Wolf River Greenway - Shady Grove Trailhead

Key Highlights

• ✓Exceptionally well-maintained trails and landscaped areas.
• ✓Abundant natural shade from lush vegetation, keeping areas cool.
• ✓Features boardwalks and wide paths, with sections of paved trails.
• ✓Minimal elevation change, making trails mild-level and relaxing for all ages.
• ✓Natural cooling effect from river breezes, pleasant even during hot summer months.
• ✓Rich opportunities for wildlife spotting (e.g., owls, rabbits, butterflies, Blue Herons) and wildflowers.
• ✓Multiple trails leading in different directions, offering variety and choice for different distances and experiences.
• ✓Close proximity to the Wolf River and a lake, enhancing scenic beauty.
• ✓Cyclists are reported to be respectful, even when the greenway is busy.

Standout Features

• ⭐Well-maintained and beautifully landscaped trails.
• ⭐Natural shade and cooling river breezes.
• ⭐Boardwalks and wide, mild-level paths.
• ⭐Paved trail sections ideal for running or strollers.
• ⭐Opportunities to see diverse wildlife (owl, rabbit, butterflies, Blue Herons) and wildflowers.
• ⭐Scenic views of the Wolf River and a lake.
• ⭐Variety of trails to choose from for different experiences.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • For paddling, take at least one-half gallon of water per person for all-day trips.
• • Bring a lunch for paddling trips (may need to be eaten in the canoe in high water).
• • Bring snacks for paddling trips.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Always paddle in groups of two or more, regardless of skill level or experience.
• • A guide is essential for inexperienced paddlers on the Ghost River section; sections below can be negotiated without a guide but it's best not to go alone.
• • Ghost River section requires moderate canoeing/paddling skills and is moderately strenuous; significant difficulties can be encountered in aiding/evacuating a victim in a medical emergency.
• • The Germantown Pkwy. to Walnut Grove Rd. section is best for beginners.
• • Do not paddle any section of the Wolf River if the USGS River Level Gauge closest to the section being paddled reads 8 feet or above for most paddlers.
• • Do not attempt a trip during flood conditions or if severe weather (e.g., thunderstorm) is forecast.
• • Participants in Wolf River Conservancy float trips are required to wear an approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on the water. PFDs are provided by outfitters with rentals.
• • State law requires an approved PFD for each person onboard for paddlers arranging their own trips.
• • Children 12 years old or younger are required to wear a PFD at all times while on the water.
• • PFDs must be properly fitted and sized and worn correctly to work.
• • Paddlers must realistically evaluate their experience and abilities, especially when bringing children along.
• • Beginners are advised to seek formal training and paddle only with highly experienced guides for first few trips. Conservancy membership trips are well-suited for beginners.
• • Do not paddle with children as passengers unless you are an experienced paddler yourself.
• • Bring necessary allergy medications and emergency supplies: first aid kit, prescription medications, change of clothes (in dry bag), flashlight, whistle, compass, rain gear, cell phone, sunscreen, insect repellent.
• • Have a float plan: Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• • Wear suitable clothes and shoes for conditions. Fast-drying synthetic polyester materials are preferred; avoid denim/cotton.
• • Shoes that fit securely are recommended; avoid crocs, flip-flops, waders, or rubber boots. Water shoes or aquatic 'bootie' are highly recommended.
• • Swimming out of a boat is dangerous if a boat capsizes and is not advised for the Wolf River.
• • Familiarity with basic boating safety rules is strongly advised; refer to TWRA Boating website and Paddlesports Laws.
• • Cottonmouths (water moccasins) are present but rarely bother people who don't bother them first.

📅Booking Policy

• • Register online via wolfriver.org/programming for Greenway Community Programming.
• • Walk-up registration is available on the day of desired class.
• • A waiver is required for walk-up registrations.

🚗Parking Information

• • Shady Grove Trailhead: Trailhead Parking Lot
• • Mud Island Section: Street Parking (1320 North Mud Island Road)
• • Hyde Park Section: Trailhead Parking Lot (1833 North Hollywood Street)
• • McLean Cycle Track: Street Parking (2149 James Road)
• • Epping Way section: Trailhead Parking Lot (2630 Epping Way Drive)
• • Kennedy Park section: Street Parking (4375 Raleigh LaGrange Road), additional vehicle and RV parking within the park at other two access points, separate parking area within JFK Park for unpaved nature trail.
• • Wolf Crossing section: Street Parking (221 North Humphreys Boulevard)
• • Kirby Parkway Trailhead: Trailhead Parking Lot (6730 Humphreys Boulevard)
• • Germantown Greenway: Access from Wolf River Blvd. (between Kirby and Riverdale, or between Riverdale and Germantown Pkwy.) or from Germantown Pkwy. at the Chik-Fil-A parking lot.
• • Collierville Wolf River Nature Area: Gravel parking lot on the north side of Collierville-Arlington Rd. bridge, and another farther north at the main trailhead.
• • Clark Preserve: Parking lot on the right, 0.25 miles north of the Wolf River Café and Rossville Square, after crossing the bridge.
• • Bateman Bridge (Ghost River access): No trail, but boat ramp parking available. Take Hwy 57 east through Moscow and turn right onto Bateman Rd.