Water trails join land routes as National Recreation Trails

Scenic paddling trails in many states provide signed routes with a variety of facilities and recreation opportunities for canoeists and kayakers of all abilities.

The Nat ional Trails System Act, during its 40-year history, has brought awareness to the importance of trails of all kinds. They range from long-distance trails, like the Appalachian Trail, to short nature trails. The National Recreation Trails program recognition of water trails has increased in recent years. Some projects include both paddling and land trails.

	Along the Alabama Scenic River Trail

The trails designated as NRTs in 2008 include four water trails:

Alabama Scenic River Trail, Alabama —Stretching 631 miles from the Coosa River to the Gulf of Mexico, this scenic water trail features numerous camping, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities. See website.

Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System, Florida — Runs 100 miles through the panhandle of Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. See photos and details...

Congaree River Blue Trail, South Carolina — This 50-mile water trail and greenway offers an urban adventure featuring prehistoric Native American sites, sandbars, high bluffs, and Congaree National Park. See photos and details...

Susquehanna River Water Trail - Middle and Lower Sections, Pennsylvania — Flowing from Sunbury to the Maryland border, this 103-mile segment offers an array of experiences, from observing great blue herons to learning about the Underground Railroad. See website.

Other notable water trails that have been designated as National Recreation Trails are:

Cascadia Marine Trail, Washington — This Puget Sound water trail is a network of 55 shoreline campsites for people traveling the Pacific Northwest inland sea in human or wind-powered, beachable watercraft. See photos and details...

Delaware River Water Trail - Middle Delaware Segment, New Jersey — This 40.6-mile water trail is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

On the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail

Milwaukee Urban Water Trail, Wisconsin — Providing water access to the city, this water trail encompasses three rivers and a Lake Michigan estuary . See photos and details...

Potomac River Water Trail (DC, MD, VA, WV) — Hiking and biking trails in southern New Mexico along the Organ Mountains. See photos and details...

Schuylkill River Water Trail, Pennsylvania — Hiking and biking trails in southern New Mexico along the Organ Mountains. See website.

See more information on the National Recreation Trails program

See more information on Water and Boating Trails planning, facilities, projects, and projects

The National Recreation Trails Program:

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The Bureau of Land Management is a supporter and partner in the National Trails Training Partnership: working to make training more available. The BLM Trail Management Process course is a comprehensive model for trails education.