First Saturday Members Paddle — January 2026

Paddle the Walnut Grove to Kennedy Park  

Section of the Wolf River  

Saturday, January 3rd, 2026  Register online by noon on January 1st 
10:00am – 3:00pm (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.  

The section is channelized its entire length so should be a quick paddle without muc navigation. We will be passing under roadway bridges at: 

•  Walnut Grove 

• I-40

• 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. 

Trip Preparation 

*THIS IS A COLD WEATHER PADDLE* 

• The air and water temperatures will most likely be cold and possibly wet, so we ask that only paddlers with foul weather paddle experience register for this trip. 

• Dress in layers of quick dry (no cotton) clothing and bring a change of clothing in a dry bag. 

• If you have any doubts about whether you are experienced enough to paddle this section, please check with Jim Gafford prior to registering. 

• Jim can be reached via email (jim.gafford@wolfriver.org) or 901-573-2353 (cell/text) and will be glad to discuss the trip with you. 

• Make sure to bring ample snacks and water to this paddle. 

Please plan to make this an all morning and afternoon event. The paddle and shuttle should be completed by 3:00 pm. Paddlers should make it off the water in time for a late lunch.  

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, January 1, 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:   Canoe / Kayak Take-out Walnut Grove Road  

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 9:30 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 and snacks 

• 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.