Best Places to Kayak Near Gatlinburg, TN

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Gatlinburg, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby15 Lakes14 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Tennessee

Top Picks Near Gatlinburg

a large body of water surrounded by trees1

Old 288

Standout kayak fishing on Tuckasegee River (Fontana Lake)

LakeBeginner21 mi away
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime2

Flat Branch

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a body of water with trees around it3

Whittier

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, concessions

RiverBeginner22 mi away
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Providence Rd (Parcel 2)

Tennessee · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Providence Rd Access Area

Tennessee · 14.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

Gator Point Marina

Tennessee · 14.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Highway 66 Bridge

Tennessee · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Mountain Cove Marina

Tennessee · 15.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Douglas Dam Campground

Tennessee · 16.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Douglas Tailwater Access

Tennessee · 16.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Inspiration Point, Inc.

Tennessee · 16.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near mountain during daytime

Anchor Down RV Resort

Tennessee · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding yellow kayak on river during daytime

Cowboy's Dock

Tennessee · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Roadside Picnic Area

Tennessee · 17.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

Moon Hill Bridge

Tennessee · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Lighthouse Point Marina

Tennessee · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Douglas Lake Marina

Tennessee · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a body of water from a kayak

Shady Grove

Tennessee · 17.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Bluffton Access Area

Tennessee · 18.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Walland Roadside Picnic Area

Tennessee · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Denton Access

Tennessee · 18.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a body of water from a boat

Seven Islands State Park

Tennessee · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Indian Creek Dock

Tennessee · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Dandridge

Tennessee · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Peery's Mill Park

Tennessee · 19.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

The Point Marina

Tennessee · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Swanns Chapel

Tennessee · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Flat Branch

North Carolina · 20.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Old 288

North Carolina · 20.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Bill Bennett (Coulters) Bridge

Tennessee · 20.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Cruze Landing

Tennessee · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Whittier

North Carolina · 21.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Walters Powerhouse

Tennessee · 21.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Gatlinburg.

Pigeon Forge, TN6 miSevierville, TN9 miTownsend, TN16 miCosby, TN17 miSeymour, TN18 miCherokee, NC18 miKodak, TN18 miWalland, TN19 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Gatlinburg, TN?

Top picks near Gatlinburg include Old 288, Flat Branch, Whittier. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Gatlinburg?

Near Gatlinburg you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Gatlinburg?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Gatlinburg are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.