Booker T. Washington State Park

Named in honor of Booker Taliaferro Washington, the famous African American educator, author, and advisor to several American presidents. Among the last generation born into slavery, Booker T Washington was freed by age nine and later became an advocate for higher education and civil rights for former slaves and their descendants.

Booker T. Washington State Park is comprised of 353 acres of outdoor recreation space. Visitors to the park enjoy the stunning scenery and the wide variety of things to do within the park. From a scenic biking trail to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, Booker T. Washington State Park has it all.

The swimming pool also includes a diving board and a children’s wading pool. There is a lifeguard on duty during swimming hours and is open seasonally. The park does not offer traditional campgrounds, but there are both a group camp area and a group assembly hall for events. For reservations of up to a year in advance, call the park office or visit the park’s website.

For boaters, Chickamauga Lake is a 35,000-acre impoundment that includes a boat launch and fishing pier. Bait, tackle, and licenses can be purchased off-site. The lake is open for fishing as well and is a great spot for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.

For day-use, the park has thee picnic pavilions that may be reserved up to a year in advance. Each pavilion will hold up to 60 people, and there are 30 individual picnic sites throughout the park, all equipped with grills and water spigots. For pricing and reservation information, contact the park office by phone or through the park’s website.

There is a single six-mile biking trail loop that features some uphill climbs, fast downhill slopes, and some banked turns. On foot, visitors can enjoy the walking trail, which is five miles long and ranked difficult but offers beautiful scenery.

If you bring your dog on your visit to Booker T. Washington State Park, be sure to keep them leashed or crated at all times and have proof of current rabies shot. If you’re looking for a great day-use park to get out and enjoy stunning views with your furry friend, make a stop at Booker T. Washington State Park.