Cast Your Vote Now Through January 18
In the Endless Mountains, the Susquehanna River has always been a favorite spot to paddle, fish, and relax. Now, a competition is bringing state-wide recognition to this historic, beautiful river.
The Susquehanna River North Branch has been nominated as the 2023 PA River of the Year. It will compete against three other finalists for the title: the Conestoga River, Perkiomen Creek, and the Schuylkill River.
The public can vote online for their favorite river through 5:00 p.m. on January 18, 2023. The winner will receive a $10,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to help fund River of the Year festivities. The winner will also celebrate with a special sojourn, or a paddling trip.
DCNR and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) present the award each year. Since 1983, the program has raised awareness about the state’s waterways and conservation efforts.
About the Susquehanna River North Branch
The Susquehanna River North Branch Water Trail stretches about 181 miles from the New York border to Sunbury. This section of the river crosses eight counties in Pennsylvania, including our very own Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. Rocky cliffs, sweeping valleys, and tranquil forests provide endless scenery. And if you keep your eyes peeled, it’s not uncommon to spot a bald eagle soaring above the tranquil waters.
The North Branch is not only an iconic piece of our landscape, but it’s also an integral part of our region’s history. Sacred Native American sites and lookout points line the banks. Ruins of canals and ferry systems provide a glimpse of life in the nineteenth century, while remnants from the anthracite coal industry serve as reminders of the area’s crucial role in the Industrial Revolution.
Today, the Susquehanna River North Branch Water Trail is a destination for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife watching. In 2009, the National Park Service even designated it as a National Recreation Trail and part of the larger Captain John Smith Historic Trail system.
The water trail is co-managed by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. These organizations offer helpful maps and resources to plan your day on the river. The Endless Mountains Heritage Region, which nominated the North Branch this year, also sells a waterproof map and guide that’s perfect for paddlers.
Show Your Support for the Susquehanna
If you’ve ever paddling along its gentle current, cast a line into its waters, or strolled along its banks, then you know the beauty of the Susquehanna River North Branch. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the views at local parks like Riverside Park in Tunkhannock, Ira Reynolds Park in Susquehanna, and the brand-new Vosburg Neck State Park in Tunkhannock. And don’t forget to cast your vote online by January 18, 2023.