Accessibility at Booker T. Washington
  • Sunset over a calm lake with wooden piers extending into the water. Dramatic clouds fill the sky, surrounded by lush green trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
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    Accessibility at Booker T. Washington

    At Tennessee State Parks, we serve a variety of visitors including individuals with physical disabilities and those who may face other barriers to outdoor recreation. With a focus on accessibility, we continually strive to enhance our parks to better accommodate all visitors. Learn more about accessible features, amenities, programs, and services offered.  

    • Two men in wheelchairs and a park ranger standing by a lake.

    All-Terrain Wheelchairs

    All-terrain wheelchairs are specialized wheelchairs designed to navigate a wide range of terrains that may be encountered in outdoor environments.

    These are important to park visitors because they provide individuals with mobility impairments the opportunity to access and enjoy outdoor recreation areas that might otherwise be inaccessible.  

    Each park that has an all-terrain wheelchair trail can accommodate this specialized wheelchair. The chairs are free to the public and available for both children and adults. The chairs can be operated independently and offer the option of allowing caretaker control.   

    To help us serve our visitors better, we kindly ask that you give us advance notice if you’d like to use a wheelchair. While it is possible to request a chair upon arrival, there is a possibility that the chair may already be reserved for another guest. Advanced requests ensure the availability of wheelchairs and make your experience even more enjoyable.  

    Reserve an All-Terrain Wheelchair Now

    Accessible Facilities

      • American flags flying on poles at Booker T. Washington State Park.

      Visitor Center

      Begin your trip to Booker T. Washington State Park by stopping at the Visitor Center for a park map or to shop at our gift shop. 

      • Booker T. Washington Lake View

      Lake View Picnic Area

      Host a picnic at the Lake View Picnic Area next to Chickamauga Lake. The Picnic Area is equipped with a wheelchair-friendly table. Restrooms and a water fountain are located by the Fishing Area. The Picnic Area is free to use and not available for reservation.  

    Picnic Areas

    Continue your Booker T. Washington State Park trip by hosting a picnic or event at one of our shelters. Pavilions 1A, 1B, and Shelter 2 are wheelchair-friendly and are available to reserve. The pavilions include a kitchen, grill, fireplace, and access to restrooms. 

    Book a Picnic Shelter

    Historic Kiosks

    Booker T. Washington State Park got its name in honor of the black educator and leader Booker Taliaferro Washington.

    The 353-acre park hosts a few historic kiosks to tell parts of Washington’s story to park visitors. These kiosks are wheelchair-friendly and can be found on the park map. 

    • Booker T. Washington Timeline, Tuskegee Institute Panel 
    • Civilian Conservation Corps and Booker T. Washington Monument 
    • Cast Down Your Bucket Speech in Atlanta  
    • Brick pathway leading to a commemorative plaque by a lake.
    • An L-Shaped fishing pier stands on the lake. Trees along the shoreline are just beginning to show their fall colors against a bright blue sky.

    Fishing Opportunities

    Enjoy a day of fishing on Chickamauga Lake at the Fishing Area and Pier.

    Fishing is open year-round. Catch a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The Fishing Pier is wheelchair-friendly with a restroom and water fountain located nearby at the Kayak/Canoe Launch.

    Paddling Opportunities

    Chickamauga Lake Accessible Kayak/Canoe Launch

    An accessible kayak/canoe launch is available to visitors seasonally on Chickamauga Lake (May through September when water levels are high). Wheelchair-friendly restrooms, parking, and water fountains are available near the launch.

    • A park ranger speaks animatedly under a canopy near a pond, surrounded by green trees. Attendees listen attentively, creating a relaxed outdoor setting.

    Have Questions? Need Accommodations? 

    If you have any questions, comments, require special accommodations, or need assistance with interpretive services and events for someone in your party, we're here to help. 

    To fulfill requests for assistance, we kindly ask that you reach out to the Park Office at least 10 days before your visit. This will enable us to make the necessary arrangements to provide you with an enjoyable park experience. 

    Provide us with details about your needs so we can be well-prepared.