Water trails carry on an important traditional mode of travel that has been practiced for thousands of years in our region - first by Native Americans from 8,000BC; then by the European explorers and traders who followed in the 17 th century; and now by people who wish to rediscover the joy and adventure of small boat travel. The North American Water Trail Association defines a water trail as "a recreational waterway on a lake, river, or ocean between specific points, containing access points, and day use and/or camping sites for the boating public." A water trail is recreational infrastructure at its simplest. It is a network of access points, resting places, attractions and amenities for users of watercraft on lakes, oceans, streams and rivers.   

The Pittsburgh region is experiencing a rapid growth in interest and use of our rivers. This is emblematic of a national upward trend in the popularity of non-motorized recreation. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, young Americans, those between 16 and 24 years of age, showed more new interest in kayaking than in any other sport, posting a 60% increase in participation over 2000 and 220% over 1998. Kayaking and canoeing were among the top five sports that had the most first-time participants in 2001. To address this growing appeal and introduce more people to the recreational and environmental renewal of the three major rivers of Allegheny County, the Friends of the Riverfront is creating the Three Rivers Water Trail System . Beginning with the Allegheny River - and soon expanding to include the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers — Friends holds community dialogues with partners in various fields to gather information about local places of interest, history, environment and habitats, local legends and public amenities and services. We scout for potential access sites, parking areas and hazards. We then create maps for boaters; informational signage and boat racks for the access points; points of interest and hold guided trips to show people how easy and enjoyable these trails are to follow. Our goal is to make all three of our rivers easily accessible to anyone that is looking for a water adventure. Other programs in our region include:

• The Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Upper Mon River Water Trail stretching from Fairmont, WV to Rice's Landing, PA ( www.monriversummit.org/UMWT/ or 304-292-3311 ) The Yough River Trail has been a boater's destination for years ( 724-872-3586) and
• Secondary streams such as Raccoon Creek, Chartier's Creek, and Turtle Creek have volunteers who have at least scouted water trail opportunities.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission designates Official Pennsylvania Water Trails. As boaters of all sorts rediscover our region's abundant rivers and creeks, they begin to identify amenities and places of interest to enhance the river experience. Volunteers developing and promoting a river corridor as a trail may choose to nominate it for official recognition. The PA Fish & Boat Commission also has technical resources for the design and development of water trails. Modern water trails like the Allegheny River Trail are designed to provide safe non-motorized boat launches and easy shore access maintain and respect the environments natural character and promote responsible use of our rivers. Water trails also:

• Improve docking facilities for motorized boaters; Provide opportunities for short-term access to communities and neighborhoods; Connect communities; Allow boaters a brief or long respite--an escape from the urban to natural environment, a renewal of body and mind;
• And, most significantly, water trails encourage low-impact use and a strong sense of stewardship of the environment.  

Water trails can have multiple purposes or attractions. Through durable, detailed water trail maps many amenities, points of interest and multiple "tours" along the water trail are identified. Along the Allegheny Water Trail you can find various routes such as:

• Natural, social or industrial historyChanges in the environmentSmall townsPublic artHistoric bridges Man-made systems such as sewage and water treatment or transportation
• Wildlife habitat

Water trail maps may also offer:

• Safety and boating information Leave No Trace principlesRules of the waterwaysPotential dangersRecommended equipmentContact information for outfitters
• Parking, restroom and food service information.

The increase in popularity for river recreation is accelerated in our region by the post-industrial rediscovery of our river resources and revealed locally by numerous organizations that are serving the demand. The American Youth Hostel, the Explorers Club, Outside Adventure, and the Sierra Club each have over twenty years experience in organizing canoe and kayak trips at all skill levels. More recently, in addition to the Friends of the Riverfront, the Three Rivers Rowing Association, the Venture Outdoors and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission are developing strong canoeing and kayaking programs.