First Saturday Paddle-Rossville to Piperton
Paddle the Rossville to Piperton Section of the Wolf River
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 Register online by noon on March 5th 10:00am – 4:00pm (end time approx) FREE for WRC members, $25 for non-members (pay when registering)
Come along with our River Guides down this 6.4 mile section of the Wolf River between the Fayette County cities of Rossville and Piperton, Tennessee. Participants on this trip will be paddling a wide, un-channelized portion of the river. Individuals will experience a wild and scenic Class I river with meandering curves and bends.
The channel is clearly visible through the entire section and participants rarely become disoriented or venture off course . Downed trees and strainers are present and can be easily avoided by individuals with minimum paddling skills.
Trip Preparation
THIS IS A COLD WEATHER PADDLE
- The air and water temperatures will most likely be cold and possibly wet, so we ask that only paddlers with foul-weather paddle experience register for this trip.
- Dress in layers of quick dry (no cotton) clothing and bring a change of clothing in a dry bag.
- If you have any doubts about whether you are experienced enough to paddle this section, please check with Jim Gafford prior to registering. · Jim can be reached via email (jim.gafford@wolfriver.org) or 901-573-2353 (cell/text) and will be glad to discuss the trip with you.
- Make sure to bring ample snacks and water to this paddle.
Please plan to make this an all morning and afternoon event. The paddle and shuttle should be completed by 4:00 pm.
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, March 5th, 2026.
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).
River Access Information
Put-In Point: William B. Clark State Natural Area
Take-Out Point: Boat Access - Piperton, TN
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 9:30 AM to unload your gear at the put-in point and grab a shuttle (last shuttle leaves at 8:30). Transportation from the take-out point back to your car will be provided. You must bring an appropriately sized, US Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each participant. Inflatable belt packs are not approved for use on this paddle.
What to Wear and Bring
- 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 water and snacks
- 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).
- Wear quick-dry, non-cotton layers you can remove as needed.
