Water Trails and Their Benefits

Water trails consist of a series of access sites for non-motorized boating along a waterway, strung together by signage that guides paddlers along. The value of these aquatic arteries includes opportunities for fun, healthy outdoor exercise and a respite from workaday life, refreshing our spirits and inspiring our minds.

Safe, legal, and coordinated access to the region's waterways can also encourage:

• Education. Paddling provides opportunities to learn about the rich history of our region’s waterways, which spurred the growth of both the Chicagoland area and the nation. Many water trails display important ecological, geological, and archeological features—sure to intrigue adults and young people alike.
• Stewardship. Expanding and improving water trails in northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region exposes paddlers to important functions of riverine systems, such as habitat and water quality enhancements and flood protection. Nothing inspires the responsible care of our waterways as much as seeing yourself as a vital part of them.
• Tourism and Other Economic Benefits. Canoeing and kayaking continue to grow in popularity, increasing the market demand for water trails. This can translate into financial benefits for nearby communities, including increased spending in restaurants, hotels, and other local amenities. Also, studies indicate that property values of homes and businesses near trails, parks, and other outdoor recreational facilities generally go up.

The following pages detail Openlands' role in creating the Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trails Plan (and the resulting water trails map), recommendations for its continued implementation, and information about the Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trails Council.