A Day at the Beach ... In Memphis

Even though fall is just around the corner, it still feels like a hot and humid summer in Memphis. This is the time of summer that can be hardest to appreciate– we’ve done all of our outdoor activities, schools are starting, and we’re ready for the mosquitoes to die off. But last weekend we visited a little “hidden Mem” that gave our whole family a chance to savor our last bit of summer days. 

There is a trailhead behind the Agricenter called “Refuge Trail” that starts just behind Shelby Farms. It is a very short trail with a cute little bridge (very easy for kids to walk) and ends up at a place nicknamed Wolf River Beach. As you make your way down the trail that winds through the woods it feels like you’re trekking through any number of the typical beautiful wooded trails in Memphis. But, at the end of the trail as you approach the tree line you catch a glimpse of sand, water, and sunshine and it feels as though you’ve been transplanted hundreds of miles away to a day at the beach! And as you step onto the sand this little-known spot truly gives you a little taste of the beach right here in our city!

The sand stretches about a half-mile long and has several shady spots to escape from the heat. The water is shallow in most spots so kids and adults alike can play, skip rocks, and stay nice and cool! We stayed for several hours with our feet in the water, and watched a group of kayaks go by. For the more adventurous at heart there are also several places to put a kayak in on the river–this is another great way to spend a summer day!

Wolf River Beach is a great spot for anyone trying to beat the heat and spend a day by the water. It is pet-friendly and great for families. Bring some snacks, drinks, towels, and even a float to chill on. Make sure to leave the property cleaner than you found it, and keep Memphis beautiful!