Boat Ramps Nearby
Illustration Paddlers
Launch a kayak without getting soaked
Shore, dock and ramp launches step by step, plus the cart that ends the long carry from the car.
Kayak launch guideKayak & canoe launches in Tennessee
We list 57 kayak launches in 16 towns across Tennessee. Each one lets you get a paddle craft onto the water without backing a trailer.
Chattanooga 19
- Booker T State Park Ramp · Tennessee River
- Camp Jordan (South Chick) · South Chickamauga Creek
- Camp Jordan (West Chick) · West Chickamauga Creek
- Coolidge Park Kayak Launch · Tennessee River
- Coolidge Park Market Street (TN RIver) · Tennessee River
- Coolidge Park Tremont Street (TN River) · River
- Cummings Hwy (Lookout Creek) · Lookout Creek
- Eagle Bluff Vincent Rd · Tennessee River
- Hales Bar Lower (TN River) · River
- Hales Bar Upper (TN River) · River
- Maclellan Island (TN RIver) · Tennessee River
- Pot House (TN RIver) · Tennessee River
- Raccoon Mountain (TN RIver) · Tennessee River
- River Glade Rd · Tennessee River
- Ross's Landing Duck Boat Ramp (TN River) · River
- Ross's Landing Pier (TN River) · River
- Sterchi Farm Kayak Launch (South Chickamauga Creek) · South Chickamauga Creek
- Sullivan's Landing (TN River) · River
- Tyner Bayshore Dr · Tennessee River
East Chattanooga 8
- Chickamauga Dam Marina
- Chickamauga Dam North Shore · Tennessee River
- Lower Greenway Farm · North Chickamauga Creek
- Rivermont · Tennessee River
- Riverpark Lower · Tennessee River
- Riverpark Upper · Tennessee River
- Riverwalk/Greenway Dock (South Chickamauga Creek) · South Chickamauga Creek
- Upper Greenway Farm · North Chickamauga Creek
Jasper 5
- Bennett Lake Boat Ramp · Bennett Lake
- Bennett Lake Pier · Bennett Lake
- Lee Highway · Tennessee River
- Marion County Campground #1 (Nickajack) · Nickajack Lake
- Marion County Campground #2 (Nickajack) · Nickajack Lake
New Hope 5
- Macedonia Church (Cole City Creek) · Nickajack Lake
- Maple View (Nickajack) · Nickajack Lake
- Nickajack Powerhouse · Nickajack Lake
- Nickajack, Below Dam (TN River) · River
- Shellmound Ramp (Nickajack) · Nickajack Lake
Whitwell 4
- Condra Switch Road · Seqautchie River
- Frank Tate Road · Sequatchie River
- Ketner Mill Put In · Sequatchie River
- Mt Calvary Road · Old Sequatchie River
Dunlap 3
- Canoe the Sequatchie · Sequatchie River
- Stone Cave Road · Sequatchie River
- Water Company · Sequatchie River
South Pittsburg 3
- Ferry Road (TN River) · River
- Rivers Landing Rd (TN River) · River
- South Pittsburg Riverpark (TN River) · River
Harrison 2
- Harrison Bay, Intersection Harrison Bay Rd/Lasata Ln · Harrison Bay
- Wolftever Bridge Boat Launch · Harrison Bay
Chapel Hill 1
- Henry Horton Canoe / Kayak Ramp · Duck River
Franklin 1
- Eastern Flank Canoe Ramp · Harpeth River
Greeneville 1
- Murray Branch Boat Launch · Murray Branch
Loudon 1
- Kayak Launch in Loudon · Tellico Reservoir
Murfreesboro 1
- Thompson Lane Trailhead Canoe Ramp · Stones River
Signal Mountain 1
- Suck Creek Boat Ramp (TN River) · Suck Creek
Smyrna 1
- Canoe Ramp in Smyrna · Stewart Creek
Vonore 1
- Fort Loudoun State Historic Park Kayak Launch · Tellico Reservoir
Kayak & canoe launches by city in Tennessee
Illustration 
Illustration Life jackets
The life jacket rule for every paddler
What the Coast Guard requires on kayaks and canoes, and kids' vests with head support.
Life jacket rulesKayak & canoe launches in Tennessee: questions and answers
How many kayak launches are in Tennessee?
We list 57 kayak launches in Tennessee, most of them around Chattanooga (19), East Chattanooga (8), Jasper (5) and New Hope (5).
Which lakes and rivers have kayak launches in Tennessee?
Among others Tennessee River, River, Nickajack Lake, Sequatchie River and South Chickamauga Creek.
Do kayaks need to be registered in Tennessee?
Rules differ by state. Tennessee may not register paddle craft, but state parks or wildlife areas can still require a launch permit or parking fee.
Do you need a life jacket to kayak in Tennessee?
Every paddler in Tennessee needs an approved life jacket on board, and kids have to wear theirs.
Are there free kayak launches in Tennessee?
40 of the 57 are marked free in the map data, including Booker T State Park Ramp, Camp Jordan (South Chick) and Coolidge Park Kayak Launch.
Other states
- New York 211
- Michigan 136
- North Carolina 105
- Pennsylvania 94
- Maine 85
- Massachusetts 64
- Florida 62
- Minnesota 56
- Wisconsin 49
- Illinois 46
- Iowa 44
- Missouri 43
Guide: How to launch a kayak or canoe · All boat ramps in Tennessee