BoardSafe designed and manufactured another high-load, heavy-traffic, storm-resilient waterfront infrastructure at Ft. Loudoun State Park in Vonore, Tennessee. The system includes an ADA 80-ft commercial gangway, an accessible kayak launch with adaptive features, and a courtesy boat dock that brings universal access to all looking to recreate on the water.
Location & Setting
The dedicated BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is located at the boat dock within Fort Loudoun State Park in Vonore, Tennessee. Launching from this site provides paddlers with direct, safe access to Tellico Lake in their no-wake zone, and the scenic Island Loop Water Trail, a popular 5-mile paddling loop circling the park’s island that features beautiful mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Inclusive & Accessible Design Features
Manufactured by BoardSafe Docks, this floating dock system offers ADA-featured infrastructure specifically engineered to provide safe water access for paddlers of all abilities, including wheelchair users, seniors, children, and individuals with lower-body paralysis or limited mobility. The universal access features include:
- 1:12 Sloped Gangway: Features a gentle, ADA-compliant slope equipped with continuous handrails and a built-in toe-kick safety edge for wheelchairs.
- Tiered Boarding Bench: Offers a wheelchair-height boarding bench with a specialized pull-out seat. This allows users to safely transfer themselves laterally over the kayak cockpit in a controlled manner.
- Overhead Roll Cage & Grab Bars: Provides a heavy-duty frame with varied overhead grab bar and hand straps that offer crucial upper-body leverage for entering and exiting the watercraft safely.
- Stabilizing Chute & Cradle: Includes a non-roller kayak saddle/chute that locks the vessel perfectly level and secure, completely preventing it from tipping or sliding during transfer.
- An 8×80-ft gangway and chute is secured to land at a poured-in-place concrete foundation. An 80-ft support arm offers additional security during storms, flooding or a change in water level.
- Three floating dock sections consist of one – 8 x 12 floating dock, and two – 12 x 20-ft floating dock sections, that serve as courtesy boat docks to local boaters and fisherman. The dock comes with a 16” freeboard for ease of use.
Lake Features:
Tellico Lake has 357 miles of shoreline and 15,560 acres of water. It offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a scenic and intimate experience in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
Fort Loudoun Historic State Park, located just 37 miles south of Knoxville, offers a surprisingly fun and unique day for a family outing.
At this Tennessee State Park, you get to enjoy one of the most beautiful waterfront settings on the shores of East Tennessee’s Tellico Lake and explore a reconstructed 18th-century British fort.
Children love the opportunity to run through the re-created walls of an actual fort and learn a bit of history along the way. Kayak and SUP rentals are available in season from the park’s Visitor Center.
History of the Park
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park has a lot to discover. It’s part of an 853-acre historical site nestled on the shores of Tellico Lake. Visitors may step back in time and explore a meticulously reconstructed 18th-century British fort, offering a glimpse into the French and Indian War era. On land, park guests may hike scenic trails, enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views, and become part of living history through reenactments and interpretive programs.
Plan your visit: The park address is: Fort Loudoun State Historical Park, 338 Fort Loudoun Road, Vonore, TN 37885.
BoardSafe Docks has helped the state of Tennessee make major strides in accessibility to the water with its adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, courtesy boat docks, gangways and pedestrian bridges. We hope you’ll get out there and enjoy the access to Tennessee’s beautiful sites, its history and enjoy your time on the water.
Contact us for more information at 610-899-0286 or through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.