A water trail, or blueway, is a stretch of river, a shoreline, or an ocean that has been mapped out with the intent to create an educational, scenic, and challenging experience for recreational canoers and kayakers. The trails are organized by local volunteers with the help of public officials and private landowners, all of whom promote its proper use and maintenance.

For communities across the country, water trails are a flexible and responsive tool for promoting a healthy economy and a high quality of life while preserving our natural and cultural heritage. Water trails, such as the Lakes to Locks Water Trail, can energize individuals and unify communities.

Guiding Principles

All water trails follow three guiding principles:

1. Environmental Enhancement

• natural resource conservation, preservation and restoration
• volunteer resource stewardship by the users of the resource
• sensitive, sustainable, no-impact use by individuals and business

2. Community Livability

• citizen's rights of access to public waterways and enjoyment of the resource
• scientific, historical and cultural interpretation, appreciation and education
• citizen involvement, local community involvement, action and pride

3. Personal Wholeness

• health and wellness through outdoor exertion
• character growth - building confidence and self-reliance through outdoor skills
• spiritual growth through solitude, observation and communication with the wilderness