First Saturday Members Paddle — June 2026

Paddle the Germantown Parkway to Kennedy Park  

Section of the Wolf River  

Saturday, June 6th, 2026  Register online by noon on June 4th 
9:00am – 4:00pm  (end time approx)   
FREE for WRC members, $25 for non-members (pay when registering)   
     

Come along with our River Guides through this beautiful section of the urban Wolf River.  

This 8 plus mile river section is channelized for its entire length, requiring little navigation, yet surprisingly wild and absolutely beautiful.  

We will be passing under roadway bridges at: 

•  Walnut Grove 

• Summer Avenue  

• Covington Pike  

It is entirely possible that we will encounter both organic (trees, branches) and construction debris in these areas. A portage is not expected but is always possible. 

Please plan to make this an all morning and afternoon event. The paddle and shuttle should be completed by 4:00 pm.  

For planning purposes, we recommend you register early for the trip. Persons wishing to paddle on this adventure must register by 12pm CT on Thursday, June 6th, 2026. 

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). 

River Access Information  

Put-In Point:   Germantown - Wolf River Boat Put-in 

Take-Out Point:  Kennedy Park Canoe Ramp 

Boat Options  

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

Bring a Boat: Arrive at the put-in by 8:00 am. You will meet our River Guides in Shelby Farms on the northwest bank of the river and Germantown Parkway. Turn west from Germantown Road into Gate 19 of Shelby Farms Park and continue along the Lucius Burch Trailhead road. As the road turns west, turn south onto the dirt and gravel road and under the transmission lines to the gravel parking area paralleling the river. The parking area is concealed from the road until the very last minute. If conditions are wet or rain is expected, park near the Trail Head paved road and portage your boat over to the put-in. Vehicle shuttles will be arranged both before the paddle and after.

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  plenty of water. We recommend on liter per person, minimum.  

• Bring snacks and lunch.  

• Bring any needed medications and alert the river guide staff of any   

       medical conditions. 

• A USCG-approved life jacket (PFD) must be worn and always fastened   (provided with boat rentals).  

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.