3 days ago
‘Complete transformation': Popular boat launch reopens in Hendersonville
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — After years of planning, a boat launch along Old Hickory Lake has a new look.
Sanders Ferry Boat Ramp in Hendersonville now has three new boating docks, plus a renovated ramp. The park itself has long been a go-to spot for residents and tourists.
'There are over 100,000 people that visit this park per year. A lot of that is for this boat ramp,' said Hendersonville Parks Director Andy Gilley. 'For a long time it was a hidden gem that we kind of kept to ourselves, but during COVID, Sanders Ferry became open to everyone. We have every event you can think of here, it is a focal part of our parks department, it is a major major part of our city.'
Hendersonville Parks & Recreation reserves parking spots exclusively to honor military veterans
The TWRA-led upgrade is part of a larger state initiative, named in honor of beloved fisherman and former TV host Bill Dance. It's geared towards increasing visitation to Tennessee lakes.
In a state filled with natural beauties, replacing boat docks may seem like a minute task, but local leaders believe it will enhance the experience and broaden the tourist appeal along Old Hickory Lake.
'These are much longer [docks] and they extend out,' explained Gilley. 'These would be what you call tournament docks. So before it was even open, we already had calls from out-of-state people wanting to bring fishing tournaments here. We're going to see high school state championship fishing tournaments here, professional tournaments… but the biggest winner here is the city of Hendersonville residents, who are here every day.'
⏩
Gilley called the renovation a 'complete transformation,' as the original docks and boat ramp had been in-use at Sanders Ferry since the 1980s and '90s.
He hopes their other popular boat ramps will soon get the funding needed for renovations.
'It opens this part of the lake up a lot more so you can enjoy it,' said Hendersonville Vice Mayor Mark Skidmore. 'There's a lot of skiing and fishing and just having fun, (and) that's what brings a lot of people here. And once you're here, you're not going to leave.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
