Water Trail Designations
Water trails are recreational corridors between specific locations. They provide safe access to Pennsylvania’s waterways and connections to:
Local history
Ecology
Geology
Heritage
Wildlife
In addition, water trails offer several incredible benefits to local communities, including:
Encouraging tourism and providing economic benefits
Increasing easy access to waterways
Encouraging restoration and conservation
Each water trail is managed by a local partner, who is responsible for:
Signage and mapping
Access points
Invasive species removal
Conservation education
Other projects
The benefits for being designated as a water trail include:
Use of the Pennsylvania Water Trails logo
Map/guide on the PFBC website
Copy of the Water Trails Handbook
Participation in Technical Assistance Workshops, held at least once a year
Inclusion in statewide promotional efforts
How to Become a Designated Pennsylvania Water Trail
If a local organization is interested in managing a water trail, the first steps to pursuing official designation are to:
Learn more about the benefits and responsibilities of water trail management
Organize other community stakeholders and potential partners
Contact the Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership for assistance
Consider a water trail feasibility study
See the PA Water Trails Handbook (PDF) for more information.
National Recognition for Pennsylvania Water Trails
Several of Pennsylvania’s water trails also are designated as National Recreation Trails. Through this designation, these locally or regionally significant trails are part of America’s national system of trails, and are a testament to the high quality of water recreation opportunities in Pennsylvania.
The following Pennsylvania water trails are part of the National Recreation Trails program:
Delaware River Water Trail—Middle Segment
Juniata River Water Trail
Kiski-Conemaugh Water Trail
Ohio River Water Trail
Schuylkill River Water Trail
Susquehanna River Water Trail—Middle & Lower Sections
Susquehanna River Water Trail—North Branch
Susquehanna River Water Trail—West Branch
Three Rivers Water Trail
