Wolf River in Mississippi

Trip Overview

I recently went on a 10.6 mile trip on the Wolf River in rural Harrison County, Mississippi. The trip starts at Cable Bridge Road and the float will take you down the river, ending at the end of Tucker Road at Wolf River Canoes and Kayaks.

Due to the severe drought in the Southeast this year, the level of the water has been very low and current somewhat slow. Despite this, it was an enjoyable trip that took approximately 5 and 1/2 hours. Along the way there are a number of sand and gravel bars on which to stop, rest or picnic. The upper 2/3 of this particular stretch of river is extremely isolated and quiet. The river is relatively shallow, rarely getting more than 3 or 4 feet deep. In 5 or 6 places in was necessary to drag my 14' Sit-on-Top kayak over some shallow stretches of sand, gravel or logs. The width of the river alternates from 30 or 40 yards on some of the sunny sandbars and sweeping bends in the river to as little as 10 or 15 yards in some of the lazy straights. On these sections the river is shaded from both sides by leaning red maples, birches, oaks and magnolias.

The lower 1/3 of this stretch of the river changes dramatically after you approach and go under Interstate 10. The big, sweeping sandbars and clear shallow stretches are replaced by muddier banks and deeper, darker waters. More and more cypress trees are seen as you get closer and closer to the coast. It is still relatively quiet despite the appearance of the occasional house. Many of these are weekend fishing cabins that are all but deserted during the week or in cooler months. Many of these cabins have piers or boats docks as the river is deep enough (but still relatively narrow) to accomodate boat traffic. The power boaters are mindful of paddlers as there are many on this river, especially in the summer months.

There seemed to be a good number of fish in the waters as well as many species of wading birds along the banks. I saw several blue and white herons and a few other species I could not identify.

Accommodations:

There are a number of local motels, hotels and campgrounds in the area but many have been damaged or booked up since Hurricane Katrina. I reccomend calling for confirmation of space.

Outfitting:

Wolf River Canoe and Kayak has dozens and dozens of both canoes and kayaks to rent or they can shuttle a personal boat on any of several trips. They also have vans and buses that could accomodate a large group. The groups generally come on the weekend so the river is quiet during the week.

Fees:

Wolf River Canoe and Kayak: For shorter river trips, fees range from around $20 to shuttle a personal boat to around $40 to rent a 2 person canoe. Extended or overnight outings are more. Check the website for details.

Directions:

From Interstate 10 take Exit #28 and head south. Just after crossing a set of railroad tracks, take a right onto Red Creek Road. Watch for the Wolf River Canoe and Kayak signs and take another right onto Tucker Road. Go all the way to the end of Tucker Road and it will dead end at the Wolf River and next to Wolf River Canoe and Kayak.

Resources:

www.wolfrivercanoes.com