May First Saturday Paddle - Lost Swamp

The “Lost Swamp Section” of the Wolf River

Saturday, May 4, 2024

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.  

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 over 5 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 are serenaded by the church bells of the Moscow Methodist Church heralding your arrival into town.

Put-in at Bateman Road bridge consists of a graveled access ramp and parking area.  

Take-out in Moscow, Tennessee has been moved to the car wash on the south of Highway 57 as you cross the Femster bridge. Special note: There is a $5.00 charge to park at the site. 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

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Requirements and Recommendations :

• No prior paddle experience required  
• Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian  
• Participants are required to wear a US Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)No exceptions to the PFD requirements    
• Children must wear child-size approved PFDs  
• If you are renting a craft, the outfitter will include an approved PFD in the rental package.
• Properly worn and securely fastened at all times 
• Please Review River Paddling FAQs and Safety information before registering for a paddle.
• Please Review Interactive Map before registering for a paddle before registering

What to Bring :

• Wear quick-dry (exercise-like) clothing
• We recommend a hat
• Protect yourself from the sun with clothing or sunscreen.
• Shoes should securely attach to your feet and offer protection. The Wolf loves to consume Crocs, sandals, and flip-flops.
• Bring snacks, bug spray, and sunscreen.  
• A full liter of water per person recommended 
• Disclaimer: The Wolf loves to consume cameras and other electronic equipment.

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 Paddle Equipment and Shuttles : 

• For those equipped with 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 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. Plan to arrive at 8:00 AM to unload your gear and participate in the frontend vehicle shuttles. The last shuttle will leave at 8:30 AM. We will also run a shuttle at the end of the trip as needed.
• For those renting boats: We recommend Mike Dawkins as the outfitter for the job. You can get in touch with him by email at dawkinsjm01@gmail.com or by phone/text at (901) 485-2531. Once you've registered for the paddle, it's important to contact Mike early to reserve your equipment and discuss your options. Make sure to arrange all the necessary details in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Parking Disclaimer: You are welcome to park your vehicle at the Put-in and Take-out parking areas. However, WRC is not responsible for any damage or loss to personal property, whether on or off the water.

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

We look forward to seeing you on the river!

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