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. Sixteen river-access camping facilities are included in the trail inventory, with additional facilities within the river corridor.
The Rock River Trail Inititative 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 prestigous award.
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!
Download Water Trail Index Map
Download The Complete Map
The Rock River Water Trail Plan & Map
The Rock River Trail Brochure: 320 river miles and 37 river communities
Designation of Rock River Water Trail as a National Water Trail
A: Northern Water Trail
B: East Branch –> Horicon
C: Horicon –> Watertown
D: Watertown –> Jefferson
E: Jefferson –> Indianford
F: Indianford –> Beloit
G: Beloit –> Rockford
H: Rockford –> Oregon
I: Oregon –> Rock Falls
J: Rock Falls –> Erie
K: Erie –> Quad Cities
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.