Chickasaw Bluffs Adventure

Osceola, AR, to Memphis, TN

Five Days paddling downstream along the length of the Chickasaw Bluffs, the most spectacular geologic phenomena found on the Lower Mississippi River, Osceola, AR, to Memphis,TN. All paddle together in 29-foot hand crafted cypress strip voyageur style canoe, very safe & stable. Canoes are carved in the voyageur tradition of the Great Lakes.

Incredible memories are waiting for you…

Fabulous views of the Chickasaw Bluffs along the western edge of the state of Tennessee and adjacent bottomland hardwood forests, including the bluffs at Fort Pillow (1st Chickasaw Bluff), Richardson’s Landing (2nd Chickasaw Bluff), Meeman-Shelby State Forest (3rd Chickasaw Bluff) and finally the sweeping view of the Memphis skyline, including the Memphis Bridge and the Pyramid, and downtown Memphis (which straddles the 4th Chickasaw Bluff).

The vista from the river is unparalleled! Points of interest include Anderson-Tully Wildlife Management Area, The mouth of the Hatchie River, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park and the mouth of the Loosahatchie River. You’ve never seen downtown Memphis if you haven’t viewed it from the river!

Pricing

From $500/person

Downstream trips require a shuttle for an additional fee/person.

Meet: 9am
Top of ramp @ Mud Island Marina
Meet Place/Parking Address:
Mud Island Marina, 901-525-3808
57 North Mud Island Road, Memphis, TN 38103
GPS:
35°08'59.0"N 90°03'26.7"W
Day 1: Wed Nov 19
Meet at Mud Island Marina, Memphis.  Park personal vehicles, pack bags, board shuttle to Osceola with visit to Hampson Archeological Museum.  Board canoes at Sans Souci Landing (Mile 783), explore 1st Chickasaw Bluff, with camp on Sunrise Towhead (777).  Highlights: Sans Souci Driver Island, Old Mouth of the Forked Deer, 1st Chickasaw Bluff, Sunrise Towhead - Island 34.  River Distance: 6 miles.
Day 2: Thurs Nov 20
Paddle downstream to explore 2nd Chickasaw Bluff, and then make 2-night camp on Dean’s Island. Highlights: Hatchie River, Randolph Landing, Island 35, The Second Chickasaw Bluff (Richardson Bluff), Dean Island (759).  River Distance: 18 miles.
Day 3: Fri Nov 21
Zero Day.  Stay at camp and explore extensive gravel bar and other highlights of Dean’s Island.  River Distance: -0- miles.
Day 4: Sat Nov 22
Continue downstream to explore 3rd Chickasaw Bluff via Hen & Chicks, Brandywine, and Hickman.  Camp on Middle Hickman Bar (745).  Highlights: Densford Bar and Dikes/Hen and Chicks, Meeman Shelby Forest State (3rd Chickasaw Bluff), Brandywine Island, Hickman Bar. River Distance: 14 miles.
Day 5: Sun Nov 23
explore Redman Bar and Loosahatchie Bar, and arrive early to mid-afternoon 4th Chick Bluff (Memphis) to take out at the foot of Beale Street at Memphis Yacht Club in the Memphis Harbor (Mile 736). Highlights: Loosahatchie River, Redman Point Bar, Memphis
Upper Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wolf River, Mud Island, Memphis "M" Bridge (Hernando De Soto Bridge), 4th Chickasaw Bluff, downtown Memphis.  River Distance: 9 miles.
- waterbottles
- snacks
- lunch (if you want)
- sun protection
- bug protection
- shoes that can get muddy and wet (or go barefoot)
Quapaw Canoe Company will provide canoes and all safety gear, as well as dry bags for each participant.
- cell phone
- camera
- bird book
- binoculars
- swim gear
- towel
Pack any electronics or valuables in dry bag, dry box, or zip lock bags
We’ll pack a 5-gal jug of water to refill your personal water bottles.
Dress appropriately for weather. Wear shoes that can get muddy and wet (or go barefoot).
Quapaw Canoe Company can provide lunches, dinners, and breakfasts upon request for an additional fee/day. Meals are cooked fresh on an open fire.
• Breakfast options include eggs and bacon, our famous “Tower Rock Crunch” oatmeal, plenty of fresh fruit, and Cowboy Coffee
• Lunch is Sandbar Smorgasbord
• Dinners vary by preference - Blackened Salmon, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Spanish Garlic Chicken, and Raft Potatoes just to name a few!