First Saturday Members Paddle-Germantown Parkway to Kennedy Park
First Saturday Wolf River Paddle -Germantown Parkway to Kennedy Park
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 upon registration. Paddlers must register online 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 is 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's 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 to bring lunch, snacks and water for the trip.
Sunscreen protection is required.
Dress in quick, dry (exercise style) clothing.
Bring any medications you may need and alert river guides of any health conditions on-site.
Online 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 register 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.
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