Booker T Washington State Park Trail

Thanks to the efforts of Owen Cyclery's Carson Orton and volunteers, Chattanooga now has a new mountain bike trail. The loop is located in the Booker T Washington State Park. This project took about a year to complete and was organized by Carson as a means to achieve his Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Merit Badge. The trail is about four miles long right now with more on the way. For more information come by the store or call 423/875-6811

Trail Description: Knarly, twisty, rooty, challenging, fun are the adjectives that come to mind after riding this trail. It is not for the faint of heart (unless you walk a lot as I did). But it is a really neat trail and a great technical training tool for honing your skills. It's amazing what a good workout you get in only four miles.

Location: Booker T Washington State Park

Highlights: The view of the lake is spectacular - most of the trail follows along the bank of Chickamauga Lake (sometimes a little closer than you would like). There are no long climbs but definitely a few short steep ones. Lots of twists and turns. Watch for the roots and deep ditches.

There is a $3 fee per visit. Wednesdays are FREE. A yearly pass is available.

Directions: To get to the trail head go east on Hwy 58 from Hwy 153. Watch for the brown park signs to Booker T Washington soon after the main business district. Take a left on Champion Rd, follow around to the right and turn left into the park. Go past the first parking area on your right to the second area down the hill by the lake. The trail starts at the far end of this lot.

This is a multi-use trail. Please respect the rights of other trail users and follow IMBA's rules of the trail. Always yield the trail to other users.

Webmasters notes: This was my first time to ride the trail and my first attempt with the GPS so there was a learning curve on both. We parked in the wrong parking lot so most of the last climb on the profile is on the road to the car. Also we missed one turn on the trail hense the large bump on the right of the map. I will go back again soon and do better - also record the few turns and the bridges. Great job, Carson and all the others at Owen Cyclery who put in lots of time and effort!

Click on the map for full size.

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