Harrison Bay State Park
| Harrison Bay State Park | |
|---|---|
 Harrison Bay State Park, October 2011 | |
 | |
| Type | Tennessee State Park |
| Location | Harrison, Tennessee |
| Area | 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) |
| Elevation | 628–700 ft (191–213 m)[1] |
| Created | 1930s |
| Operated by | Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation |
| Open | Year-round, dawn until dusk (Marina open March–October[2]) |
| Website | Harrison Bay State Park |
Harrison Bay State Park is a 1,200-acre (4.9 km2) state demonstration park developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1930s along the shores of Chickamauga Lake. Opened in 1937, the bay gets it name from the now partially submerged town of Harrison, Tennessee. It was built at the same time as Booker T. Washington State Park.[3]
The park has a 4.2-mile (6.8-km) hiking path around the lake and has facilities including a swimming pool, a playground, a golf course, tennis courts, a restaurant, a campground, and a marina.[1][4]
Harrison Bay State Park is consistently ranked among the top spots for residents of the Chattanooga area.[5] It is one of the most popular destinations for both locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. The park’s extensive 40-mile trail system caters to both casual hikers and serious trail runners, while the 4.5-mile Bay Point Loop Trail, with its scenic views of Chickamauga Lake, remains a favorite among visitors.
Fishing is another major attraction at Harrison Bay State Park, with Chickamauga Lake being recognized as one of the top bass fishing locations in the United States.[6] The park also features a marina and a golf course, further enhancing its appeal to tourists and contributing to the local economy. According to a study by the University of Tennessee, state parks like Harrison Bay generate significant economic benefits for their surrounding communities, with visitor spending contributing to job creation and local businesses.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Molloy, John (2020). Five-Star Trails: Chattanooga (2nd ed.). Birmingham: Menasha Ridge Press. ISBN 978-1634043052. LCCN 2020025992.
- ^ DeHaan, Vici (1996). State Parks of the South: America's Historic Paradise. Boulder, CO: Johnson Books. p. 326. ISBN 1-55566-167-X. LCCN 96001303.
- ^ "Harrison Bay State Park". Tennessee State Parks. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020.
- ^ Logue, Victoria Steele (2015). Hiking Tennessee. Human Kinetics. pp. 196–197. ISBN 978-1450492065. LCCN 2014046741.
- ^ "Top 3 most popular vacation spots near Chattanooga". RV Trailer. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
- ^ "Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency - TN.gov". www.tn.gov. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
- ^ Cohen, M. (2019). Economic Impact of State Parks in Tennessee. University of Tennessee Press.
External links
[edit]35°10′35″N 85°7′7″W / 35.17639°N 85.11861°W
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