Ohio River Way receives National Water Trail designation
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The Ohio River Way, a 308-mile water trail that connects communities in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, has been designated as a National Water Trail.
The nonprofit that oversees the trail said in a news release that the recognition marks the largest addition to the National Trails System this year.
The designation was awarded at the recommendation of the National Park Service and the Ohio River Way’s application was endorsed by more than 90 entities, the organization said.
The nonprofit said the designation recognizes the trail’s resources for paddlers and boaters, such as its interactive map, boating safety information, and signage at 74 public access points.
“This has been years in the making,” Ohio River Way Executive Director Forest Clevenger said in the release. “The idea for the Ohio River Way grew from a crew of volunteers, including the visionaries Brewster Rhoads and Dr. David Wicks. Since then, volunteers and community leaders spanning three states have collaborated to make this designation a reality. I couldn’t be prouder of our incredible team.”
The Ohio River Way stretches from Ashland, Kentucky to West Point, Kentucky, and connects to metropolitan centers including Cincinnati and Louisville.
The National Water Trail is one of the National Recreation Trail designations made by the Secretary of the Interior.
“National Recreation Trails create opportunities for locally managed tourism to boost economies and benefit hikers, bikers, paddlers and other recreationists alike,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said. “This investment into conservation and outdoor recreation will benefit the American people for generations to come.”
Other National Recreation Trail designees announced in 2025 include the Miner’s Ravine Trail in California, the Elizabeth River Trail in Virginia, the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway in Wisconsin, and Ohio’s Cuyahoga River Water Trail.