Kayaking Tennessee's Wolf River: Wildlife, Adventure, and a Lost Phone
Open Trail Outdoors • July 6, 2026
Why We Started Open Trail Outdoors
My wife and I enjoy being outdoors taking in God’s wonderful creation. We try to hike and kayak as much as possible throughout the year. Because of our love and appreciation for God’s creation, we started Open Trail Outdoors to encourage others to get outside and make memories of their own.
A Lost Phone and Perfect Timing
Before I tell you about our day on the Wolf River, let me offer one piece of advice: watch your phone. Rivers have a way of claiming anything that isn't secured! Get a lanyard or keep it in a waterproof case and not in the cup holder of the kayak! I got complacent and slipped in a deeper area (3’ or so) of water and turned over. My phone was gone! But as it happened, we had just passed by a family on the bank who were hanging out on their land and enjoying the day. We had chatted with them as we floated by. After I flipped, they heard me say to my wife “my phone” and they immediately came to where we were. Their daughter went under the water with her goggles twice and on the second time she came up with my phone! Thank you Jesus! We talked a bit after that and we ended up knowing some of the same people. We thanked them numerous times and were incredibly grateful for their willingness to help. I flipped over at the right place and at the right time! We said our goodbyes and floated the rest of the way without any further incidents.
I am from the Dale Hollow Lake area and my parents still live in Byrdstown, TN. The Wolf River feeds Dale Hollow Lake. We have talked many times about kayaking that river and we did just that last weekend. The Wolf River winds through some beautiful Tennessee countryside before eventually feeding into Dale Hollow Lake, making it a great destination for anyone looking to experience a quieter side of paddling in the Upper Cumberland region. The outfitter for the river is Against the Flow Outdoors, owned by Levi and Hannah Thoman. Hannah's parents, who have been family friends for years, own Lakeside Sno, which is conveniently located in the same parking lot as the outfitter. If you're planning a trip on the Wolf River, we highly recommend stopping by. They serve delicious BBQ and sweet treats that are the perfect complement to a day on the water.
This was our first trip of the season as we have been working fervently on our business. We decided at the last minute to call Levi on Thursday and left a message. He called us back first thing Friday and we were all set to hit the river Saturday morning. Kayaking is really enjoyable and we were excited to get out on a river that we had not explored before. You never know what you will see and who you will meet while paddling.
What We Pack for Every Kayaking Trip
Some essentials that we bring on our trips consist of:
- Hydration packs
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Knife
- Cooling towels
- Waterproof case
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes
- Hats that cover your ears
- SPF ChapStick
- Life vests
- Small first aid kit
- Bungee cords
We always pack more than we need, but it’s better to be overprepared. When it comes to water shoes, I would recommend some that are pretty sturdy with a thick sole. These come in handy for when you get out on the bank and walk on the river rocks or walk on the river bed. Those rocks are uneven and can be slick when they are underwater.
Wildlife and River Views
The weather that day was perfect—warm, with the cool water from the river providing a welcome relief. Against the Flow Outdoors offers several river adventures, and the one we chose started farther upstream. There hadn’t been much rain, so we figured there would be places that we would have to drag some. We saw some cool wildlife as we paddled down the river. One of the highlights of the trip was spotting a family of otters running along the riverbank. Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is one of the reasons we love exploring new waterways. We also saw turtles, ducks, wading cows and numerous fish. And of course, always be mindful of snakes sunbathing on the rocks or logs.
After nearly five hours on the river, we were both talking about adding seat cushions to our kayaks. As much as we love being on the water, a little extra comfort goes a long way on longer trips. Thankfully, our dry bags and hydration packs performed exactly as they should, keeping our gear dry and water within easy reach. Some lessons are learned the hard way—and some remind you which gear is worth bringing every time.
One piece of advice is to leave anything irreplaceable at home. That was the first time I've flipped a kayak, and it almost cost me my phone. Also, bring more water than you think you'll need—fill up your hydration pack completely.
Why We Love the Outdoors
As we drove home, tired and sunburned, we couldn't stop talking about the day. The wildlife, the scenery, the people we met, and yes—even the phone that almost ended up at the bottom of the river. Experiences like these are exactly why we started Open Trail Outdoors. We believe some of life's best memories are made outside, whether you're paddling a quiet river, hiking a mountain trail, or sitting around a campfire with family and friends. God's creation has a way of bringing people together, and we hope to encourage more people to get outside and experience it for themselves. So grab your gear, gather your family or friends, and find a trail, river, or campsite to explore. You never know what adventure—or blessing—might be waiting around the next bend!