The Rock River National Water Trail

The Rock River National Water Trail

The Rock River Water Trail is proud to be a designated National Water Trail. The water trail meanders down a gentle gradient through beautiful rural and wilderness landscapes and vibrant urban riverfronts to safely carry the water traveler 320 miles from the headwaters above the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in south central Wisconsin to the Mississippi River at the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa. The Rock River Water Trail is of national significance for its great diversity and landscape, vista, recreation, cultural, and historic experience, and for its ease of accessibility.

There are 155 access sites on the water trail, 50 of which are designated as accessible to persons with disabilities.  Access sites are signed with the logo of the Rock River Water Trail.

The Rock River Trail 320-Mile Award

The Rock River Trail Initiative has established a 320-Mile Award for those individuals who reach the goal of doing the whole 320 miles of the Rock River Trail, whether it’s hiking, biking, paddling or driving. Those who finish the trail will be recognized on our 320-Mile Wall of Fame and awarded the Rock River Trail patch and 320-Mile Award rocker patch. Click here to learn more about this prestigious award.

Rock River National Water Trail

Below are links to all the maps and trail information that will enable you to explore the Rock River National Water Trail. Travel safely and happy trails to you!

Interactive GIS Map
Download Water Trail Index Map
Download The Complete Map
The Rock River Water Trail Plan & Map

Individual Trail Segments

A: Northern Water Trail  

• Section A Map
• Section A Access Points
• Section A Description

B: East Branch –> Horicon

• Section B Map
• Section B Access Points
• Section B Description

C: Horicon –> Watertown

• Section C Map
• Section C Access Points
• Section C Description

D: Watertown –> Jefferson

• Section D Map
• Section D Access Points
• Section D Description

E: Jefferson –> Indianford

• Section E Map
• Section E Access Points
• Section E Description

F: Indianford – Beloit *

• Section F Map PDF
• Section F Access Points
• Section F Description

G: Beloit – Rockford  

• Section G Map PDF
• Section G Google Map
• Section G Access Points
• Section G Description

H: Rockford –> Oregon  

• Section H Map PDF
• Section H Google Map
• Section H Access Points
• Section H Description

I: Oregon –> Sterling 

• Section I Map PDF
• Section I Google Map
• Section I Access Points
• Section I Description

J: Rock Falls –> Erie

• Section J Map
• Section J Access Points
• Section J Description

K: Erie –> Quad Cities

• Section K Map
• Section K Access Points
• Section K Description

Specialty Maps

• Horicon Marsh Canoe Trail
• Dodge County and Rock River
• Dodge County / Rock River Canoe routes
• Beloit River Trail
• Rock Basin Map

Park Maps

• Atwood Homestead
• Dodge County Parks
• Happy Hallow Park Map
• Ledge Park Map
• Moline City Parks
• Rock Cut
• Rock Island Parks
• Waupun County Park Map

Disclaimer   Every effort has been made to provide accurate information in the maps, directions and descriptions.  However, road and river conditions change and infrastructure and facilities are subject to modification.  Users of the road route and water trail have primary responsibility for their own safety and are encouraged to investigate route and trail conditions while planning a trip.  The agencies, organizations and individuals involved in development of the road route and water trail provide the information in good faith and assume no liability for personal safety and property of trail users.