Ghost River Outfitters

   The Upper Wolf River, especially the Ghost Section, exhibit the last natural landscape of their kind in western TN.  Many people associate the name "Wolf River" with the channelized downstream waterway coarsing through the heart of urban Memphis.  Unfortunately, this association with the Wolf River has lead many to beleive that all hope is lost for this precious resource.  Sadly, commercialization of a young Memphis and pollution of it's river have lead to a loss of native wildlife habitat, near erradication of  a unique bottomland swamp ecosystem, and a negative Memphian mindset regarding the Wolf River.

   Fortunately, this is nowhere near the case for the Upper Wolf and it's headwaters.  From Baker's pond in Holly Springs National forest a birth of playful, cascading river emerges from a spring.  Amusedly meandering its way to the Ghost Section one will find an almost forgotten forest ecosystem.  Boasting a high-water mark, the solemn cypress trees stand motionless in a never-ending placid pool.  Accompanied by their only friend, the water tupelo, these trees encompass the nearly extinct (at least in West TN) cypress-tupelo swamp ecosystem.  Along with bottomland hardwoods, wetlands and river grassland, the Ghost Section experience is truly a one-of-a-kind tour through changing landscapes that time has lost.  These lands are abundant with wildlife and protected intensively because of their easily recognizable value.

   From the Yager Bridge in LaGrange to the Bateman Bridge in Moscow there are a series of blue canoe trail blazes and six numerical markers.  This trail through the Ghost Section is made possible by a combined effort from volunteers of The Wolf River Conservancy, Bluff City Canoe Club, The Wilburn Family, weekly maintainance from Mark and Harry Babb with Ghost River Outfitters, and many others.  Prior to the placement of the first trial blazes many people had trouble paddling their way out of the cypress-tupelo swamp before nightfall.  The eerie presence of cypress tree stares and bountiful nocturnal life coined this section its unmistable nickname.  Nowadays, the trail is well marked and kept-up.  As a result, paddlers have an easy time finding their way down the trail.  Nevertheless, this does not mean that we don't have the occasional renter lose their way in the swamp.  This is partly why we reccommend that an experienced paddler accompany every group when attempting this journey.

   If you're one of those Memphians under the assumption that there is no beauty within the Wolf River, we strongly encourage you to see, hear, and feel this old river for yourself.  Whether it's an adventure down the Ghost Section, or short walk on the Wolf River Greenway in Memphis, there is an eye-opening experience for all on the Wolf.  If it weren't for the efforts of the Wolf River Conservancy and TN Wildlife Resources Agency, the Upper Wolf and Ghost Section would share the fate of it's downstream counterpart.  They saved the river and we provide the means for you to experience it firsthand.  Its our undoubted belief that being on the Ghost Section is the best way for anyone to realize the magnitude of importance behind the fact that the Ghost River Section exists in its current state.  The preserverance of the Wolf River Conservacy's efforts has saved this land's ecosystems, plant life and animal life that were at the edge of extermination.  If you're like the many people who don't own your own boat, we would be happy to accommodate you on the Ghost River Section.  We urge all those in capable circumstances to contribute in any way to the Wolf River Conservancy.

Click on the links below for further reading and information:

The Wolf River Conservancy

Ghost River State Natural Area

TWW Mineral Slough Boardwalk at GRSNA

 Photo by Harry Babb

For more photographs of the Ghost Section, click on the link at the top of the page titled, "Ghost Section Photos" or check out photography by active guide, volunteer and board member of WRC, Dale Sanders:

Dale Sander's Ghost Section Photography

Article and photograph above by Harry Babb

 For details or reservations, call (901) 485-1220 or email info@ghostriverrentals.com  

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