BoardSafe Creates High-Load, Heavy-Traffic, Waterfront Infrastructure at Ft. Loudoun State Park
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 8x80-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.
Norris Dam State Park Expands Water Access for All!
Norris Dam State Park is now more accessible than ever with the addition of two new waterfront access points at Norris Lake: a BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch, designed to make paddling possible for people of all abilities, and a BoardSafe Courtesy Boat Dock.
This collaborative project between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee State Parks also included parking lot and drainage improvements, creating a safer and more welcoming experience for all visitors.
The new adaptive launch allows paddlers, including those who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility, the ability to transfer into their kayak with greater confidence and independence. By separating motorized boat traffic from paddle craft, the new courtesy dock also improves safety and enhances the overall boating experience.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, TVA representative Brian Ross, highlighted how the project expands public access while supporting the shared commitment of TVA and Tennessee State Parks to provide outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities and protect Tennessee’s natural resources for future generations.
Learn more about the project's ribbon-cutting ceremony here: New upgrades finished at Norris Lake access point in Campbell County
BoardSafe Docks is proud to have designed, engineered, and manufactured the accessible infrastructure, continuing our mission to remove barriers and create universal access to water.
For more than 20 years, BoardSafe Docks has partnered with parks, municipalities, and recreation agencies across the country to design and manufacture commercial waterfront infrastructure, including adaptive kayak launches, floating docks, marinas, gangways, fishing piers, rowing centers, and pedestrian bridges.
Ready to make your waterfront accessible for everyone? Give us a call 📞 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website 🌐 BoardSafeDocks.com.
#BoardSafeDocks #AccessYourAdventure #AdaptiveKayakLaunch #Accessibility #UniversalDesign #TennesseeStateParks #TVA #NorrisLake #OutdoorRecreation
Spring is Calling...Call BoardSafeDocks
Spring is calling, and it’s time to get people back outside.
As parks, trails, and greenways come alive with warmer temperatures and longer days, access to the outdoors matters more than ever. That’s where BoardSafe Docks comes in. As an industry leader in accessible outdoor products and services, BoardSafe helps communities remove barriers and open the door to nature for everyone.
From beautifully designed pedestrian bridges, like the one shown here, to accessible kayak launches, fishing piers, and floating boat docks, BoardSafe’s solutions connect people to the outdoors in meaningful ways. Whether it’s crossing a quiet stream, exploring a riverside trail, or simply enjoying a scenic overlook, these structures enable individuals of all abilities to experience the benefits of being outdoors.
This spring, invest in infrastructure that invites everyone in. Partner with BoardSafe Docks and create spaces where communities can gather, explore, and thrive, because the outdoors should be for all!
For more information on our accessible solutions, contact BoardSafeDocks at 610-899-0286.
BoardSafe Docks Congratulates Bassmaster Winner, Dylan Nutt
BoardSafeDocks congratulates Dylan Nutt, winner of the 2026 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville, TN. His three-day total weight of 66 pounds, 13 ounces, won Nutt the iconic trophy.
Photos by J. Blackburn / Bill Dance Signature Lakes Facebook Page
Photos by J. Blackburn / Bill Dance Signature Lakes Facebook PageParticipants note this year’s tournament was one of the best they’ve experienced. Knoxville’s atmosphere was reportedly amazing, and its vibe and exposure packed the arena with a high-energy crowd to recognize Nutt’s win and support the anglers in what is known as the “SuperBowl of Fishing.”
BoardSafeDocks was pleased to be able to provide the starting gangways and courtesy boat docks utilized by the anglers at the Governor Ned McWherter, Riverside Landing Park in Knoxville, which was the official launch site for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 for more information on making your water access entry points accessible to all for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports Celebrate Tennessee's Outdoors
BoardSafeDocks and HivePaddleSports were proud to join the second annual Outdoors Day on the Hill, hosted by the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP) on March 24 in Nashville, TN.
With more than 650 members of the General Assembly and the public in attendance, the day brought together the people and organizations shaping the future of outdoor recreation across Tennessee.
Watch video here: Celebrating the 2026 Outdoors Day on the Hill
BoardSafe and Hive are honored to partner with leaders across the state to deliver recreational infrastructure, from floating docks and fishing piers to accessible kayak launches and kayak rental kiosks that connect communities to Tennessee’s incredible lakes, rivers, and streams.
These investments do more than create great experiences outdoors; they prove to
✔️ Drive economic growth
✔️ Enhance quality of life in parks and communities
✔️ Inspire stewardship of natural resources
The impact is real. Tennessee’s outdoor industry generated $15.6 billion in 2024 and supports over 114,000 jobs, ranking #1 in the Southeast and #2 in the nation for 10-year GDP growth in the outdoor recreation sector.
A big thank you to Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), along with state agencies and partners like Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee, for making this event possible and continuing to move outdoor access forward.
Outdoor recreation isn’t just fun—it’s fundamental to Tennessee’s future.
Events like this allow us to showcase our designs, engineering, and waterfront infrastructure that connects Tennesseans and their visitors to the water for endless adventures in boating, fishing, and kayaking. Thanks again, Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP), for an awesome day on the Hill!
#AccessYourAdventure #OutdoorsTN #OutdoorsDayOnTheHill2026 #TNConservation #TennesseeOutdoorsPartnership #OutdoorRecreation
BoardSafe Builds Waterfront Infrastructure for Bassmaster Classic
BoardSafeDocks designed and manufactured the waterfront infrastructure being used for this weekend's Bass Pro Shop Bassmaster Classic. The prestigious tournament offers free family events, thrilling competition, live weigh-ins, and an exciting expo, promising to make the "Super Bowl of Bass Fishing" a memorable event for all participants and attendees.
It’s always rewarding to see our docks put to work at events that bring thousands of anglers and fans to the water. Big thanks to the teams at Visit Knoxville and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov/twra) for collaborating with us and getting everything ready for the tournament.
BoardSafeDocks extends our good luck to all of the anglers competing this weekend — we’re proud to play a small role in making access to the water safer and easier for all participants. See you in Knoxville on the Tennessee River!
#BassmasterClassic #Fishing #PublicAccess #WaterfrontInfrastructure #BoardSafeDocks