Pennsylvania has amazing streams and rivers. Among them, thirteen have received special recognition as Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers.
Scenic River boundaries include the free-flowing waterway and adjacent land area. A waterway can receive designation as Wild, Pastoral, Recreational, or Modified Recreational based on its characteristics.
Each designated Scenic River has a local organization that supports its management. Pennsylvania’s Scenic Rivers and their local managers include:
- Bear Run – Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
- French Creek – Green Valleys Watershed Association
- Lehigh River – DCNR Bureau of State Parks
- Letort Spring Run – Letort Regional Authority
- Lick Run – Pennsylvania Game Commission
- Lower Brandywine – Brandywine Conservancy
- Octoraro Creek – Octoraro Watershed Association
- Pine Creek – Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group
- Schuylkill River – Schuylkill River Greenway Association
- Stoney Creek – PA Game Commission
- Tucquan Creek – Lancaster County Conservancy
- Yellow Breeches Creek – Yellow Breeches Watershed Association
Pennsylvania’s Scenic Rivers Program supports these local managers by providing technical assistance and interagency cooperation for designated rivers.
The Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Act was established in May of 1982 and outlined a process by which waterways can be designated for recognition and protection. Through the resulting Scenic Rivers Program, DCNR is given the authority to facilitate the designation process including studies, public hearings, interagency collaboration, and development of designation documentation.
- Allegheny River
- Clarion River
- Lower Delaware River
- Middle Delaware River
- Upper Delaware River
- White Clay Creek
