Written by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
posted to LinkedIn on 10 June 2026

The Delaware River – Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year

When most people hear the word “trail,” they picture dirt under their boots, winding forest paths, and scenic overlooks. But in Pennsylvania, trails also flow. The Commonwealth’s more than 80,000 miles of waterways offer adventure, connection, and community just as powerfully as any land-based trail. June is National Rivers Month, making it the perfect time to rethink what a trail can be. Our rivers and streams are pathways into nature, heritage, and discovery, and they are an essential part of how Pennsylvanians and visitors experience the outdoors.

What is a water trail?

A water trail is a recreational waterway such as a lake, river, or stream with designated access points for boating, signage, day-use or camping sites, and maps. These trails are ideal for kayaking, canoeing, paddling, and floating. PA Water Trails are managed by a specific entity, supported by their local communities, and serve to provide recreational enjoyment and stewardship opportunities.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities on Pennsylvania’s waterways

DCNR Supports Healthy, Accessible Waterways

At the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Rivers Program supports partners across the state in safeguarding and enhancing Pennsylvania rivers and streams. This work includes technical and financial support that improves watershed health and expands opportunities for water based outdoor recreation. Although the program name highlights rivers, it supports efforts that benefit a wide range of waterways and significant water resources.

DCNR recently updated its planning guidance to the new Watershed Conservation and Recreation Plan, which replaces the former Rivers Conservation Plan and allows for a broader range of eligible planning scales. Plans may focus on entire watersheds, individual tributary segments, or specific waterbodies such as lakes or bays. Master Site Development Plans are also eligible when they involve conservation, restoration, or recreation improvements tied to water resources.

Plans that emphasize recreation and connectivity, public participation, climate resiliency, and stewardship are most competitive and should generally serve as a five- to 10-year roadmap. Municipalities and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply, and applicants are encouraged to contact their DCNR regional advisor early in the process. The Land and Water Trail Network Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2029 offers further support for developing and strengthening water-based recreation opportunities.

Pennsylvania Water Trails Program

Since 2008, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) has helped lead the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program, a partnership among PEC, DCNR, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and National Park Service. Today, 29 designated water trails spanning more than 2,100 miles link recreation with conservation across the Commonwealth. The program promotes a trail experience that is inclusive, sustainable, educational, and rooted in community pride.

The program’s goals include:

  • Encouraging sustainable use of natural resources
  • Improving access and fostering stewardship of local water resources
  • Strengthening connections between land and water trails
  • Supporting local water trail managers for water trail development, access enhancement, use management, and community engagement

PEC, through DCNR support, also offers a Water Trail Mini Grant Program that supports the five-year Water Trail Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2029. PEC also maintains an interactive statewide map to help paddlers plan their adventures. For waterway managers interested in earning an official Pennsylvania Water Trail designation, PEC provides guidance and an application process for the DCNR designation.

Guided paddling trips (sojourns) are a great way to enjoy outdoor recreation and learn about waterways

Get on the Water: Join a Pennsylvania River Sojourn

If you want to experience a water trail with expert guides, interpretive programming, and a friendly paddling community, a Pennsylvania River Sojourn is the perfect introduction. Hosted throughout the summer and funded in part by DCNR, Sojourns offer safe, supported journeys down some of the state’s most beloved waterways. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an experienced explorer, Sojourns make it easy to discover rivers as trails.

Stay safe on the water — don’t forget your life jacket!

Stay Safe on the Water

As more people discover Pennsylvania’s waterways, it is important to remember that safety is the foundation of every trip. A few simple habitscan make all the difference. Everybody should wear a life jacket, no matter their age or experience level. It is also important to know your skills and choose water that matches them. Beginners should stick to calm, flat water and stay close to shore. Finally, always check the conditions before heading out, since even normally gentle rivers can rise or change quickly after rain.

Part of Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year Is a Water Trail

The Conestoga River, Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year, is one of the Commonwealth’s designated water trails. There are 32 miles of water trail on the Conestoga Riverflowing from Brownstown at Sylvan B Fisher Park to Safe Harbor on the Susquehanna River. The water trail includes 15 access points and is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Check out this wonderful water trail and the scenic views on the Conestoga.

June Is National Rivers Month: Celebrate and Explore

June is a celebration of everything our rivers make possible — recreation, clean water, wildlife habitat, heritage tourism, and community connection. It’s a reminder that trails are not confined to the land. They also flow through our valleys and cities, carrying us into new experiences with every bend.

This month, consider exploring a water trail, joining a Sojourn, or simply revisiting your favorite river access point. When we think of trails, let’s think beyond the footpath. In Pennsylvania, some of our best trails follow the flow.

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