, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, making it a versatile destination. It is particularly favored for fishing due to the abundance of species in the lake, including bass, catfish, and crappie. The park plays a significant role in community engagement, offering educational programs and hosting events that highlight the area's rich cultural history and natural resources.
Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations
Notable Destinations Near Booker T. Washington State Park
Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.
Located on the shores of Chickamauga Lake, Chester Frost Park in Chattanooga offers over 100 campsites and access to kayaking, fishing, and hiking. This family-friendly campground is busy in summer, with the best visit during mild spring and fall seasons.
Located 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Harrison Bay State Park offers RV and tent camping options lakeside. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and golfing in a family-friendly setting. Accessible by car, it's busy in summer but perfect for a year-round retreat.
Explore Chickamauga Creek near Chattanooga, TN, perfect for all paddling levels. From calm flatwater to thrilling currents, enjoy this serene waterway with stunning scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Explore fishing at Harrison Bay State Park in Chattanooga, TN. This location offers drive-in access to the scenic Chickamauga Lake, where fishing and kayaking are popular activities. Visit in spring and fall for the best experience.
Explore mountain biking at Booker T. Washington State Park near Chattanooga, TN. With approximately 4.5 miles of diverse trails, this area is perfect for beginners and intermediate riders. Enjoy scenic overlooks, technical sections, and a welcoming biking community.
Explore the 13.2-mile Tennessee Riverwalk in Chattanooga, TN. This easy route features scenic river views and is famous for running. Ideal for adventure seekers and history lovers, especially at Coolidge Park and Walnut Street Bridge.
A quiet suburban town offering access to gentle outdoor adventures with a close connection to Chattanooga’s outdoor playground and Tennessee’s scenic river corridors.
Experience the thrill of paddling through the Chickamauga Dam lock on this guided kayak tour set in Chattanooga. Witness the massive lock’s descent and learn about its history while floating on the Tennessee River—an unforgettable adventure awaits.
Take a flavorful journey through Chengdu’s renowned street food scene right in Red Bank, Tennessee. Join UnTour Food Tours and taste authentic Sichuan dishes with a lively market adventure guided by bilingual experts.
Enjoy a half-day of scenic cruising on the Tennessee River with Erwin Boat Rentals’ 23' Tri-Toon. Perfect for groups, this luxury experience offers stunning views and smooth sailing just minutes from downtown Chattanooga.
Discover a magical train journey through Chattanooga that combines storytelling, history, and fantasy. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, this experience brings a whimsical touch to outdoor fun in Tennessee.
Embark on a journey where railroads meet enchantment at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s ‘Rails, Wizards, and Spells.’ Located in Chattanooga, this activity transforms a traditional train ride into a captivating adventure full of magic, history, and interactive storytelling. Kids and adults step into a storybook setting, where Professor Americus Hillmore leads guests into an enchanted forest and demonstrates vintage engine demonstrations, weaving together the mechanical world of trains with legendary wizardry.
The scenic route showcases the natural beauty of Tennessee’s rolling hills and forests, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s storied past while engaging with imaginative characters. The experience emphasizes fun and discovery, making it a memorable outing for families, school groups, and anyone with a love for trains or fantasy.
The museum’s commitment to preserving railroad history while adding a layer of magical storytelling makes it a noteworthy stop in Chattanooga’s outdoor scene. The activities are designed to be inclusive and engaging, creating a perfect blend of education and entertainment.
For visitors interested in a hands-on experience, witnessing a steam engine demonstration provides a glimpse into the power and artistry of 19th-century railroading. The interactive elements ensure that every trip feels personalized and immersive.
Whether you’re seeking a whimsical day out, a chance to learn about historic locomotives, or a fun fantasy adventure, ‘Rails, Wizards, and Spells’ fits perfectly into your Tennessee adventure itinerary. It’s a stand-out destination that elevates outdoor recreation in Chattanooga with a splash of magic and nostalgia.
Step into the story of Tennessee Valley railroads at TVRM’s all-day Exhibit Admission. Discover historic railways, the golden age of passenger travel, and the daring Railway Post Office era through immersive displays and cherished artifacts.
Discover Chattanooga’s rich rail history aboard the Missionary Ridge Local. This scenic train ride combines stunning bridges, historic tunnels, and hands-on demonstrations, creating a memorable adventure for all ages. Perfect for history buffs and families alike, it’s a journey through Tennessee’s fascinating past.
Discover Chattanooga from the water with L2 Outside’s kayak and paddleboard rentals. Glide past city landmarks, enjoy scenic views, and experience the river’s calm waters—all at your own pace, for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Discover the city’s waterways with a quick kayak or paddleboard rental downtown. Perfect for a relaxing hour on the water with stunning city views and local wildlife spotting—ideal for all skill levels.
Discover Chattanooga’s aquatic side with a simple kayak or paddleboard rental from L2 Outside. Perfect for a quick, scenic adventure along the Tennessee River, these rentals make enjoying the water easy for all skill levels. Read on to find out what makes this experience a must-do in Chattanooga’s vibrant outdoor scene.
Discover Chattanooga’s lively waterfront on a full-day boat trip with Erwin Boat Rentals. Perfect for groups, this trip offers a relaxed way to enjoy the Tennessee River and downtown sights from the water. Read on to learn more about what makes this adventure a must-do in Chattanooga.
Discover the Tennessee River aboard a spacious Tri-toon boat with Erwin Boat Rentals. This half-day adventure offers scenic cruising, relaxing on the water, and easy access to local attractions. Perfect for groups and newcomers looking for a laid-back aquatic outing in Chattanooga.
Explore Chattanooga’s haunted history on the Chattabooga Ghost Walk, a private walking tour filled with ghost stories and historical insights. Discover the spooky side of this Tennessee city after dark.
