Ghost River Numbered Guide With Mileage

WRC Canoe Trip Release Form

Wolf River Gauge at LaGrange, TN (For readings 8 feet and over, WRC recommends that only highly skilled paddlers attempt a river trip).

Where can I rent a canoe or kayak?

Wolf River Canoe Trips, 901-877-3958.
Ghost River Rentals, 901-485-1220, www.ghostriverrentals.com.
Outdoors, Inc., Union Ave. and Cordova locations, 901-755-2271 (Cordova Location)

Who provides shuttle services on the Wolf River?

Wolf River Canoe Trips provides shuttle service in Fayette County.  
Contact John and Sarah Wilburn:  901-877-3958.
Ghost River Rentals also provides shuttle services.  Contact Mark Babb or Don Hailey at 
901-485-1220, or check the website, www.ghostriverrentals.com.

Where do you put-in/take-out boats on the Wolf River and how do you get there?

 The put-in for the Ghost River section in on Yager Drive south of LaGrange, TN.  From Hwy. 57, turn south on Main Street at the flashing yellow light.  This becomes Yager Dr.  Drive one mile to the bridge over the river and look for the boat ramp and parking lot to the right.  The take-out is 2 miles down Bateman Rd. at Bateman bridge, south of Hwy 57.  Bateman Rd. is 2.5 miles east of the Hwy 57/Hwy 76 junction in Moscow, TN, or 6 miles west of Main St. in LaGrange.
 The put-in for the Bateman-Moscow section of the river is at the Bateman bridge boat ramp.  The take-out is at Feemster bridge, where Hwy 57 crosses the Wolf River west of Moscow.
 Popular canoe access points in Shelby County include Germantown Pkwy. (enter at Walnut Bend Rd. just north of the bridge), Walnut Grove Rd. (enter at the Shelby Farms soccer field parking lot), Kennedy park (park entrance is on Raleigh-LaGrange Rd. between Austin Peay and Covington Pike, canoe ramp 1 mile into the park), and at the north tip of Mud Island where the Wolf meets the Mississippi River.

Do I need a guide?

 For a first trip in the Ghost River section of the Wolf, a guide is essential for inexperienced paddlers and very helpful to experienced paddlers.  Sections below the Ghost section can be negotiated without a guide.  The Wolf River Conservancy provides volunteer trip coordinators (technically not “guides”) for its members on planned canoe trips in the Ghost River section several times a year.

How difficult is paddling on the Wolf River?

 While the entire Wolf River is Class I stream (no whitewater), it does have many obstacles and unpredictable currents that often send unprepared paddlers through dense shrubbery and fallen tree branches.  Even during its slow flow, the Ghost River section requires use of moderate canoeing skills to safely negotiate some of its obstacles.  The trip is moderately strenuous, and, in the event of a medical emergency, significant difficulties can be encountered in aiding or evacuating a victim.  The section between Germantown Parkway and Walnut Grove does not offer many obstacles and is the best section for beginners, though caution is advised during high water.

How long does a float trip usually take?

 The Ghost River trip from LaGrange to Bateman Rd. takes about 6 hours including a lunch break.  This section should never be started later than 7 hours before sunset.  The Bateman-Moscow takes about 3 hours.  Germantown Pkwy. to Walnut Grove takes about one hour. 

What should I take?

 For the Ghost River section, fuel up with a high-carbohydrate breakfast before going.  Take a half gallon of water per person, a lunch (which may have to be eaten in the canoe in high water), sunscreen, life jacket (wear it), Epi-Pen or inhaler for those with severe allergies or asthma, and a cell phone.   Remember:  in the event of a medical emergency, significant difficulties can be encountered in aiding or evacuating a victim.
 Don’t take anything in the canoe you can’t afford to lose, because someone usually capsizes in every group.  Dress in layers in cool weather so you can adjust for the temperature.  Bring a change of clothes and a small towel in a dry-bag or large Ziploc plastic bag.

Are there snakes on the Wolf River?

Yes, and they are beautiful!  Most are harmless water snakes.  The poisonous cottonmouths, aka water moccasins, rarely bother people who don’t bother them first.

Is camping available?

 The only public access overnight camping on the Wolf River is at its source at Baker’s Pond in Holly Springs National Forest.  This is about a 30-40 min. drive from the LaGrange put-in.  All other public land access to the river is day-use only.