From the Iowa Trails Plan 2000         Return

The Department of Natural Resources has been active in the inventory of state
recreational water resources and the establishment of canoe routes. Canoe routes
should be designed to offer the safe and reliable passage of a canoe or kayak.
Routes may offer trips of varying lengths, from day trips to multi-day overnight
excursions.

The primary considerations in the designation of canoe routes include adequate
signage and support facilities, and the reasonable expectation that the waterway can
accommodate small watercraft most of the time. The following guidelines describe the
minimum level of development of a canoe route to accommodate the needs of canoe
and kayak use:

Access points (landings) should be situated at maximum intervals of 5 miles.
Camping and sanitary facilities should be situated at maximum intervals of 20
     miles.
Portages should be kept to a minimum, but, where required, should consist of
      established landings and a well-drained, natural surface trail that is free from
      branches, brush, or other obstacles.
Accurate information on the route should be available, including river maps,
     mileage between services, level of difficulty, and current water levels. This
     information should be updated frequently.
Signage should be included to direct users to the river, and to inform users on
     the river. Uniform directional signage should be placed on nearby roadways to
     advertise landing locations. Uniform signage should be installed along the river
     to advertise landings, camping facilities, portages, and hazards.

Federal Trail Grant requirements

Iowa Federal Trail Grant Application process and suggestions for getting that $800,000 piece of the pie