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An introduction to water trails

Boating enthusiasts are expanding the nationwide trails community.

For more water trail examples, projects, and resources, see our Water Trails Index.
See more information on Water Trails designated as National Recreation Trails.

From the Summer 2008 American Trails Magazine.

By Stuart Macdonald
Editor, American Trails Magazine

Is a trail on water really a trail? Winter recreation enthusiasts argue that a trail on snow is still a trail, even if it melts every spring. What makes a trail is the journey, whether it’s on dirt, through a railroad tunnel, over a boardwalk, or along a scenic waterway. Trails in all their variety connect us to our world, our history, and our heritage of wild places.

	Signs marking the Cascadia Marine National Recreation Trail in Washington

Essential ingredients

Unlike bikeways, water trails already exist. What is needed is help for trail users to get to the water and to find their way around. Signs, route markers, maps, and promotion of water routes are essentials. Trail supporters can create more opportunities by providing facilities like parking, boat ramps or docks, and places to camp and picnic.

Stream and waterway stewardship

Trails help people appreciate the natural world and the value of open space. Water trails, too, are a way to build more awareness and stewardship of our resources and habitats. In northeastern Illinois, for instance, TrailKeepers is an initiative of the Illinois Paddling Council and Openlands, that uses volunteers to monitor and maintain waterways and water trail access. StreamLeaders is a hands-on training course that promotes community participation in stream habitat conservation.

Promoting water trails

The Washington Water Trails Association (WWTA) is hosting a major water trail conference September 16-18 (see page 7). According to WWTA, “There are many, many new completed water trails that celebrate history, promote access, and connect communities and there are scores in various stages of development. Paddle sports continue to be among the fastest growing recreational activities in the United States.”

Water trail systems

Ohio has one of the newest statewide water trail programs among several other states. The goal is to encourage stream access along with safe boating and respect for private lands. Ultimately, we will have more statewide systems of well-signed and promoted water trails that facilitate safe use of these great recreational resources.

Some of the larger water trail systems include:

• The 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail through northeastern U.S. and Canada
• The 1,500-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail from Pensacola to the Keys and Georgia
• The 367-mile Northwest Discovery Water Trail along Idaho, Oregon, and Washington rivers

For more water trail examples, projects, and resources, see our Water Trails Index.

Water trails index page

Related topics:

Planning trails
Building trails
Accessible trails
Rails to trails
Urban trails
Management and Maintenance
Wildlife and the environment
Federal funding

More resources:

Bibliography
Quotations
Glossary
Acronyms
Tools
Products & services

For more opportunities for training on trail design, construction, and management see the National Trails Training Partnership area.