First Saturday Members Paddle — June 2025

Put-in location: https://www.google.com/maps/@35.1173833,-89.8013688,17z/data=!10m2!1e2!2e14

First Saturday Wolf River Paddle

Germantown Parkway to Kennedy Park

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Launch time: 9:00 am 

End Time: 4:00 pm (approx.)

This program is free to WRC members. Non-members will be charged a paddle fee of $25.00 which can be paid on registering. Paddlers must register on-line by noon on Thursday June 5.

Come join our River Guides on a below street level traverse of the urban Wolf. This 8 plus mile river section is channelized its entire length yet surprisingly wild and absolutely beautiful. We will be passing under roadway bridges at Walnut Grove, I-40, Summer Avenue and Covington Pike so it is entirely possible that we will encounter both organic (trees, branches) and construction debris in these areas. Obstacles in the river can be easily avoided by a paddler with average skill levels.

Our River Guides will share the trip leader responsibilities on this paddle. They are a great bunch of volunteers and 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 / (901) 573-2353). Jim will be happy to discuss the particulars of the trip with you.

Please plan to make this a full day paddle. Be sure and bring a lunch, snacks and water for the trip. Sunscreen protection is required. Dress in quick dry (exercise style) clothing. Bring any madications you may need and alert river guides of any health conditions on-site. 

Registration is required for this trip. For planning purposes, we recommend you register early for the event. Persons wishing to paddle on this adventure must registration NLT noon on Thursday June 5, 2025.

For those Bringing Boats: 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.

For Those Not Owning Boats: The outfitter for this trip will be Mike Dawkins. Mike can be reached by email (dawkinsjm01@gmail.com) or call/text at (901) 485-2531. Be sure and contact Mike as soon as you register for the trip to work out the rental details. Mike will also provide additional instructions for the day of the trip.