The River Access Planning Guide is a resource for planners, river managers, and river users who are designing new river access sites, improving existing access, or incorporating river access into larger infrastructure and recreation projects. Developed through a partnership among American Whitewater, River Management Society, and the National Park Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program, the guide provides practical advice to support informed decision-making throughout the planning process. It is intended to help facilitate productive conversations among agency staff, nonprofits, decision makers, contractors, volunteers, and the public who may be involved in river access development.
By encouraging early evaluation of river reach characteristics, anticipated user types and volumes, safety considerations, and environmental constraints, the guide helps communities identify appropriate locations and design access sites that support recreation while protecting river corridors. Available as both a printed book and an online resource, the guide can be referenced during all phases of river access planning, design, and management. It also complements a broader suite of resources and developed by American Whitewater and our partners along with professional training we provide to improve waterway access and ensure that projects are durable, sustainable, and aligned with long-term river management goals.
River Access Planning Guide
River Access Planning Guide – Best for Printing (high resolution)
River Access Planning Guide – Easiest to Download (low resolution)
Toolkit and Worksheets
The River Access Planning Guide Toolkit is a collection of organized tasks, tips, and worksheets to assist river managers and site designers in planning and implementing river access within the structure of the Guide framework. The Toolkit is designed to be used after becoming familiar with and conversant in the River Access Planning Guide.
River Access Planning Guide Potential Site Analysis Field Worksheet
The River Access Planning Guide Potential Site Analysis Field worksheet is designed for use when doing a site analysis prior to developing or improving a river access site. It is intended for use when applying the methodology of the River Access Planning Guide to ensure an understanding of the river system and setting, current and anticipated future use, and the functionality of a site.
River Access Planning Guide Reach Analysis Field Worksheet
The River Access Planning Guide Reach Analysis Field worksheet is designed for use when doing an analysis of a river reach prior to developing or improving river access sites along a stretch of river. Intended for use when applying the methodology of the River Access Planning Guide to assess current or potential use of river segments (a river reach), collect and review supporting documents and plans, and facilitate planning discussions with partners.