Have you Experienced the Blueways and Water Trails of Virginia?

“Water trails” and “blueways” are used synonymously in Virginia to reference linear river and stream corridors. Water trails and blueways are recognized for offering an array of recreational opportunities, both from the water and the land.

Not all trails are on land. Water trails are becoming more and more popular. Water trail users get an up-close look at the great outdoors from a different vantage point. Virginia, a water-rich state, is also water-trail rich. There are about 1,200 miles of water trails in the commonwealth, including the Captain John Smith Chesapeake Bay National Historic Trail. Water trails provide access along rivers, streams, the Chesapeake and lakes while providing opportunities to learn about an area's natural, historical and economic assets.

Shenandoah River State Park

Shenandoah River clean up

Virginia is blessed with hundreds of miles of high quality recreational streams and rivers. Most of the streams that carry enough water to be useful during the prime recreational season are considered by law to be navigable. Navigable waters are public thoroughfares, the highways of the past. Where the lands along these waterways are privately owned, water access is only afforded by land with the permission of the landowner. It is important to stress stewardship of resources and user etiquette along water trails to maintain positive relations with landowners along the trail.

Some riparian lands may not be suitable for outdoor recreation in order for wildlife habitats to be sustained. Sizeable areas of riverside land, or riparian buffers, may function for storm detention and infiltration purposes. When riparian lands are suitable and accessible for outdoor recreation, there will likely be opportunities to link resources along the river or stream with a water trail.

Many people consider any corridor of open water used for recreational travel or string of lakes connected by portage to be a water trail. Camping accessibility by water along the route makes multi-day travel possible. Canoeing, kayaking, and, in some areas, personal-watercraft use are all popular ways to enjoy water trails. —Roger Moore and Thomas Ross.

Blueways and water trails definition

Blueways and water trails are growing in popularity and becoming valued for their recreational, educational and economic potential. Water trails and blueways in Virginia are considered managed systems of access points with support facilities to allow trail users opportunities for multi-day trips.

Click here to search for state parks with water access.

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