Map Help

Using the Interactive State Water Trail Map

The Interactive State Water Trail Map has layers of information that can help you plan recreational outings and find information about recreational facilities on State Water Trails.

Basic operation

  • Panning: click or tap in the map and drag.
  • Zoom in/out:
    • Use the mouse wheel.
    • Hold the shift key and drag cursor to select a desired area of the map.
    • Use the zoom in/out icons described below.
  • Quick zoom: Select water trail from the dropdown menu.
    Map icon for the quick zoom feature to choose state water trail.
  • Click on a feature in the map to bring up more information.
  • Check the box next to “River Gauges” in the legend to view water levels.
    Map icon for selecting river gauges.

River level interpretations for paddling

Map icon shows very high river levels.Very High
Water levels and conditions make it dangerous to paddle.

  • Water is overflowing the bank and conditions are dangerous.
  • Water is flowing so fast that paddlers are not able to safely launch, paddle, and land their watercraft.
  • Rocks and fallen trees that are usually visible are hidden and potentially unavoidable.
  • Paddling should not be attempted in these conditions.
Map icon shows high river levels.High
Water is flowing swiftly and levels are higher than normal. Only intermediate to experienced paddlers should attempt paddling.

  • Water is high and moving faster than usual, but still in the river channel.
  • Intermediate and experienced paddlers should use extra caution.
  • New or inexperienced paddlers should not attempt paddling in these conditions.
Map icon shows medium river levels.Medium
Water levels and rate of flow are ideal for paddling.

  • Water is in its normal river channel and conditions are ideal for paddling.
  • Rocks and fallen trees are generally visible and can be avoided.
  • Paddlers of all experience levels should be able to paddle stretches without rapids. New or inexperienced paddlers should consult State Water Trail maps to avoid Class II-VI rapids.
Map icon shows low river levels.Low
Water levels are low and paddlers should be on the lookout for rocks and fallen trees.

  • Rocks and fallen trees are near or above the water and may present hazards or inconveniences.
  • Watercraft may hit bottom, but paddling is generally possible.
  • Paddling may be difficult unless paddlers are experienced enough to find the deeper portions of the river.
Map icon shows scrapable river levels.Scrapable
Impact with rocks and trees is likely, as is walking in the water to pull your watercraft.

  • Rocks and fallen trees are visible. Impact or scraping the bottom is likely.
  • Portions of the river may be clogged with plant growth.
  • Due to low water levels and discharge, paddlers may need to occasionally walk in the water and drag their watercraft.

Interface icons

Map icon to zoom in. zoom in

Map icon to zoom out. zoom out

Map icon to expand the map to full screen. expand the map to full screen

Map icon to display the map legend. display the map legend

Map icon to search for a place. search for a place

Map icon to print the current map. print the current map

Map icon to show Map Help tips. show this Map Help page

Map icon to select either aerial or basic base map. select either aerial or basic basemap 

Place searches

  • Click the search button: Map icon to search for a place.
  • Type location in the text box: Map icon to type location in the text box.
Use the place input box to quickly display a specific location. Simply enter the name or partial name of a point of interest (i.e., lake, city, WMA) and click "go" or the enter key. Matching places will be displayed below the search form - click on a name to zoom to that place.

About the data

This map is not adequate for sole use as a navigational aid, and its accuracy is not guaranteed. Whenever you spend time on the water, be sure to plan your itinerary conservatively. Use good judgment in relation to weather conditions, water levels, the onset of darkness, and the potential for difficulty in finding the accesses or campsites you are seeking.

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