First Saturday Paddle - February 2024

First Saturday Members Paddle

The “Lost Swamp Section” of the Wolf River

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Launch Time: 9:00 AM  │  End Time: 3:00 PM (approx.)

This program is free to Conservancy members. Non-members will be charged a paddle fee of $25.00 which can be paid on registering.  Please register on-line by noon on Thursday, February 1.

Come along and join our River Guides as we paddle one of the most inspirational sections of the Wolf River, "The Lost Swamp."  This section of the river is over 5 miles in length and a beautiful, Class 1 meandering water trail.  It is still very wild and natural.  Your boat handling skills will be challenged as we paddle through a pair of swamps filled with mature bald cypress trees and their associated cypress knees.

High points of the trip include quietly paddling beside the Gnome tree, the Wolf River black sands spa, and a cypress-filled swamp called the cathedral because of its column-like tree trunk and high canopy.  Often, as you pass through this majestic area, you are serenaded by the church bells of the Moscow Methodist Church heralding your arrival into town.

The put-in at Bateman Road bridge consists of a graveled access ramp and parking area.  The take-out in Moscow will be the car wash on the south of Highway 57 as you cross the Femster bridge.  Special note: There is a $5.00 charge to park at the site.  You can park at the river access point on Bateman Road to avoid this charge.  We will conduct both pre and post-trip shuttles.

This is a "Cold Weather" paddle.

The water temperature is cool, and the outside air temperature will be even cooler.  Dress in layers of quick-dry (no cotton) clothing.  Be sure to bring a complete set of clothing in a dry bag to change into in the case of an accidental water entry.  Wear shoes that attach securely to your feet.  The Wolf loves to consume Crocs, flip-flops, and sandals as much as it does electronics.  Additional items to bring include water, snacks, and a lunch.

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 our Director of Outreach, Jim Gafford, by email at jim.gafford@wolfriver.org or call/text at (901) 573-6307.  He will be happy to discuss the particulars of the trip with you.

To assist with planning, please register early for the event.  If this is your first trip or if you want to learn more about the Wolf River, please read the following documents under the paddling section of our website (www.wolfriver.org/paddling): "River Descriptions," "Wolf River Access Map" and "Safety Information."

For Those Renting Boats:  Our recommended outfitter for this trip is Ghost River Rentals (www.ghostriverrentals.com), who will shuttle you and your personal items.  Contact the outfitter at (901) 485-1220 early to discuss options and arrangements for your participation.  They will also provide detailed instructions on where to meet them Saturday morning.

For Those Bringing Boats:  You will meet our river guides at the Bateman Road ramp.  To reach the ramp, drive about two miles east on Highway 57 out of Moscow, Tennessee.  Turn right onto Bateman Road and continue south about one and a half miles down to the parking lot on the northeast side of the bridge.  If you cross the bridge, you probably saw us waving to you from the parking lot.  Plan to arrive at 8:00 AM to unload your gear and participate in the front-end vehicle shuttles.  The last shuttle will leave at 8:30. We will also run a shuttle at the end of the trip as needed.

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

Safety and PFD Requirement:  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 PFDs.  If you are renting a craft, the outfitter will provide you with an approved PFD as part of the rental package.  Those using boats provided by the Conservancy will be supplied PFDs and paddles as well.  There are no exceptions to the PFD requirements.  Please note that they must also be securely fastened at all times.  Please do not use the "belt-type" units popular with the SUP community.  These are single-discharge units and cannot easily be reloaded once deployed.

Google Map Links:

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

Take-Out Point: Wolf River Kayak Access Point