Whether you're an experienced paddler or a bit anxious about paddling a river for the first time, the new recommended paddling sections on water trail maps will help you plan your river trip and help our staff know where to focus maintenance efforts.
What makes a section "recommended"?
We've studied the maps, listened to paddlers and considered things like which stretches often have strong cross winds, or water levels that are frequently above or below ideal paddling levels. We looked at 4,375 designated river miles and identified 1,573 "recommended" miles - approximately one-third of the river miles in Minnesota's state water trail system. These are the sections we think are most likely to provide an enjoyable experience for paddlers of all ages and abilities.
At typical water levels, a recommended paddling section will offer fewer obstacles and woody obstructions in the river. Recommended sections also have clearly marked and well maintained portages and public access facilities, and they offer a good variety of options for trip length and duration. A few are "out and back" trips, which begin and end at the same location.
You can still paddle all the other river miles, but these are the ones we suggest for most people.
It's important to remember that river conditions can change at any time, including on recommended routes. Be sure to check current river levels before you leave home.
Where can I find these recommended routes?
On the water trail map, you'll find recommended paddling sections marked in blue under the Route Description heading.
Most state water trails have at least one recommended paddling section, and some have several. Even when there is more than one, they will all display under the route description.
What about Lake Superior?
The Lake Superior State Water Trail is listed, but because it is not a river, we did not evaluate it using the river criteria and it is not part of the river mileage. All 175 miles are appropriate for sea kayaking and for more experienced paddlers.