U.S. National Water Trail System: Explore by Boat
While hikers flock to U.S. National Parks and cyclists take to the country’s bike paths, many paddlers might not know about the U.S. National Water Trails (NWT) system—a national initiative designed to connect paddlers with a variety of scenic and accessible waterways. Established in 2012, the NWT system includes 35 riverways and canals across 25 states, offering a range of experiences for kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, and canoeing enthusiasts.
Highlights of the National Water Trails System:
- Diverse Waterways
The system features a wide range of waterways, from the urban Chippewa River Water Trail in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to the extensive Alabama Scenic River Trail stretching from the Coosa River to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Repurposed Routes
Many of the trails utilize rehabilitated industrial trade routes. With increasing interest in water-based activities, these once-polluted rivers have been cleaned and made accessible for recreational use.
- Public Access and Stewardship
Each trail in the NWT system guarantees public access, with regularly located boat launches and a focus on environmental stewardship. Trails are chosen for their ability to offer educational activities and promote responsible use of natural resources.
- Flexibility for All Types of Paddlers
Trails cater to different experiences, from quick afternoon outings to multi-day adventures, making them ideal for both casual paddlers and dedicated enthusiasts.
Notable Trails to Explore:
- Chippewa River Water Trail
Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Length: 4.2 miles
Features: This urban trail provides a unique paddling experience through the cityscape, offering views of local architecture and green spaces.
- Alabama Scenic River Trail
Location: Alabama
Length: 631 miles
Features: Spanning from the Coosa River to the Gulf of Mexico, this extensive trail offers diverse landscapes, from riverbanks to coastal areas.
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Location: Maryland and West Virginia
Length: 184.5 miles
Features: This historical canal offers a picturesque paddling route alongside historical structures and scenic landscapes.
- Mississippi River Water Trail
Location: Minnesota to Louisiana
Length: Varies by segment
Features: A major river trail offering a variety of experiences, from urban paddling in cities like Minneapolis to remote stretches in the Delta region.
- Tennessee River Blueway
Location: Tennessee
Length: 65 miles
Features: This trail offers opportunities for exploring the scenic Tennessee River, with access to various recreational spots and natural beauty.
- San Juan Islands Water Trail
Location: Washington State
Length: 75 miles
Features: A stunning coastal trail through the San Juan Islands, featuring diverse marine wildlife and beautiful island scenery.
Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor, New York State
The Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor offers one of the most dynamic and newly developed paddling programs in the U.S. This scenic route spans almost the entire length of upstate New York, from Buffalo in the west to Albany in the east, transforming the historic Erie Canal—a manmade trade route established in 1825—into a versatile paddling and boating trail.
Highlights of the Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor:
- Historic Waterway
The Erie Canal was originally built to facilitate trade and immigration. Today, it serves as a vibrant recreational route, surrounded by pedestrian paths and small towns.
- On the Canals Program
Launched in 2021 by New York State, this program enhances recreational access by offering free kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals through local businesses. Participants can easily sign up online to enjoy a day on the water without needing their own equipment. You don’t have to own a kayak or be a tugboat captain to be out on the waterway,” says Shane Mahar of the New York State Canal Corporation.
- Scenic and Recreational Opportunities
The corridor includes a variety of scenic spots and activities:
- Peebles Island State Park**: Accessible from Waterford near Albany, this 190-acre island offers tranquil waters and picturesque views.
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge**: Located in the Finger Lakes region, this refuge is ideal for bird-watching and paddling, with the chance to see bald eagles and rare cerulean warblers.
- Connecting Canals: The Erie Canalway links to other historic canals such as the Oswego, Champlain, and Cayuga-Seneca, as well as the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, which extends from Manhattan to the Adirondacks.
What to Know:
- Planning Your Trip
Use the Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor map to plan your paddling adventure. The trail is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, with opportunities to explore local towns and landmarks along the way.
- Additional Activities
Beyond paddling, the corridor’s scenic paths and small towns offer various recreational activities. Visitors often combine their water adventures with local exploration, such as enjoying lunch or ice cream in charming communities.
For more details, visit the [Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor website](https://www.eriecanalway.org) to access maps, rental information, and more.
Black Canyon Water Trail, Arizona and Nevada
The Black Canyon Water Trail offers a scenic 30-mile route along a less-traveled stretch of the Colorado River, straddling the border of Arizona and Nevada. This trail is known for its stunning desert landscapes and unique natural features, such as Emerald Cave, a green-hued grotto only accessible by boat.
Highlights of the Black Canyon Water Trail:
- Desert Landscapes
Paddle through the stark beauty of the desert landscape, with dramatic sandstone cliffs and serene river views.
- Emerald Cave
A standout feature of the trail is Emerald Cave, a shimmering green grotto illuminated by sunlight reflecting off algae on the cave’s sandstone walls.
- Ending at Eldorado Canyon
The trail concludes at Lake Mohave, surrounded by the imposing cliffs of Eldorado Canyon.
What to Know:
- Camping and Hot Springs
Historic Willow Beach offers camping opportunities, and several river-side canyons have natural hot springs for soaking.
- Guided Tours and Rentals
You can choose from guided tours or rent canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards from various outfitters. Tours typically launch from Willow Beach, Arizona, or from Eldorado Canyon, Nevada.
For more details on rentals and guided tours, you can explore local outfitters or visit the [Black Canyon Water Trail website](https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/black-canyon-water-trail.htm).
Great Miami Riverway, Ohio
The Great Miami Riverway extends 99 miles from Sidney to Hamilton County, Ohio, offering a range of paddling experiences and a wealth of additional activities.
Highlights of the Great Miami Riverway:
- Whitewater and Fountains
Near Dayton, you can experience the manmade whitewater feature at Eastwood MetroPark or enjoy the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights, featuring jets of water reaching 200 feet high.
- Historic and Cultural Stops
Explore historical sites like an 1805 log cabin post office in Franklin, or visit Hamilton’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum for geocaching. For a more laid-back experience, you can sip bourbon at the Century Bar, a classic establishment since 1945.
What to Know:
- Interactive Map
Use the Great Miami Riverway’s interactive map to find paddling launches and plan self-guided trips.
- Tour Options
Join a guided tour or explore on your own. The robust website provides links to activities, attractions, and lodging for multi-day adventures.
Visit the [Great Miami Riverway website](https://greatmiamiriverway.com) for more information on planning your trip.
Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail, Washington State
The Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail covers 271 miles of Puget Sound’s coastline, offering a diverse range of paddling experiences around Seattle and Tacoma.
Highlights of the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail:
- Coastal Exploration
The trail weaves through coves and inlets, providing opportunities to spot wildlife such as birds and seals.
- Unique Tours
Join a six-mile Ride the Tide group kayak trip from Bremerton, or embark on a scenic multi-day tour of Hood Canal. In Port Gamble, the Olympic Outdoor Center offers tours of the bioluminescent bay, where each paddle stroke creates a magical blue or green glow due to bioluminescent dinoflagellates.
What to Know:
Tour and Map Information
The trail website offers interactive maps, guides, and links to companies providing kayak tours. Bioluminescent tours are particularly enchanting during a full moon.