Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Western Region

Pennsylvania Environmental Council - Western Region

Water Trails

What are Water Trails?

View the Water Trails PowerPoint Presentation - click here.

Water trails are recreational corridors between specific locations that can be
used for both single day and also overnight trips. They provide safe access to Pennsylvania's
waterways while also providing connections to our history, ecology, geology, heritage,
and wildlife. Trail amenities include access to campsites, shore access, directional signage,
interpretive information about the area's historical and natural resources, and more.
Most importantly, water trails are open to anyone who's interested in getting out on the water!

Pennsylvania Water Trails Program

PEC is working with the PA Fish & Boat Commission and the PA Department of Conservation & Natural
Resources on the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program. This statewide program will accomplish three major tasks:

Develop guidelines for water trails development in Pennsylvania.
Provide technical assistance to local groups wanting to develop a water trail.
Provide information on water trails in Pennsylvania throug the Paddle Pennsylvania publication that is also available on the internet.

Why Water Trails?

There are many reasons to be interested in the development of water trails.
They offer several benefits to local communities.

They encourage tourism and provide an economic benefit. Envisioned to be
part of Pennsylvania's interconnected system of greenways, water trails are
a good way to bring people into your community to the benefit of local businesses and
other resources. As both canoeing and kayaking increase in popularity, the demand for water trails also increases.

They are recreational amenities. Water trails encourage the use of Pennsylvania's
waterways and provide an important recreational resource to a great number of people.

They encourage restoration and conservation. By bringing people in contact with
our natural resources there is increased stewardship of these resources. With increased
use of our natural resources, communities will be invigorated to complete restoration
and conservation projects.

Water Trails Fact Sheets
Click on the links below to view the fact sheets.

Guidelines - Standards for water trail development.
Resources - Links to more information about water trails.
Funding - Information about funding opportunities.
ABCs - The ABCs of developing a water trail.
Permitting - Information about water access permitting in Pennsylvania.

More Information

Click here to view the Pennsylvania Water Trails Brochure

Click on the logo to learn about the Kiski-Conemaugh River Water Trail