TABLE OF CONTENTS
Water Trail Guide Introduction ................ 4
What is a Water Trail? ......................... 6
National Water Trail Designation ....... 6
Regulations Governing Water Trails ... 8
Planning ..................................................10
Participants and Partnerships ...........10
Identify Core Objectives ....................11
Budgeting for Your Trail ....................12
Funding Assistance Available ...........13
Waterway Behaviors ...............................14
Meandering Rivers .............................16
Braided Rivers ....................................18
Channelized Rivers ........................... 20
Lakes ................................................. 23
Design .................................................... 24
The Arrival ........................................ 25
Entrances ..................................... 25
Parking and Circulation ................. 26
Loading and Staging ..................... 28
Public Amenities ........................... 29
The Approach ................................... 30
The Launch ....................................... 35
Universally Accessible Water Accesses ... 40
Site Alternatives .................................... 43
Permitting Water Access Locations .......47
Operation and Maintenance .................. 50
Marketing Water Trails ........................... 52
Community Support ......................... 52
Special Events .................................. 53
Social Media ..................................... 53
Print .................................................. 53
Marketing Resources ........................ 55
Conclusion ............................................. 56
Special Thanks ....................................... 58
