May First Saturday Paddle - Lost Swamp

The “Lost Swamp Section” of the Wolf River

Saturday, May 3 , 2025

Launch time: 09:00 PM End Time: 3:00 PM (approx.)

This program is free to WRC members. Non-members will be charged a paddle fee of $25.00 which can be paid on registering.

Please register online by noon on Thursday, May 1.

Come on 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 approximately 6 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 could be 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 gravel access ramp and parking area. The take-out at Moscow, Tennessee, is at the rear of the car wash and is an improvement of our earlier exit area, although it, too, can be muddy.

Special note: There is a $5.00 charge to park at the car wash. Jim Gafford will collect the parking fees. If you wish to avoid this charge, you can park at the river access point on Bateman Road. We will conduct both pre and post-trip shuttles

The water temperature is warming, and the outside air temperature should be pleasant. Dress in layers of quick dry (no cotton) clothing that can be removed as needed. Also, protect all parts of your body with either clothing or sunscreen. Don’t forget to wear an appropriate head covering. Also, 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 Jim Gafford (info above).

Please register early for the event to assist with planning. 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: Contact Mike Dawkins to discuss equipment availability. Mike can be reached via email at dawkinsjm01@gmail.com or call/text at (901) 485-2561. 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 Bateman Road ramp. To reach the ramp, drive east on Hwy. 57 out of Moscow, Tennessee, about two miles. 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. Please arrive around 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 takeout parking areas are relatively safe but are unmonitored. You should be able to leave your vehicle in either of these parking areas. Remember to take precautions to secure or hide any valuables that you may leave in your vehicle. 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. 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 one 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.

Google Map Links:

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

Take-Out Point: 13770 TN-57

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