Booker T. Washington State Park
CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY TRAILS ON A LAKE SHORE
Chattanooga’s mountain bike story begins here. Built in the late 1990s as the region’s first purpose-built mountain bike trail, Booker T. Washington State Park’s 7-mile singletrack loop remains a local favorite. Established in 1938 on a 353-acre peninsula along Chickamauga Lake, the park was created as a recreational area for African Americans during the Jim Crow era with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration. Today, it stands as both a fully inclusive public park and an important landmark in Tennessee’s outdoor history.
Despite its beginner-friendly rating, the trail delivers sustained climbs, fast descents, off-camber turns, and root-filled singletrack that keep every lap engaging. Beyond the trail, the park offers fishing piers, picnic areas, a boat ramp, and birding opportunities, making it an easy destination for riders and families alike.
DIRT DEETS
Total Miles: 7
Trail Breakdown: 3 green
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Land Manager: Tennessee State Parks
Primary Trailhead: Main Parking Area Near Pavilion B
Parking: Free
Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Fishing, Boat Ramp,
Playground, Lake Views
Special Notes: Open Sunrise to Sunset
NEARBY
EAT: Dockside Cafe, Sweeny’s BBQ, Shredder’s Lair
STAY: Harrison Bay State Park Campground, Island Cove Inn
PLAY: Paddling and Fishing on Chickamauga Lake
Recommended Routes
Booker T. Classic Loop
Distance: 6.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 489 ft
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Start/End: Main Parking Area
This route explores all three green loops at Booker T. Washington State Park. Ride the outer loop clockwise to tackle longer climbs early, then connect with Inner Loops 1 and 2 counterclockwise for the tighter, faster sections. Tight banked turns and off-camber corners keep you focused from start to finish. Scenic lake views make the climbs worth it.
Why ride it: Lakeshore views and a true piece of Chattanooga trail history.