Fort Loudoun Paddling

Notification Alert

Kayak Rentals Temporarily Unavailable

Kayak Rentals are closed for this season due to ongoing ADA construction at the park. The boat dock with kayak launches is currently ripped out, and we do not have an ETA for its completion. Park guests are still welcome to bring kayaks and put them into the water; however, they cannot drive to these points to drop off kayaks as they normally would.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the park office.

Large weathered tree stump on sandy shore with lake in the background.

Paddling at Fort Loudoun

Fort Loudoun State Historic Area sits on the bank of Tellico Lake, formed by the Little Tennessee and Tellico Rivers.

Tellico Lake stretches 33 miles up the Little Tennessee and has 357 miles of shoreline, providing opportunities for boating, paddling, fishing, swimming, and views of the Cherokee National Forest. 

Kayaks and standup paddle boards (SUPs) are available every day with the exception of garrison weekends and special events. Paddles and life jackets are provided. To rent, stop by the visitor center.

Bring Your Own Paddlecraft

You are welcome to use the kayak launch if you are bringing your own paddle craft. Please note there is no boat ramp at the park.

Island Loop Water Trail Map

Follow the guide below for how to explore the Island Loop Water Trail. You can download and print the map, or view it here online.

Rates

Kayak (single): $24 for 3 hours plus $8 per additional hour

Kayak (tandem): $36 for 3 hours plus $12 per additional hour

Paddleboard:  $24 for 3 hours plus $8 per additional hour

Download The Map

Steps to Load in Your Boat

1.

Put in at the park courtesy dock and go left.
2.

Hug the shoreline to stay out of the Little Tennessee River main channel. Go around the most northern end of the island where the Little Tennessee River and Tellico Lake converge.
3.

Keep the island on your left and continue south along the Tellico River. You’ll pass several small coves and during the low pool a few islands are visible.
4.

Watch and listen for great blue heron, loons, coots, hawks, Canada geese, and an occasional bald eagle.
5.

Continue under the bridge at Highway TN-360 and round the south end of the island. You’ll pass a boat dock connecting to the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum on your left.
6.

Keep an eye out for deer along the water’s edge. Continue hugging the shoreline and travel under another section of the bridge at Highway TN-360.
7.

You’re on the eastern side of the island. Enjoy viewing bluffs and the distant Unicoi Mountains along this stretch of river as it flows into a wide body of water commonly referred to as Tellico Lake.
8.

Pass the fishing pier, stay left, and round the bend of the river. The Tellico Blockhouse is visible on your right but not accessible from the water.
9.

Continue to hug the shoreline of Fort Loudoun Historic State Park to the take-out at the courtesy dock where you started your trip.