First Saturday Paddle September, Ghost Section

First Saturday Wolf River Paddle

Saturday, September 7, 2024 — 9:00 am -4:00 pm

This program is free to Wolf River Conservancy members.  Non-members will be charged a paddle fee of $25.00 per person, which can be paid upon registration. Registration will close at noon on Thursday, September 5

Come along with our River Guides on an early spring trip through the premier paddling destination in West Tennessee, the “GHOST” section of the Wolf River. On this trip, you will paddle through five different environmental ecosystems. Launching in a bottomland hardwood forest, you will progress downstream through wetland forests, cypress swamp, an open water cypress/tupelo swamp (Spirit Lake) and end the paddle exiting through grassy wetlands.

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Hear our river guides tell the exciting history of these swamps and wetlands, which were saved from complete destruction in 1995.

Due to narrow passages, shallow waterways, and dense undergrowth, canoes or kayaks are still the only craft that can pass through these waters. This section has allowed the river to evolve naturally since it formed at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch almost 12,000 years ago.

Please review our River Paddling FAQs and Safety information before registering for a paddle

Paddlers have to option to rent boats or bring their own:  

For Those Renting Boats:  Our recommended outfitter for this trip is Mike Dawkins. Mike can be reached via email at dawkinsjm01@gmail.com or call/text (901) 485-2531. Be sure and contact Mike to reserve your equipment as soon as you register for the paddle. Contact the outfitter early to discuss options and arrangements for your participation.

For Those Bringing Boats: You will meet our River Guides at the TWRA boat ramp on Yager Drive south of La Grange, TN. Arrive at the put-in by 8:00 am if you would like to shuttle your vehicle to the take-out on Bateman Road prior to paddling. The final pre-paddle shuttle will leave at 8:30. If you are unable to make these, we will conduct another at the end of the event.

Parking Disclaimer:  You should be able to leave your vehicle in the relatively safe Put-in and Take-out parking areas, however WRC cannot guarantee conditions at the time of launch.  WRC is not responsible for loss or damage to private property on or off the river.

If you have questions about the trip, contact Jim Gafford at 901.573.2353 (cell/text) or jim.gafford@wolfriver.org (email).

We look forward to seeing you on the river!