Accessible Kayak Launch Locations

Kayaking is a great outdoor water activity! Accessible kayaking is growing throughout the United States. With adaptive equipment and launching docks/piers, kayaking is more possible than ever before.

In addition to barrier-free pathways and ramps, accessible docks/piers are equipped with a self-propelling launch to enter the water gradually. At some locations, a small, backless seat or bench is permanently in place to assist in the transition from wheelchair to kayak. To propel into the water, different designs use different methods, but all include some grab-rails right beside the kayak.

The following is a growing list of wheelchair accessible piers and docks to kayak in rivers, creeks, lakes, bays, or the ocean. If you know of another accessible spot to be added to this list, please say something.  

Arizona

• Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Peoria: The park features accessible kayak launches with sturdy, non-slip surfaces and grab bars to assist with transfers.
• Lake Powell, Page: This location offers accessible kayak ramps with railings, designed for ease of use.
• Saguaro Lake, Mesa: The marina provides accessible floating docks with handrails for secure entry and exit.

California

• Berkeley Marina, Berkeley
• Big Bear Lake, Big Bear: Features accessible docks with transfer benches and handrails. Located at the East Ramp of the Carol Morrison Public Boat Launch.
• Lake Natoma, Sacramento: Accessible docks and kayak launch platforms with transfer assistance.
• Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, Richmond
• Pier 39, San Francisco
• Vasona Lake Park, Los Gatos

Colorado

• Boyd Lake State Park, Loveland: Accessible launch ramps with transfer benches and handrails.
• Chatfield State Park, Littleton: Offers accessible docks with non-slip surfaces and railings.
• Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora: Features accessible kayak launches with handrails and transfer platforms.

Florida

• Everglades National Park, Homestead: Accessible kayak launches with handrails and non-slip surfaces.
• Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area at the Palmdale Campground, Venus, Glades County
• Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, Flagler Beach
• Sirenia Vista State Park, Cape Coral

Georgia

• Fort Frederica National Monument, Glynn County
• Lake Lanier, Gainesville: Accessible docks with transfer benches and handrails.
• Olde Rope Mill Park, Woodstock (on the Little River)

Michigan

• Holland State Park, Holland: Accessible launch ramps with non-slip surfaces and handrails.
• Proud Lake Recreation Area, Commerce Township: Features accessible docks with transfer benches and handrails.
• Rifle River State Rec Area, Lupton: Accessible kayak launch platforms with handrails.

New York

• Allegany State Park, Salamanca: Accessible docks with transfer benches and railings.
• Mercer Park, Baldwinsville
• Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls: Accessible launch areas with handrails and transfer platforms.

Ohio

• Ariel-Foundation Park, Mount Vernon
• Buckeye Lake State Park, Perry County
• Cowan Lake State Park, Clinton County
• French Creek Reservation/Steel Mill Trail, Lorain County (Map)
• Mentor Lagoons Marina, Mentor
• Seneca Lake Park, New Philadelphia
• VOA Lake at Voice of America Metro Park, Butler County

Oregon

• Eel Lake, William M. Tugman State Park
• Silver Falls State Park, Silverton: Features accessible kayak docks with transfer benches and railings.
• Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne: Accessible kayak launch platforms with handrails.

Pennsylvania

• Leaser Lake in New Tripoli
• Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown: Accessible kayak launch ramps with non-slip surfaces and handrails.
• Nockamixon State Park, Quakertown: Features accessible docks with transfer benches and railings.
• Presque Isle State Park, Erie: Accessible launch platforms with handrails and firm surfaces.

Texas

• Brazos Bend State Park, Needville: Accessible kayak launches with handrails and non-slip surfaces.
• Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch: Features accessible docks with transfer benches and railings.
• Lady Bird Lake, Austin: Accessible kayak launch platforms with handrails and non-slip surfaces.

Washington

• Deception Pass State Park, Oak Harbor: Accessible launch ramps with handrails and non-slip surfaces.
• Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah: Features accessible kayak docks with transfer benches and railings.
• Silver Lake Park, Everett: Accessible kayak launch platforms with handrails and transfer assistance.