First Saturday Paddle - Germantown Pkwy to Kennedy Park

First Saturday Wolf River Paddle

Germantown Parkway to Kennedy Park

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Launch time: 9:00 am.     End Time: 15:00 (approx.)

Join our River Guides from their unique vantage point on the water.  This 8-plus mile river section is channelized its entire length yet is surprisingly wild and absolutely beautiful.  We will pass under roadway bridges at Walnut Grove, I-40, Summer Avenue, and Covington Pike. Hence, we may encounter both organic (trees, branches) and construction debris in these areas.  A paddler with average skill levels can easily avoid obstacles in the river.  A portage is not expected but is always possible.

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. 

Please plan to make this a full-day paddle.  Be sure and bring lunch, snacks, and water for the trip.  Sunscreen protection is required.  Dress in quick-dry (exercise style) clothing.

For planning purposes, we recommend you register early for the trip.  Participants wishing to paddle on this adventure must register NLT noon on Thursday, May 30th, 2024

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For those Bringing Boats:  Arrive at the put-in by 8:00 am.  You will meet our River Guides in Shelby Farms on the river’s northwest bank 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 port your boat 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 jmdawkins@gmail.com or call/text at (901) 485-2531.  Contact Mike to work out the rental details when you register for the trip.  Mike will also provide additional instructions for the day of the trip.

Parking Disclaimer:  You should be able to leave your vehicle in the relatively safe Put-in and Take-out parking areas. However, Wolf River Conservancy cannot guarantee conditions at the time of launch.  The Conservancy is not responsible for loss 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 Keyword (Input)             35.117707, -89.801855

Google Map Keyword (Take-out)       Kennedy Park Canoe Ramp