Wolf River Refuge Trailhead

Key Highlights

• ✓Lots of wildlife, specifically big, beautiful, and healthy deer.
• ✓Features really big old growth trees.
• ✓Provides a significant escape from the hustle and bustle.
• ✓Trails are generally free of debris.
• ✓Trails are well-marked.
• ✓Trails are along the river.
• ✓Offers tons of shade.
• ✓Provides space to relax and meditate.
• ✓Dog-friendly for walks.

Standout Features

• ⭐Presence of diverse wildlife (e.g., deer).
• ⭐Scenic beauty provided by old growth trees and the river.
• ⭐Well-maintained trails (free of debris, well-marked).
• ⭐Ample natural shade, beneficial for hot days.
• ⭐Opportunities for both walking and biking.
• ⭐Peaceful atmosphere conducive to relaxation and meditation.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • For paddling trips, bring at least one-half gallon of water per person, a lunch (may be eaten in canoe during high water), and snacks.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Review and carefully consider safety information before any paddle trip.
• • A guide is essential for inexperienced paddlers and helpful for experienced paddlers on the Ghost River section; for other sections, it's best not to go alone.
• • The Germantown Pkwy. to Walnut Grove Rd. section is best for beginners due to fewer obstacles.
• • Do not paddle during high water conditions (over 8 ft. on the nearest river gauge).
• • 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 for rentals, including boat and paddle.
• • State law requires paddlers arranging their own trips to have an approved PFD for each person on board.
• • Children 12 years old or younger are required by state law to wear a PFD at all times while on the water.
• • The Conservancy recommends everyone wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard Approved PFD at all times on any boat.
• • Realistically evaluate experience and abilities, especially when bringing children. Consult a Conservancy River Guide if in doubt.
• • Check weather conditions and water levels before departure. Do not attempt a trip during severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms) or flood conditions.
• • No paddler, regardless of experience level, should paddle alone.
• • Beginners are advised to seek formal paddling training and to paddle with highly experienced guides for initial trips. Conservancy membership trips offer basic instruction and experienced leaders.
• • Do not paddle with children as passengers unless you are an experienced paddler yourself.
• • Always bring plenty of drinking water (recommend half gallon or more per person for all-day trips).
• • Bring necessary allergy medications and emergency supplies (first aid kit, prescription medications, change of clothes in a dry-bag, flashlight, whistle, compass, rain gear, cell phone, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, etc.).
• • Have a float plan: inform someone of your route and expected return time.
• • Wear suitable clothing and securely fitting shoes (water shoes or aquatic 'booties' highly recommended). Avoid cotton clothing, crocs, flip-flops, waders, or rubber boots.
• • Cold weather clothing suggestions: Neoprene booties, layered synthetic/wool fabrics, hat, gloves. Essential to bring full rain gear and a change of clothes in a dry bag to prevent hypothermia.
• • Warm weather clothing suggestions: Neoprene booties/water shoes, layered synthetic fabrics, brimmed hat/visor. Change of clothes in a dry bag, sunscreen, and insect repellent recommended.
• • Bringing pets in a boat is not advised due to safety risks if the boat capsizes.
• • Familiarity with basic boating safety rules (TWRA Boating website and TWRA Paddlesports Laws) is strongly advised.

📅Booking Policy

• • Register online via wolfriver.org/programming, or walk up and register on the day of the desired class.
• • A waiver is required for walk-up registrations.

🚗Parking Information

• • Mud Island Section: Street Parking (Address: 1320 North Mud Island Road).
• • Hyde Park Section: Trailhead Parking Lot (Address: 1833 North Hollywood Street).
• • McLean Cycle Track: Street Parking (Address: 2149 James Road).
• • Epping Way Section: Trailhead Parking Lot (Address: 2630 Epping Way Drive).
• • Kennedy Park Section: Street Parking (Address: 4375 Raleigh LaGrange Road). Other access points within JFK Park offer gravel trailhead parking (across from Alzheimer's Center) and additional vehicle and RV parking.
• • Wolf Crossing Section: Street Parking (Address: 221 North Humphreys Boulevard).
• • Shady Grove Trailhead: Trailhead Parking Lot (Address: 6324 Humphreys Boulevard).
• • Kirby Parkway Trailhead: Trailhead Parking Lot (Address: 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.
• • Lucius Burch State Natural Area (Shelby Farms): Paved parking area or gravel parking area at the Raptor Center.
• • Kimbrough Rd Trail: Gravel parking lot on Kimbrough Rd just south of Wolf River Blvd.
• • Wolf River Wildlife 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 Wolf River Café and Rossville Square.
• • Bateman Bridge: Boat ramp offers access to Wolf River.
• • Baker's Pond: Baker’s Pond trailhead parking area on Tower Rd., Benton County, Mississippi.