Chickamauga Lake attracts millions of visitors each year, with over 810 miles of shoreline and more than 35,000 surface acres. The area offers two state parks, two county parks, four municipal parks and two wildlife centers. Chickamauga Lake provides the perfect setting for outdoor recreation enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Chickamauga Lake is a great for flat-water paddling beginners and families. The Big Ridge Small Wild Area is a 200-acre upland hardwood forest situated on a high ridge above the north shore of the reservoir at the dam. An easy 1.3-mile loop trail leads through the forest. Spring wildflowers include bloodroot, toothwort, larkspur, trillium, and mayapple.

Related Activities: fishing, hiking

Address: Chattanooga, TN

Distance from Outdoor Chattanooga HQ: 15 minute drive

Map(s) and directions: From I-75 North take exit 4 for Hwy 153 (Chickamauga Dam/Airport) to Chickamauga Lake exit

Activity type: leisure, family

Dates/Hours: open to public year round