Chickasaw State Park
Chickasaw State Park gets its name from the local Chickasaw Indian tribe that once lived in both Tennesee and parts of Mississippi. The park began its life as one of the many New Deal-era state parks that were built during the great depression. After 1955, all land management jobs were put under state control, at which time the forested landscape became an official state entity.
At 14,384 acres Chickasaw State Park is situated within both Hardeman and Chester counties and offers a dazzling array of activities and experiences. There are 12 miles of trails to explore once you make your way into the park, offering all sorts of different terrain. These trails are mostly unpaved and covered in packed gravel, which means they also make perfect cycling surfaces.
Hiking trails are open year-round and are excellent for canines provided you keep them leashed up. Doggie business stations exist at all trail entrances and exits, so do your part to help prevent these trails from getting covered in refuse. Both Lake Placid and Lake LaJoie offer boating and fishing for those individuals looking to catch their dinner. These lakes are both roughly 50 acres and have concrete boat launches free for public use. Keep in mind that boating in the state of Tennesee requires a license, so make sure to come prepared.
Canines are more than welcome to enjoy all parts of the lakefront and water, provided they stay leashed up throughout your visit. Free public swimming is available throughout the summer months, and specific areas are cordoned off each day. Public swimming areas are off limits. Chickasaw State Park offers a lot of educational programming throughout the summer months.
Working in tandem with local school systems, teachers are regularly encouraged to use the parklands as a makeshift classroom. With thousands of years of natural and human history contained within, it makes for a beautiful way to captivate the attention of students and adults alike. The Chickasaw Trading Post is a small museum and gift shop available to all guests. It's located right inside of the main entrance to the park.
