Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum recently announced that the Ohio River Way has been designated as a national water trail. As is the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the Ohio River Way National Water Trail is now part of the National Trails System.
The Ohio River Way is a 308-mile water trail spanning sections of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The route takes paddlers – kayaks and canoes as well as motorized watercraft – past small river towns and metropolitan centers like Louisville. Falls of the Ohio and gateway communities Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany are an integral part of the Ohio River Way.
Beyond its natural beauty, the trail is steeped in cultural heritage – from Lewis and Clark’s expedition to the Underground Railroad, and the flatboats and steamboats that helped shape the Ohio River’s rich history. The Ohio River Way National Water Trail complements the Ohio River Greenway, which is popular among cyclists and walkers in the region. The national water trail designation will be another boost to the local tourism economy.
The Ohio River Way is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a coalition of members who advocate for the river’s cultural, historical and recreational resources, including the national water trail. Falls of the Ohio Foundation is a coalition member.
