The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently joined local, state, and federal officials to celebrate the Delaware River as Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year.
The celebratory event took place at Minisink Park in East Stroudsburg.
Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition nominated the Delaware for the award. The river received the honor earlier this year following a round of public voting.
“The Delaware River is more than just a waterway,” said Mark Zakutansky of the Appalachian Mountain Club and chair of the Delaware River Sojourn Steering Committee. “It’s a place where paddlers, families, and communities come together to celebrate the outdoors. The River of the Year designation adds an extra splash of excitement to this year’s Delaware River Sojourn, welcoming everyone to experience the joy, beauty, and adventure that make the Delaware River a truly unforgettable place.”
As a federal Wild and Scenic River, a Pennsylvania Water Trail, and an intersection with long-distance land trails such as the D&L Trail and Appalachian Trail, the Delaware River is perfect for visitors in search of outdoor experiences, natural history, and culture.
The river is home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, one of the top 20 most-visited national park areas in the country. Many of its tributaries are also currently under study for national protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers program.
