BETHLEHEM, Pa. — There are tens of thousands of miles of waterways across Pennsylvania, but state officials want to know which river residents like best.
Nominations open Monday for Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year, state officials announced.
Administered by Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, or POWR, with funding from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the annual contest aims to elevate public awareness of specific rivers, as well as recognize conservation needs and achievements.
“This highly anticipated program shines a spotlight on the commonwealth’s treasured waterways."POWR representative Janet Sweeney said
"POWR is thrilled to announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2026 Pennsylvania River of the Year,” POWR representative Janet Sweeney said in a Monday news release.
“This highly anticipated program shines a spotlight on the commonwealth’s treasured waterways. We look forward to another opportunity for Pennsylvanians to support their favorite rivers in a friendly competition across the state."
Nominations are accepted until 5 p.m. Nov. 21. After that, public voting begins.
Eligibility
All Pennsylvania waterways except for the past five winners of the River of the Year are eligible for nomination.
Last year, two Lehigh Valley waterways were nominated, the Delaware River and the Perkiomen Creek. The Delaware won.
Other ineligible waterways include: the Allegheny River, Susquehanna North Branch, French Creek and the Shenango River.
“Once a river is selected, the local host will organize a year-long series of events and activities to celebrate the river, including the popular River of the Year Sojourn,” officials said.
“The nominating organization of the winning river will receive a $15,000 grant to help fund the River of the Year activities.”
Last year's River of the Year Festival, held at Minisink Park in East Stroudsburg, included an afternoon of river-themed activities such as a River of the Year Paddle, live music, educational exhibits and more.
It was the third time a Lehigh Valley waterway won since the competition began in 1983. The other two times, the Lehigh River was chosen — in 1997 and again in 2007.
The Lehigh is 109-mile-long tributary of the Delaware River that flows from its headwaters in the Poconos through most of the Lehigh Valley before its confluence with the Delaware in Easton.
It supports the drinking water supply of 15 million people.
To nominate a river or waterway, go to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s grants and awards webpage.
