The Lower Mississippi River Water Trail

Memphis Yacht Club Marina & Boat Ramp

1/2 mile Harbor on left

35.08997° N, 90.03403° W 

Wide concrete/cobblestone ramp with parking and two possible back in locations for take out.  Paddle under Monorail Bridge and stay harbor left to make landing at the Memphis Yacht Club Marina & Boat Ramp.  This is the best place to meet someone if you are taking out or adding crew.  The paddler-friendly staff will greet you and help you find what you need during your stay in Memphis.  Best place to refill water jugs.  You can find ice, a variety of beers, milk, chips and a few other light sundries at the Yacht Club store, but if you need a major resupply try to find a ride into the city.  Mon. to Sun. 9am to 7pm. 901-525-3808.  Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  Check out their helpful website at: http://www.memphisyachtclub.com/

 

Coast Guard Boat Ramp

1 mile up Mud Island Harbor on the right

Rugged concrete ramp laid over rip-rap under A.W. Willis Bridge with exit at base of bridge next to US Coast Guard Station.  Parking Lot above.  Paddle up harbor one mile under monorail and then the I-40 Bridge.  Ramp on right just past the Pyramid.  Don’t leave canoe, kayak or any of your gear unattended.  There has been a perplexing trend  of recent canoe thefts suffered by long-distance travelers.  Portage your vessel with you into downtown or station one of your team as security.  Unsafe location.  No camping.  Coast Guard will not assist you with anything unless it’s a river rescue or other emergency.  For city access tell your land party to use entrance off of city side of A.W. Willis Bridge heading west towards river from N Front Street.

 

Memphis Conveniences Useful to Paddlers:

If you’re landing at the Yacht Club your best first stop for paddlers would be Mud Island Riverpark and Museum.  If you come in at the Coast Guard Boat Ramp walk down Front Street to the Cossitt Library.  You can resupply groceries within walking distance from the nearby Miss Cordelia’s in Harbortown or City Market downtown at Union & Main.  You can find Wi-Fi at many locations throughout downtown.  You can have your mail and parcels delivered to General Delivery at the downtown US Post Office, 555 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN, 38101.

 

The Cossitt Library sits on top of the 4th Chickasaw Bluff downtown.  Besides books, magazines, special collections and Wi-Fi, it keeps visitor information on hand, and its staff is especially friendly with directions, and recommendations on attractions and sites of interest during your stay in the Bluff City.