First Saturday Paddle - November
First Saturday Wolf River Paddle
Wolf River / Ghost Section
La Grange, TN to Bateman Road Bridge
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Launch Time: 9:00 AM End Time: 16:30 (approx.)
This program is free to Conservancy members. Non-members will be charged a paddle fee of $25.00, which may be paid upon registering. To assist with planning, please register early. Online registration closes at Noon on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
Join our river guides on a 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 into a bottomland hardwood forest, you will progress downstream through wetland forests, a cypress swamp, an open water cypress/tupelo swamp (Spirit Lake), and ending the paddle exiting through grassy wetlands. Come along and hear our river guides tell the exciting history of these swamps and the wetlands saved from 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. Through this section, the river has been allowed to evolve naturally since it formed at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch almost 12,000 years ago.
The Ghost Section of the Wolf River in the southwest corner of Tennessee is an area of mystery. Early boating attempts to navigate this section soon found that the river had just disappeared. Hence one of the explanations for the name Ghost. The river has been allowed to shape its course naturally and is always a pleasure to enjoy at the slow pace of a paddle.
Air and water temperatures will be cooling and unpredictable. Be sure to dress in quick dry (exercise-like) clothing and protect all parts of your body with either clothing or sunscreen. Broad-rim headwear will offer added protection for your head and neck. Shoes should securely attach to your feet and offer some protection from hidden river hazards. Remember, the Wolf loves to consume Crocs, sandals, and flip-flops, as well as cameras and other electronic equipment. Also, bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and a lunch to enjoy on the river.
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 get in touch with Jim Gafford at jg54513@yahoo.com or call/text (901) 573-2353 or contact Jeff Sojourner at rjsojourner@gmail.com or call/text at (901) 573-6307. Both will be happy to discuss the particulars of the event with you.
For Those Renting Boats: Our recommended outfitter for this trip is Ghost River Rentals (www.ghostriverrentals.com), who will shuttle you and your personal items. You will meet the outfitter at the appointed time and location (usually the Bateman Road ramp) and be shuttled to the launch ramp south of La Grange, TN. Contact the outfitter (Mark Babb) early to discuss options and arrangements for your participation. Mark can be reached by cell/text at (901) 485-1220 or by email (ghostriverrentals@yahoo.com). Again, contact the outfitter once you have registered for the paddle to discuss equipment rental details.
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, Wolf River Conservancy cannot guarantee conditions at the time of launch. The Conservancy is not responsible for loss or damage to private property on or off the river.
SAFETY and PFD Requirement: Wolf River Conservancy on-river program participants must 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. Those using boats provided by the Conservancy will be supplied PFDs and paddles as well. There are no exceptions to the PFD requirements. Please note that they must also be securely fastened at all times. Please do not use the “belt type” units 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.
The Conservancy highly recommends registered paddlers read the online “River Section Description,” “Wolf River Access Map,” and “Safety Information” under the “Paddling the Wolf River” tab at www.wolfriver.org.
If you have questions about the trip, please contact Jim Gafford at (901) 573-2353 (call/text) or jg54513@yahoo.com (email).
We look forward to your participation in this event!
Google Maps Keyword (Input) Ghost River Canoe Run (Input)
Google Maps Keyword (Take-Out) Ghost River Canoe Run (Outlet)
