Paddle It!

By Cara Greenstein Photo by Southern Explorers Club

Discover Memphis Naturally is a dedicated local and visitor’s resource to experience the variety of our city’s outdoor assets and destinations and prompt a new bucket list for healthy living. Now that summer’s in full swing, we’ve found time to explore new routes and resources across Memphis. Join in!

A day trip on the Ghost River section of the Upper Wolf River includes a hauntingly beautiful stretch marked by hardwood forests, bald cypress-tupelo swamps, and open marshes — habitats with unique opportunities for viewing birds and other wildlife. Its pristine wilderness offers paddlers a reprieve from city life without having to travel far. Bring your own kayak or canoe, or rent one from a guide in town such as Kayak Memphis or Blues City Kayaks.

Poplar Tree Lake is a peaceful lake at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park where you can explore 125 acres of fl at water by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddeboard. The lake is perfect for less-experienced paddlers—no need to worry about wake from powerboats!

Discover Memphis Naturally was founded as a resource to rediscover the variety of our city’s outdoor assets and destinations and prompt a new bucket list for healthy living. For a full list of experiences and adventures, visit Memphisadventures.com and follow along on Instagram for daily ideas at @naturallymem.