Providing trail information
A good example of a paddling trail website and trail guide can be found at the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail website.
For more information on the Apalachicola Paddling Trail system and to download maps, access this website: Apalachicola Paddling Trail system
The creation of effective websites, brochures, paddling guides or maps is important to increase public safety and enhance a paddler's appreciation of the area's natural and cultural resources. Describe the trail conditions accurately in all promotional materials. Submit a draft map guide to managers of public lands impacted by the trail for review.
The inventories and data collected in the previous steps will be used to produce the guide. To reduce production costs, make a downloadable .pdf map available online instead of, or in addition to, providing hard copy maps.
Consider adding the following items to map information:
- GPS coordinates, average distances between campsites, points of interest, and towns with amenities.
- Provide track of paddling route where appropriate, including access points and boat ramps. Consider distinguishing between isolated ramps and those where phones or assistance may be available in an emergency; use appropriate icons on publications.
- Include major and local roads to access points.
- For lodging, restaurants and other amenities, provide websites or phone numbers of local tourism development councils and chambers of commerce to keep updated list of commercial vendors.
- Gear and safety equipment checklists.
- Points of Interest including cultural, historical, recreation, and interpretive features.
- Sources of potable water.
- Provide a mechanism for feedback on trail conditions by providing contact information, and an on-line survey.
- Display links to weather, tides, local emergency information.