First Saturday Paddle -  Germantown Parkway to Kennedy Park

Saturday, June 6th, 2026 Register online by noon on June 4th

9:00am – 4:00pm (end time approx)

FREE for Wolf River Conservancy members, $25 for non-members (pay when registering)

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Come along with our River Guides through this beautiful section of the urban Wolf River.

This 8+ mile river section is channelized for its entire length, requiring little navigation,

yet surprisingly wild and absolutely beautiful.

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We will be passing under roadway bridges at:

• Walnut Grove

• Summer Avenue

• Covington Pike

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It is entirely possible that we will encounter both organic (trees, branches) and

construction debris in these areas. A portage is not expected but is always possible.

Please plan to make this an all morning and afternoon event. The paddle and shuttle

should be completed by 4:00 pm.

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For planning purposes, we recommend you register early for the trip. Persons wishing to

paddle on this adventure must register by 12pm CT on Thursday, June 6th, 2026.

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The Wolf River Conservancy River Guides will ensure you have both a safe and enjoyable

adventure. If you have questions about the trip, please contact Jim Gafford

(jim.gafford@wolfriver.org) or cell/text 901-573-2353).

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River Access Information

Put-In Point: Germantown - Wolf River Boat Put-in

Take-Out Point: Kennedy Park Canoe Ramp

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Boat Options

Rent a Boat: Contact Mike Dawkins (email or text/call: 901-485-2531) to discuss

availability as soon as you register. Paddle and PFD included.

Bring a Boat:

Arrive at the put-in by 8:00 am. See our detailed instructions in the registration link.

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What to Wear and Bring

• Wear quick-dry, non-cotton layers you can remove as needed.

• Cold weather, non-cotton layers, such as fleece or wool

• Cover skin with clothing or sunscreen and wear a hat.

• Wear secure shoes—no flip-flops, Crocs, or loose sandals.

• Bring plenty of water. We recommend on liter per person, minimum.

• Bring snacks and lunch.

• Bring any needed medications and alert the river guide staff of any

medical conditions.

• A USCG-approved life jacket (PFD) must be worn and always fastened

(provided with boat rentals).

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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. Please note that the

Wolf River Conservancy is not responsible for loss of or damage to private property.

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SAFETY and PFD Requirements

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 PFD’s. 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 I 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.

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