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.