Filed Under: Hiking, Running
The Wolf River Trails are a great place to do a long run on soft surfaces. There are a few different trails that run parallel to each other along the Wolf River. I like the main trail closest to the river which is nearly 8 miles out-and-back. The trails are mostly flat with a few small ups and downs. I feel very comfortable running on the trails, but you need to be somewhat cautious of roots and the occasional snake.
After heavy rains many parts of the trail will be wet or flooded. However, they are not impassable if you don't mind getting your feet wet.From the I-240 Walnut Grove exit, travel east on Walnut Grove for about 1-2 miles. After crossing a small bridge, you will see a gravel road that parellels Walnut Grove on your right. Turn right onto the gravel road (essentially making a U-turn). You will go about 1/2 mile down the gravel road where there is parking under the Walnut Grove Bridge. The main trails can be found on the south side of Walnut Grove, but there is also a trail that runs north of Walnut Grove along the Wolf River.
In the past, there have been some car vandalism at this trailhead. You can alternately park in the soccer fields and BMX track area and then run an extra .25 mile to the actual trailhead. This will leave your car in a more conspicious area.
There is another trailhead off Germantown Road which may be safer to park your car. This trailhead can be found approximately .5 miles south of the Walnut Grove and Germantown Road intersection. Turn on the dirt road at the first light. The parking area can be found a few hundred yards around the edge of a field.
Posted by: KalamariB and last modified on Feb 15, 2007 by sean
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sean said ...
Years ago the Memphis Hash House Harriers had a annual fun run they dubbed the Death Run. It was hardly deadly, but it was an adventure run of a large portion of the Wolf River Bottoms. If you are feeling adventurous, you too can get out and complete this run.
Start at the Germantown Road trailhead. Take the Blue or Yellow Trail to the Walnut Grove Trailhead. From here continue on faint (and sometimes seemingly non-existent) trails to Summer. Cross under Summer Ave. and around the drive-in movie theater complex. From here take motorcycle and swampy 4WD trails under Covington Pike and parallel I-40 all the way to Jackson Ave.
If you are a real man (or woman) turn around and run back to Germantown Rd. If you are not, or If you are thirsty you can park another car at the Shooters parking lot off of Jackson Avenue.
The run is approximately 12 miles one way. The best season to do this is in the winter or early spring before the snakes come out and the spring rains flood the area completely - but then there is a certain level of fun in that.
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