Blue Cove Lake, 340 County Road 116, Athens, TN 37303, US

Chester Frost Park is a county park open year-round in Hixson, Hamilton County, Tennessee. A lesson in contradiction, the park has an unusual blend of woodsy areas and sandy beaches. Active types will enjoy the swimming, boating, fishing, playground, sand volleyball area and tennis courts. For relaxation, trail walking, campsites, picnic tables, covered shelters and a pond with fountain are available.Parking and public transportation at Chester Frost ParkParking spaces are abundant at the park. Campers and boat trailers can be accommodated. It isn't necessary to walk far to reach the beach, picnic tables, etc. No public transportation is available.Best and worst time to go to Chester Frost ParkSwimmers will want to visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the beach is bustling with activity and all amenities are open. Camping fully opens April 1st and closes at varying times in the fall, dependent on weather. Those seeking solitude will want to visit December through March. The worst times to visit are Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends due to crowds.Admission to Chester Frost ParkThere is no admission fee to the park and dozens of picnic tables are available, as well as grills, restrooms, and showers. Fees are charged for camping, with tent sites and camper sites available. Some sites include water and electricity. Shelters and a large pavilion are available for rent in 4-hour or all-day increments. Swimming, boat launching, tennis courts, and volleyball are free.Must see/do at Chester Frost ParkLeashed pets are welcome in many areas of the park and walking dogs on the short trails is a popular activity. History buffs can actually walk a segment of the Trail of Tears, the path of the Cherokee removal in the 1830s. A haven for birdwatchers, even the quickest trip through the park is likely to elicit close-ups of seagulls, cranes, woodpeckers, ducks and geese. Large evergreens are home to squirrels, and larger mammals are seen on occasion. Fishing occurs from watersides, piers, and private boats. Kids will love the large playground area.Other places to visit near Chester Frost ParkLocally-owned La Fiesta Mexican Grill, the best Mexican restaurant in 50 miles, is three miles north, at 8523 Hixson Pike. A southern Farmer's Market is open on Saturday mornings, year round, near the entrance to the park at St. Alban's Episcopal Church. Crafts, country eggs, produce in season, baked goods and much more are available.Insider tip for visitors to Chester Frost ParkBring a picnic as the property only has soda vending machines. Unless you're camping, some parts of the park close at dusk and others at 10 p.m. Fair lovers shouldn't miss the county fair the last weekend in September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During this time only, visitors must park off-site and be transported to the park via shuttle (fare required). Tip: If camping is your thing, ask about "Smokemont." This area of the park is open year-round, but little known, even to locals.J. Lucy Boyd is a professional writer and Chattanooga resident who loves finding the historical significance of everyday places.