Trails to Explore

Discover the natural abundance of the Anacostia River as it threads through the heart of Washington, DC. Watch birds on Kingman Island or dock at the National Arboretum and roam the forest. Paddle to Diamond Teague Park and…

The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length. The Trail goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain…

The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Park in central Maryland features a paved surface ten feet wide set within a corridor of parkland over thirteen miles long. The linear park is shared by walkers, runners, bicyclists,…

The Chemung River, a major tributary of the Susquehanna River, and its three tributaries (the Tioga, Canisteo, and Conhocton Rivers) run through the scenic woodland and hills of the southern tier of New York and the northern…

The C&O Canal follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD.

The canal operated from 1828-1924 as a transportation route, primarily hauling coal from western Maryland to the…

From the headwaters in Delaware to the river’s mouth between Kent Island and Rock Hall, the Chester River Water Trail encompasses more than 100 miles of waterways, a variety of ecosystems, and over 10,000 years of human…

The Chickahominy River is full of marshes, swamps, and varies species of wildlife. It has a rich Native American history and helped the colonists of Jamestown to survive. Today, it remains a cradle of ecological diversity…

The Choptank River is the longest of the rivers on the Chesapeake Bay's Eastern Shore. Paddling or boating along the Choptank and its primary tributary, the Tuckahoe River, is a wonderful way to explore this classic…

The Cross Island Trail traverses Kent Island, the largest of the Chesapeake Bay islands. This paved biking and walking route takes travelers from the open Bay to the west, through the historic district of Stevensville, past…

The East Coast Greenway is a walking and biking route stretching 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida, connecting our nation’s most populated corridor. The East Coast Greenway is designed to transform the 15 states and 450…

The Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River flows from Virginia Beach through Norfolk before joining the main river and the Chesapeake Bay. This historic area combines natural wetlands and naval shipyards. The scenic Eastern…

The 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage connects the C&O Canal Towpath with the city of Pittsburg. It soars over valleys, snakes around mountains, and skirts alongside three rivers (the Casselman, Youghiogheny, and Monongahela)…

The Gwynns Falls Trail is a 15-mile linear greenway trail connecting over 30 unique neighborhoods and nearly 2000 scenic acres of parkland located in west and southwest Baltimore City to the Inner Harbor and Middle Branch…

Established in 1992 and covering 176 acres, the Heritage Rail Trail County Park is 21 miles long and runs north from the Mason Dixon line just south of the Borough of New Freedom through Glen Rock, Hanover Junction, and…

The James River is the southernmost major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, offering a wide range of recreational experiences. Flowing from the west, the James passes through Richmond and joins the Bay near Norfolk, not far…

The Upper James River Water Trail meanders through beautiful Botetourt County located just northeast of Roanoke, Virginia. The trail is organized into five segments, each offering a unique experience. Along the 45 miles of…

When complete, the Jones Falls Trail will extend 10 miles between Baltimore's Inner Harbor and the Mount Washington Light Rail Station.

Currently, a paved, off-road section runs from the Woodberry Light Rail Station south…

The Juniata River is a recognized Pennsylvania River of the Year. The National Park Service has designated the water trail a Chesapeake Bay Gateway and has listed the Upper and Lower Sections of the Juniata River Water Trail…

The Lynnhaven River has nearly 150 miles of shoreline. The mission of the water trail is to encourage stewardship through recreational and educational activities related to the watershed’s natural, cultural and historic…

Mathews Blueways is an interconnected system of five separate water trails spanning Mathews County. The 90 miles of trails are particularly suited for small hand-powered craft such as canoes and touring kayaks.

Mathews…

The developing York River Water Trail follows approximately 120 river miles along the tidal York, Mattaponi, and Pamunkey rivers. The route spans a diverse landscape through parts of Virginia described and mapped by Captain…

This water trail runs from Cedar Grove down to the James River along 34 of the Maury's 42 mile length. One of the most beautiful whitewater rivers in Virginia, the Maury has rock walls along many stretches and boulder fields…

Monie Bay is a large and relatively undisturbed region which provides excellent habitat for wildlife and numerous opportunities for extensive wetland research. Tidal creeks including Monie Creek, Little Monie Creek, and…

The Monocacy River Water Trail is a self-guided tour of the river for canoeists and kayakers from the Monocacy Battlefield to the Monocacy Aqueduct in Maryland. The trail takes paddlers through landscapes once inhabited by…

The Nanticoke is about 63 miles long from its headwaters in Delaware south to Tangier Sound in Dorchester County, Maryland. The river possesses regionally and nationally significant natural, recreational, and cultural…

Tracing a 40-mile route on two tributary waterways of the Chesapeake Bay, paddling adventures await as you explore a vast and changing landscape, spanning 13,000 years of human history, past 10,000 acres of public lands…

The Patuxent River Water Trail offers visitors the opportunity to paddle the river, camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries and wildlife areas. The 110 mile long river is unique in that…

As an American Heritage River and with 300 miles recognized as a National Recreation Trail, the Potomac River is closely connected to our Nation's history and rich in recreational opportunities. Beginning at Jennings…

Powhatan Creek is a 23 mile tributary of the James River that passes through an area recognized by as one of the most environmentally significant natural resources on the peninsula. The creek is still largely undeveloped and…

The Rappahannock River, the longest free flowing river in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, extends from its origin at Chester Gap in the Shenandoah National Park of western Virginia to Stingray Point in the Chesapeake Bay, a…

The Rivanna River watertrail begins in the outskirts of Charlottesville, Virginia and winds it's way south 41 miles where it empties into the James River near Columbia, Virginia. 

Canoe or kayak through historic landscapes…

Over 20 miles long, the Sassafras River traces the shores of Maryland’s Cecil and Kent counties before reaching its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay between Howell Point and Grove Point.  The tributary begins near the town…

From Harrisburg to Havre de Grace, this 65 mile stretch of the Susquehanna shows off the scope of this largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The Lower Susquehanna Water Trail helps boaters, canoeists and kayakers explore…

The Susquehanna River meanders 444 miles from its origin at Otsego Lake near Cooperstown, NY until it empties into the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, Md. The Middle Susquehanna River Trail covers 54 miles of the river…

This stretch of the river is characterized by rolling meadows, forests, and crop land, set amidst seemingly endless mountains.  Much of the area is with in the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and it offers abundant outdoor…

For 228 miles along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, you can soon explore Pennsylvania's wild lands, scenic beauty and history by water. Whether you take a day trip or a multi-day paddling adventure, the West Branch…

Do you want to combine water, good food, recreation, open space, history, culture, scenic beauty and geology into one day-trip? The Swatara Creek Water Trail has you covered. Canoeing the "Swattie" is like exploring a…

Before the Civil War, many enslaved African Americans fled to freedom by way of a secret network of roads, waterways, trails, and hiding places that became known as the Underground Railroad. They were helped along the way by…

Two loop water trails are under development on Virginia's Eastern Shore: the Onancock Creek Loop Trail and the Saxis Water Trail Loop. These trails will soon provide tremendous paddling opportunities for experiencing this…

The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD or "Wad") is a great rail trail through the Northern Virginia counties. The entire 45 miles is paved with nine foot wide asphalt and has a painted yellow center line. There is also a…

The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) is about 28 miles long and parallels the C&O Canal Towpath for its entire length. The trail is paved and suited to anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely outdoor experience for walking,…