The River Blackwater Canoe Trail in Northern Ireland runs approximately 23 kilometres (14.9 miles) through the counties of Armagh and Tyrone, flowing from southwest to northeast before emptying into Lough Neagh. The trail is widely regarded as one of the most popular canoe trails in Northern Ireland due to the range of abilities it accommodates. Access to the water is free and no licence is required, which applies to all canoe trails in Northern Ireland.

The character of the river varies considerably depending on which section is paddled. Downstream of Blackwatertown, the water is slow-moving and flat, making it well suited to families and first-time paddlers. The section between Maydown Bridge and Blackwatertown presents a markedly different challenge: in normal conditions it can be fast-flowing with a narrow channel, rising to approximately Grade 2 after prolonged rainfall. In dry periods, this upper section can become too shallow to navigate entirely. Paddlers on this stretch should be prepared for numerous overhanging tree branches. This section is not recommended for novice paddlers without qualified instruction.

Because the river flows in one direction, shuttles are generally required, and most local canoe providers offer this service. Suggested itineraries range from a 7-kilometre half-day trip between Moy and Verner's Bridge on flat water, to a full two-day journey of 24 kilometres from Maydown Bridge to Coney Island incorporating Lough Neagh. A manageable single-day trip runs 9 kilometres from Blackwatertown to Bond's Bridge. Estimated paddling speed used for planning purposes is 4 kilometres per hour. An overnight stay at Copney Campsite allows the entire trail to be completed over two days.

At the northeastern end of the trail, the river joins Lough Neagh, from which paddlers can continue onto the Lough Neagh Canoe Trail and subsequently the Lower Bann Canoe Trail, which runs 58 kilometres north to Portstewart on the Atlantic coast. Coney Island, located approximately 1.1 kilometres from Maghery Country Park in the southwest corner of Lough Neagh, features a motte and an ancient round tower, and wild camping is permitted there. The river corridor passes through countryside offering varied wildlife and photo opportunities along the route.