Planning Resources to Consider in Planning New Water Trails
Water trails are a unique form of recreation – in its simplest form it consists of floating with minor balance and navigation. However, the ability to reach the water’s edge is probably one of the largest obstacles to participation.
This plan lays out multiple strategies for enhancing Iowa’s system of state-designated water trails. Some suggest new trail routes. Many strategies simply enhance the use of existing trails for more people while conserving the resources—the soil, water, and vegetation—that make our experience possible. A few strategies recommend new experience types, such as remote, multi-day trips. Most paddlers in Iowa who provided input told us the only reason they don’t paddle more frequently is limited time. The water trails program would like to change that by supporting the development of more well-designed trails throughout the state to decrease travel time. We’ve also developed several standardized features for State designated water trails in response to paddler and water trail manager support. These features include hazard warning and wayfinding signage as well as access and parking design and will increase water trail user satisfaction and expectations without becoming a burden to water trail developers and managers.
Published January 2014
Envisioning a Statewide Connection Mass Central Rail Trail Benefits Study
posted Jun 14, 2023
Study shows completion of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail System would bring significant health and economic benefits to the commonwealth.
posted May 15, 2023
Mountain Bike Trail Development: Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process,” a 242-page “how to” manual covers modern trail development from trail types, to landscape analysis and design, to environmental and construction considerations, cost implications and more.
The Beerline Trail Equitable Implementation Plan – 2019
posted Sep 21, 2021
The Beerline Trail Neighborhood Development Project was created to ensure the next phases of trail development serve the needs of the community.
Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails
posted Dec 22, 2020
This guidebook can be used to assist in successfully planning, designing, and constructing mountain bike trail systems, while keeping in mind that user issues must be addressed at every stage of development.
