Iowa is blessed with a variety of rivers, creeks, and lakes offering a number of different types of experiences for beginner to expert paddler. 18,000 miles of navigable streams await exploration by curious paddlers from across the state. The Iowa DNR wants you to enjoy, appreciate, and respect Iowa's rivers. We hope you find this site very useful.
What is a Water Trail?
Water Trails are recreational corridors and routes on rivers and lakes that provide a unique experience for canoeists and kayakers. Water trails provide adequate access points that can be used for planning your trips at various lengths and difficulty. A water trail may also provide access to riverside campgrounds, primitive campsites, amenities such as shelters and restrooms in city, county or state parks. A water trail will have a detailed map showing access points and river mileage and may even provide information on history and area culture, wildlife viewing opportunities and more. Water trails can help re-connect Iowans to their history, heritage, geology and wildlife. A water trail promotes an ethic of caring that makes us more aware of our surroundings and environment and can be thought of as educational venues. Whether they are used for relaxation, health and fitness, education or just for spending time with family, water trails provide in-state destinations for recreational river users that can even help boost local economies.
Meet your Rivers team
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American Canoe Association (ACA) Classes for 2012
The 2012 schedule of ACA canoe classes that the Iowa DNR will be hosting for naturalists and trip leaders, is now up! Learn all about leading groups down river, risk management, how to paddle more efficiently and how to be safe while doing it. These classes fill fast so please sign-up today! 2012 paddlingschools.pdf_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Water Trails Site Planning and Work Crew Assistance Application (Due November 30th, 2011)
The Iowa DNR River Programs is offering an opportunity for site planning and work crew assistance. The next deadline will be Nov. 30, 2011. The crew is designed to help groups with a variety of low-tech projects in Iowa on Designated or In-Progress Water Trails that adhere to naturalistic river and surface trail design principles, or on a site of a low-head dam mitigation project. For questions please contact Luke Wright at Luke.Wright@dnr.iowa.gov. Find the application and more information right here:
Planning Work Crew Assistance
Planning Work Crew Assistance
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The 2011 Outdoor Expo in September was a huge success! Nearly 800 kids came through the water sports village and they all wanted to paddle canoes, kayaks and even SUP's (stand up paddle board). Thanks to the Izaak Walton League for partnering up with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for this wonderful event that happens every year!
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The Middle River Water Trail in Madison County was designated on October 1st.
The Red Rock Lake Water Trail was designated on October 8th. Follow the link for information from the pre-designation release. http://www.iowadnr.gov/home/ctl/detail/mid/2822/itemid/454 .
It was the final designation of 2011. The water trail, a 36 mile loop route, travels past eagles nests, a sea cave along Elk Rock Cliffs and past many scenic views. Hickory Ridge makes a great paddle-in/paddle-out base camp and provides a total wilderness experience. A Bald Eagles nest is only a short paddle from camp and if camping, expect to hear lots of Barred Owls and Coyote. Speakers from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, USACE and the Red Rock Lake Association were present at the ceremony on October 8th. This water trail now brings the total number of state designated water trail miles to 892.9. More are coming in 2012 so keep checking for updates!_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Charles City WhiteWater and Riverfront Park NOW OPEN!
The nations newest whitewater play park is open for enjoyment in Charles City, Iowa! See why it's turning heads across the state and across the nation! Paddlers from as far away as Oregon and Arizona have come to paddle the nations newest whitewater park and to enjoy the entire riverfront in Charles City. A full review of the project will be found right here soon so keep checking back. For now, please use the following link for more information! Charles City Whitewater Park
It's not just about whitewater. Charles City is dedicated to improve it's local watershed in a number of ways. Check out how they have connected to their river! Watershed Success
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Latest River News:
Vernon Springs Dam Converted to Rapids
The Vernon Springs Dam was converted to rapids in August, resulting in immediate reconnection of the upper Turkey River to the lake upstream and the river's two main tributaries in Howard County for aquatic species. The structure eliminates re-circulating currents that contributed to past drownings while maintaining water elevation for a popular lake.
Charles City Whitewater Course and Fish Passage Project Underway
Boulders are being placed and grouted in the first dam mitigation project that promotes in-water recreation as a primary objective.
Delhi Dam and Head Cut Update
The DNR rivers team has been managing the effort, in cooperation with DNR engineering and NRCS, to survey the ongoing head cut through the former lake bed and develop a plan to halt ongoing damage.
Delhi bed stabilization projects complete
DELHI - Two projects in the Maquoketa River designed to stabilize the former bed of Lake Delhi are nearly complete.