Distance: 3.5 – 7.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 531 ft.
Estimated Time: 2-4 hrs.
Style: Loop

Parking Fee: Free

Booker T. Washington State Park is a beautiful natural area alongside Chickamauga Lake. A short 25 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga you’ll find excellent hiking, mountain biking, and trail running with stunning lakeside views. This guide provides detailed directions for four of the park’s five trails. You get to choose-your-own-adventure with this hike, as it’s very easy to add or skip trails sections as you go.

Trailheads: There are two trailhead options for this loop hike. The first option is the “Nature Trail” parking lot (labeled “Parking Lot #1” on the map below). The second option is the “Mountain Bike Trail” parking lot (labeled as “Parking Lot #2 on the map below). After entering the park you will pass the park office building, continuing straight through the stone gates. Soon you will come to the Nature Trail parking lot, directly on your right. Park here, or continue straight on the main road. Turn right when you see the sign for “Mountain Bike Trail.” You will see a trailhead kiosk at the far end of both lots.

Mileages Based on Route:

• Nature Trail/Outer Loop Only – 4 miles
• Nature Trail/Outer Loop + Inner Loop #1 – 5.2 miles
• Nature Trail/Outer Loop + Inner Loop #2 – 6.25 miles
• Nature Trail/Outer Loop + Inner Loop #1 & Inner Loop #2 – 7.45 miles

**Trail mileages listed below were measured using my Garmin GPS watch. They are approximate, not exact. Please only use them as a general guide.

Park Address: 5801 Champion Road, Chattanooga, TN 37416

Let’s go! Take screenshots and follow along as you hike.

If you opt to start at Lot #1, look for the trailhead at the far end, beyond the wooden map kiosk. This lot has room for 30+ cars. There are trashcans, but no picnic tables or restrooms available at this time. From this start, continue straight on the Nature Trail until you reach the intersection with the Outer Loop Trail (6 slides below). Roughly 0.5 miles. Avoid turning onto any other trails/off-shoots.

If you opt to start at Parking Lot #2, look for the trailhead at the far end of the lot near the lake. This Lot has trashcans, picnic tables, and a restroom building nearby. Follow the gravel path veering right.

The following directions/mileage numbers will continue as if starting from this trailhead and taking both inner loops.

Shortly after you’ll come to your first fork. Veer left.

There’s a park trail map posted here. The Nature Trail + Outer Loop Trail are marked with blue blazes, Inner Loop #1 is marked with green blazes, and Inner Loop #2 is marked with orange blazes.

Continue straight on the path, following along the lakeside.

(0.35 miles into hike) Come to an intersection with the Outer Loop Trail. Veer Left. There is no trail sign marking this turn.

If you started from the “Nature Trail” Trailhead, this is where you will intersect with the Outer Loop Trail. As depicted above, you will arrive at the intersection coming from the southeast direction. Make a left turn off of the nature trail followed by an immediate right turn to follow the blue arrow above.

Hike across a couple fun bridges 🙂

Roughly 1 mile into the hike you’ll arrive at a sitting bench just off trail. Great spot for a water break and some lake views.

(1.55 miles into hike) Reach the first intersection with Inner Loop #1. Make a right here to follow Inner Loop #1 (1.2 miles) through the woods and reconnect with the Outer Loop at the next intersection. Make a left here to bypass Inner Loop #1 and continue on the Outer Loop only.

A lovely wooden trail map on display at the intersection.

This is the sign for the second intersection with Inner Loop #1. If you chose to take Inner Loop #1, you’ll reach this intersection at the end of the loop. Turn right to continue on the Outer Loop Trail.

If you chose to bypass Inner Loop #1, simply continue straight on the Outer Loop Trail.

(3.4 mi into hike) Arrive at the first intersection for Inner Loop #2. Make a right to take Inner Loop #2 (2.25 miles) through the woods and reconnect with the Outer Loop at the next intersection. Make a left to bypass Inner Loop #2 and continue on the Outer Loop.

The Inner Loops don’t provide lakeside views, but they are nice and quiet. They’re a great option if you want to spend some extra time in the woods or extend your trail run/ride.

You may notice a handful of “off-shoot” trails. These lead to nearby roads, neighborhoods, lake access, etc. To stay on trail, avoid these off-shoots. Continue on the main trail.

(5.6 miles into hike) Come to the second intersection with Inner Loop #2. If you’ve just completed Inner Loop #2, make a right to continue on the Outer Loop Trail. If you bypassed Inner Loop #2, simply continue straight on the Outer Loop.

Moments later you’ll see another trailside bench with a great view. Time for a snack break!

(5.8 mi into hike) As you continue on the Outer Loop, you’ll pass a sign saying “Leaving BTW Park.” This is ok. Continue straight to stay on the Outer Loop Trail. The trail transitions onto public land for a short segment and will rejoin BTW soon.

Moments later you’ll come to an intersection. Turning left with take you to a road. Turn right to stay on the Outer Loop Trail.

After turning right, stay on the wider path heading uphill.

The smaller trail on the right is a short cut. If you want to cut 0.3 miles or so off of the Outer Loop, turn right. You’ll reconnect with the main trail shortly.

(5.9 mi into hike) Veer right here to stay on trail. Left with take you to a road (road is visible).

(6.3 mi into hike) Reach an intersection with a wooden trail sign and bench. Turn right to cross over the small bridge.

Another lovely sign

Just after the last intersection, you’ll reenter the state park.

(6.5 mi into hike) This one’s easy to miss. The path makes a wide left turn. Go left. Shortly after this turn you will see a blue blaze on a tree with the #13.

(6.8 mi into hike) Arrive back at the intersection of Nature Trail & Outer Loop Trail. To Return to Parking Lot #1, veer left. To Return to Parking Lot #2, veer right. You have roughly 0.5 miles to go.

If you started at Parking Lot #2, but want to complete the full Nature Trail, veer left here. When you reach the intersection allowing you to go left (Parking Lot #1) or straight, go straight. This will eventually reconnect you with the main trail. Turn left to head back to Parking Lot #2. Refer to the map at the beginning of this guide for visual reference.

You made it! Find a picnic table by the lake and soak in some sun before heading out. Happy Trails 🙂

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