Legacy Parks Foundation and Knox County celebrated the opening of Karns Landing today marking another milestone toward creating a countywide accessible water trail.
Karns Landing is the third adaptive boat dock completed on Beaver Creek, joining Powell High Landing and Roy Arthur Stormwater Park. Located approximately 5.5 miles downstream from Roy Arthur Stormwater Park, Karns Landing serves as an integral public access point to Beaver Creek and adds to the growing number of adaptive recreational opportunities in the region.
“Close to home recreational opportunities have become more important to all of us and the Beaver Creek Water Trail is an excellent resource so close to where many of us live and work,” said Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation.
Beginning as a spring in the Gibbs community, Beaver Creek flows approximately 44 miles through much of Knox County before joining the Clinch River. Along the way, the watershed passes through five communities, providing valuable opportunities for paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
Designed with accessibility in mind, the new launch features an ADA-compliant gangway and ramp, handrails, transfer area, and wide platform that makes entering and exiting a kayak or canoe safer and easier for people of all abilities.
The project reflects a shared commitment by Legacy Parks Foundation and Knox County to protect Beaver Creek and expand access by creating trails, boat launches, adding parks and conserving land along Beaver Creek. Two additional adaptive launches are planned both upstream and downstream, continuing the long-term vision of a fully connected, accessible water trail that welcomes paddlers of all ages and abilities.
The dock is open to the public and will be maintained by Knox County Parks & Recreation.
