First Saturday Members Paddle Ghost River Section — April 2026

Paddle the Ghost Section of the Wolf River  

Saturday, April 4, 2025 | Register online by noon on April 2
9:00 – 4:30 (end time approx)   
FREE for WRC members, $25 for non-members (pay when registering)   
     
Come along with our River Guides through the premier paddling destination in West Tennessee, the Ghost Section of the Wolf River. Through this section, the river has been allowed to naturally evolve since it formed at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch almost 12,000 years ago. Navigate through swamps with mature bald cypress trees and their distinctive knees, challenging your boat handling skills. High points of the trip include:  
  

• Cypress Swamps  

• Bottomland Hardwood Forests  

• Wetland Forests  

• Spirit Lake  

River Access Information  

Put-In Point:  Ghost River Canoe Run (input)  

Take-Out Point: Ghost River Canoe Run (outlet)  

Boat Options  

Rent a Boat: Contact Mike Dawkins (email or text/call: 901-485-2531) to discuss availability as soon as you register.  

 
Bring a Boat: Arrive at 8:00 AM to unload your gear at the put-in point and grab a shuttle (last shuttle leaves at 8:30). Transportation from the take-out point back to your car will be provided. You must bring an appropriately sized, US Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each participant. Inflatable belt packs are not approved for use on this paddle.  

What to Wear and Bring  

• Wear quick-dry, non-cotton layers you can remove as needed.  

• Cold weather, non-cotton layers, such as fleece or wool  

• Cover skin with clothing or sunscreen and wear a hat.  

• Wear secure shoes—no flip-flops, Crocs, or loose sandals.  

• Bring water, snacks, and lunch.  

• A USCG-approved life jacket (PFD) must be worn and fastened at all times on the water (provided with boat rentals).  

• Any needed emergency medications 

The Wolf River Conservancy River Guides will ensure you have both a safe and enjoyable adventure. If you have questions about the trip, please contact Jim Gafford (jim.gafford@wolfriver.org) or cell/text 901-573-2353). 

Parking Disclaimer   

Both the access and takeout parking areas are relatively safe but are unmonitored. You should be able to leave your vehicle in either of these parking areas. Please note that the Wolf River Conservancy is not responsible for loss of or damage to private property. 

SAFETY and PFD Requirements 

 Participants in Wolf River Conservancy on river programs will be required to wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on the river.  Children must wear child size approved PFD’s. If you are renting a craft, the outfitter will provide you with an approved PFD as part of the rental package. There are no exceptions to the PFD requirements. Please note that they must also be properly worn and securely fastened at all times.  Please do not use the “belt type” units that are popular with the SUP community.  These are single discharge units and cannot easily be reloaded once deployed.   

Although the Wolf River is rated as a Class I river (little whitewater), conditions can rapidly change. It is imperative that boaters realistically evaluate their experience and abilities related to the section being paddled before launching into the water. Any concerns can be addressed with our river guides. Any decisions and recommendations will always favor the most cautious and safest solution.