Mile 738.4 - Mud Island Upper Boat Ramp

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

LBD 738.4 Mud Island Upper Boat Ramp

Concrete boat ramp bottoms out around -0-MG. Foul smelly water here due to unfortunate placement of the Memphis Wastewater Treatment Plant one mile upstream. You will not want to get in the water. You may not even want to put your boat in the water here due to the slightly tangy, slightly nauseating effluent aroma! But it’s okay. There is no harm in stepping in it, or putting your boat in it. But seriously, no swimming or eating fish from this place. Put in here makes for a quick 1/2 hour run to the bottom of Mud Island.

This landing makes for an good take out, if you ignore the smells. It’s the easiest place to make a Memphis take-out because you the landing is easy to identify from the river, and it will be easy for your pick up party to meet you here. Big Parking lot at edge of Greenbelt Park in front of Harbor Town. But you will miss the excitement of paddling under the stately M Bridge, as well as the thrill of arriving in the big city with the unforgettable view of downtown Memphis from the Beale Street Harbor. Please note that in extreme low water conditions the you might encounter the American Queen docked at Upper Mud Island Landing. Unsuspecting canoes/kayaks might be surprised to find their once open landing to be covered by this monster of all steamboats! Normally you can find a way to sneak under the prow of the docked American Queen, but do so with utmost care, and make sure she is firmly tied down, and there are no currents which might cause you trouble.

If you are continuing on into Memphis keep left bank descending and enjoy the long grassy Greenbelt Park with its stately cottonwoods, and the lively scene of families, kids, joggers, bicyclers, picnickers, people reading books and taking naps and people flying kites along the way. Your best route is the same, stay river left (fastest water). No tow will come in this close. Keep to the same under bridge and read below for suggestions for final entry into the Memphis Mud Island Harbor.

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