National best practices
The National Water Trails System (NWTS), administered by the National Park Service, is a system to support the development and maintenance of water trails on rivers, lakes, and other waterways in the United States. The NWTS defines water trails as "recreational routes on waterways with a network of public access points supported by broad‐based community partnerships. Water trails provide both conservation and recreational opportunities. The NWTS supports local,state, and federal organizations in the development of these trails in an effort to protect and restore the nation's waterways. Increased access for recreational opportunities is also an important component. The NWTS provides four criteria required for a water trail to be designated as a National Water Trail:
1. The trail (and its access points) must be open to public use and be designed, constructed, and maintained according to best management practices, in keeping with the anticipated use. Water trail access points that demonstrate state‐of‐the‐art design and management are especially encouraged to apply for national water trail designation.
2. The trail is in compliance with applicable land use plans and environmental laws.
3. The trail will be open for public use for at least 10 consecutive years after designation.
4. The trail designation must be supported by the landowner(s), (public or private), on which access points exist.
There are also several best‐management practices that the NWTS provides that must be incorporated for a water trail to be designated as a National Water Trail. Established public access points are a key element and these access points should accommodate a range of trip lengths and a variety of recreational and educational opportunities. Educational elements should include the value of water resources, cultural heritage, boating safety and skills, and outdoor ethics. Water trails should also include opportunities for continued conservation, promoting and enhancing the health of local waterways. The ability to perform routine and long‐term maintenance is also a key factor. Facilities should be designed based on current sustainable practices. In addition to these elements, community involvement and support are crucial elements. A water trail plan should be maintained to outline a vision for the trail and key elements for development. Input and support from community leadership is key to maintenance and stewardship.
The most important element in the success of all blueway or water trails is public information. There is a lot of information that is critical to the success of a water trail including, but not limited to: water quality, hazards,routes, access points, cultural resources, natural resources,food, and shelter. It is even more important to supply this information in an effective manner to those using the trail. Maps and guide signs should be provided at launch sites. Several trail groups have provided waterproof maps for purchase. A website with maps, weather and current information, and a business directory is the most effective way to promote the trail and provide information to trail users.
1. The trail (and its access points) must be open to public use and be designed, constructed, and maintained according to best management practices, in keeping with the anticipated use. Water trail access points that demonstrate state‐of‐the‐art design and management are especially encouraged to apply for national water trail designation.
2. The trail is in compliance with applicable land use plans and environmental laws.
3. The trail will be open for public use for at least 10 consecutive years after designation.
4. The trail designation must be supported by the landowner(s), (public or private), on which access points exist.
There are also several best‐management practices that the NWTS provides that must be incorporated for a water trail to be designated as a National Water Trail. Established public access points are a key element and these access points should accommodate a range of trip lengths and a variety of recreational and educational opportunities. Educational elements should include the value of water resources, cultural heritage, boating safety and skills, and outdoor ethics. Water trails should also include opportunities for continued conservation, promoting and enhancing the health of local waterways. The ability to perform routine and long‐term maintenance is also a key factor. Facilities should be designed based on current sustainable practices. In addition to these elements, community involvement and support are crucial elements. A water trail plan should be maintained to outline a vision for the trail and key elements for development. Input and support from community leadership is key to maintenance and stewardship.
The most important element in the success of all blueway or water trails is public information. There is a lot of information that is critical to the success of a water trail including, but not limited to: water quality, hazards,routes, access points, cultural resources, natural resources,food, and shelter. It is even more important to supply this information in an effective manner to those using the trail. Maps and guide signs should be provided at launch sites. Several trail groups have provided waterproof maps for purchase. A website with maps, weather and current information, and a business directory is the most effective way to promote the trail and provide information to trail users.
Erie Canal system water trail
The Erie Canal System, completed in 1825, runs the length of New York State. The canal runs from Buffalo to just north of Albany, a total of 524 miles. The Erie Canal is the central theme to this National Heritage Area. The canal is heavily utilized by various modes of transportation, including motorboats, canoes, kayaks, walkers, and bicyclists. The adjacent tow path is complete for roughly 75% of the canal. Rest areas and boat launches are frequent, especially in canal hamlets and populated areas. The canal itself is owned by New York State and operated by the Canal Corporation division of the New York State Thruway Authority. Both Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake are included in the Erie Canal Corridor. There are seven launch sites identified on Cayuga Lake as part of this system. The Canal Corporation and other advocacy agencies have developed various tours and informational materials for boaters and non‐motorized users. An interactive map identifies each launch site and the amenities available, including the type of boat launch, parking, picnic areas, camping, and photos. Additional materials include wineries that are located along Cayuga and Seneca Lake and places for overnight stays. The canal system is perfect for out‐and‐back day trips, destination day trips, and overnight excursions. The interactive map can be found here: http://www.canals.ny.gov/maps/index.html
The Erie Canal System also promotes their end‐to‐end program. This provides recognition to canal users that have traveled the system from Buffalo to Albany either in one trip or multiple trips.Other key features for the system include:
The Erie Canal System also promotes their end‐to‐end program. This provides recognition to canal users that have traveled the system from Buffalo to Albany either in one trip or multiple trips.Other key features for the system include:
- Trail website – interactivemap available online
- Launch descriptions with amenities
- Marketing program
- Cultural and heritage links
- Overnightinformation
- Canal lock open and closing times
Lake Superior Water Trails
There are several trails that line the 3,000 miles of shoreline along Lake Superior. There are a few trails that are well planned, documented, and marketed. Several other sections are still in development with little‐to‐no information available.
The Hiawatha Water Trail is located on the southwest shores between Big Bay and Grand Marais. Twenty access points are located between these two areas, covering approximately 120 miles of shoreline. The Hiawatha Water Trail includes over 20 campsites and three national conservation areas. The largest gap between landing points is 25 miles. Nautical charts and access point details are available online and a detailed waterproof trail map is available for purchase.
The Lake Superior Water Trail – Wisconsin Segment covers more than 400 miles of the shoreline. The trail extends from the Michigan border to the City of Superior. For planning purposes, a gap analysis study was performed by the regional planning commission in conjunction with local and state agencies. A trail map, both in online and printed form, was also developed. The trail map shows both developed, carry‐in, and alternative access points, rest stops and picnic areas, campgrounds, emergency landing points, and light houses. Some additional watershed and boating information is also included. Business information is lacking; however,the trail is still in development.
Key features for the system include:
The Hiawatha Water Trail is located on the southwest shores between Big Bay and Grand Marais. Twenty access points are located between these two areas, covering approximately 120 miles of shoreline. The Hiawatha Water Trail includes over 20 campsites and three national conservation areas. The largest gap between landing points is 25 miles. Nautical charts and access point details are available online and a detailed waterproof trail map is available for purchase.
The Lake Superior Water Trail – Wisconsin Segment covers more than 400 miles of the shoreline. The trail extends from the Michigan border to the City of Superior. For planning purposes, a gap analysis study was performed by the regional planning commission in conjunction with local and state agencies. A trail map, both in online and printed form, was also developed. The trail map shows both developed, carry‐in, and alternative access points, rest stops and picnic areas, campgrounds, emergency landing points, and light houses. Some additional watershed and boating information is also included. Business information is lacking; however,the trail is still in development.
Key features for the system include:
- Trail websites – printedmap available or printable
- Launch descriptions with amenities
- Some overnightinformation
- Water condition information
Lake Tahoe Water Trail
The Lake Tahoe Water Trail, located in both Nevada and California, is a 72‐mile shoreline trail specific to paddling. Each area of the lake is identified with both public and private launch and rest sites identified. A majority of the trails launch points are ADA accessible. Additional amenities are highlighted within a¼ mile of each site,such as food and bed & breakfasts.Historic sites,such as the Thunderbird Lodge, Vikingsholm, and the Ehrman Mansion are also included on maps and itineraries. There is an interactive online map with each of the launch points and amenities. Specialized day trip itineraries are also posted on the website and can be chained together for a multi‐day trip or a full trip around the lake. Printed maps are also available. Environmental conservation is a large part of promoting the trail. Trail users are strongly encouraged to practice “leave no trace” camping and to clean their boats to prevent invasive species in Lake Tahoe.
Key features for the system include:
Key features for the system include:
- Trail website – trail map available online
- Launch descriptions with amenities (1/4 mile radius)
- Conservation program
- Day trip and overnight itineraries
Hudson River Greenway Water Trail
The Hudson River Greenway Water Trail has been extensively studied and implemented over years of support. The Greenway Water Trail received its national designation in 2012. The trail is 256 miles long starting in the Adirondack Park at Hadle, and Champlain Canal at Whitehall to Battery Park in Manhattan.Over 94 launch points have been identified,mapped, and inventoried as part of its implementation.
The trail was implemented in 2001 utilizing $1 million in federal funding and is a joint effort between the Hudson Valley Greenway and Hudson Valley Watertrail Association. Several other agencies, including NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation and NYS Department of State were involved in the trails development.Goals of the trail are to have launches and take‐outs every 10 miles on both shores of the river. Campsites or other overnight accommodations are located every 15 miles wherever possible to promote multi‐day trips. In addition to site amenities, wildlife marshes, islands, historic sites, hamlets, and other trails are also identified. A detailed online map is available for use along with printed maps. A guidebook has also been developed as part of the water trail and is in its sixth edition. The online trail map can be found here: http://www.hrwa.org/pages/trail_map.shtml
Key features for the system include:
The trail was implemented in 2001 utilizing $1 million in federal funding and is a joint effort between the Hudson Valley Greenway and Hudson Valley Watertrail Association. Several other agencies, including NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation and NYS Department of State were involved in the trails development.Goals of the trail are to have launches and take‐outs every 10 miles on both shores of the river. Campsites or other overnight accommodations are located every 15 miles wherever possible to promote multi‐day trips. In addition to site amenities, wildlife marshes, islands, historic sites, hamlets, and other trails are also identified. A detailed online map is available for use along with printed maps. A guidebook has also been developed as part of the water trail and is in its sixth edition. The online trail map can be found here: http://www.hrwa.org/pages/trail_map.shtml
Key features for the system include:
- Trail website – interactivemap available online
- Detailed launch descriptions with amenities
- Marketing program
- Cultural and heritage links
- Overnight information
- Frequent access points
*This website was prepared for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund