This year was a big one for Pennsylvania Water Trails, in ways both good and bad. As 2024 comes to a close, we’re looking back at some of the splashiest developments of the year and looking ahead to next.
More Miles, Better Access
Earlier in the year, PEC embarked on a series called “Water Trail News.” In monthly installments, covering some of Pennsylvania’s major watersheds, we educated people about Water Trails and covered new features and amenities for paddlers to enjoy.
In the Ohio River Basin, water trails benefitted from trail developments as well as the return of popular paddling events, like the “lock-through” workshop series, hosted by Friends of the Riverfront, that teaches kayakers how to maneuver the lock and dam system in Allegheny County.
The public voted the Allegheny River as the 2024 River of the Year. Three Rivers Waterkeeper, the nominating organization, received a $10,000 Leadership Grant to host a slate of activities on the 325-mile river. A summer kickoff took place in June at the Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall. Sunshine graced an afternoon of paddling, snacks, and a ceremony that unveiled this year’s ROY poster. River of the Year expeditions continued on various sections of the river throughout the summer, as well as educational floats that helped paddlers to identify pollution in waterways.
Elsewhere, along the French Creek Water Trail, the beloved Miller Station Bridge Launch became more accessible thanks to a long-angle, ramp-style launch and designated parking area, funded in part by a PA Water Trail Mini-grant. Conewango Creek Watershed Association took advantage of a new Water Trail funding opportunity, the Urgent Issues on a Water Trail Grant, administered by PEC, to remove fallen trees and other debris from the Conewango Creek Water Trail.
Read more about updates to the Ohio River Basin Water Trails here.
In the Delaware River Basin, which includes five designated water trails, improvements came in the form of new resources and trail leadership, as well as improved parks and partnerships.
The Tidal Delaware Water Trail got a new manager, Riverways Collaboration, a coalition of non-profit organizations actively engaged with the waterways and communities in the Philadelphia and Camden, NJ area. An interactive map delineates access points, natural resource, cultural and historic sites, parks, and more to help paddlers make the most of their trips.
On the Perkiomen Creek Water Trail, the newest designated water trail in Pennsylvania, Collegeville Borough and Ursinus College formed a partnership with the Delaware Tribe of Indians, the original indigenous inhabitants of Collegeville. As part of the Welcome Home Project for the Lenape people, which has included the reinternment of ancestral remains, reading important books, engaging in meaningful learning discussions, a Collegeville park was renamed Welakamike Creekside Park. An opening celebration was held on June 1. Welakamike is a Lenape word that means “pretty place.”
PEC staff, including President Thomas Gilbert, had a blast on this year’s Schuylkill River Sojourn. The Water Trail saw several improvements, including the reopening of the popular Schuylkill Haven Island Park featuring a new ramp, a boat drop-off zone and handicapped accessible parking and paths.
Read more about updates to the Ohio River Basin Water Trails here.
Dry Season
Unfortunately, the news wasn’t all good for Pennsylvania Water Trails. Drought conditions plagued waterways, harming ecosystems and limiting access.
By mid-November, 100% of the state suffered at least abnormally dry conditions, with 57.51% experiencing moderate drought or worse, according to Drought.gov, a multi-agency partnership for drought monitoring. Residents posted photos to social media of dried creek beds and trickling rivers that usually rush with life.
The dry conditions hurt farmers and fisheries, caused some people’s wells to go dry, and impacted water-based tourism. Historically low water forced the cancellation of what was supposed to be the inaugural Lackawaxen River Sojourn. The two-day paddle, scheduled for mid-October, was among the 2024 PA Sojourn Mini-Grantees.
“Without adequate precipitation, the conditions don’t allow for the safe navigation between our launch accesses,” organizers explained on the event webpage.
While scientists expect annual precipitation to increase in the Mid-Atlantic as a result of climate change, they also predict that seasonal droughts will grow more intense because of higher temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and loss of soil moisture.
Looking Downstream
Fortunately, there are plenty reasons to be excited for next year’s paddling season.
Voting is currently open to name the 2025 River of the Year. Nominees include the Youghiogheny River, Perkiomen Creek, and the Delaware River. You can learn about the nominees and cast your vote here. The organization that nominated the winning river receives $10,000 to host festivities, such as a sojourn and educational presentations.
Schuylkill River Greenways (SRG), Manager of the Schuylkill River Water Trail and the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area, is developing a new river access point, Reeser’s Landing, in Exeter Township, that will accommodate boats on trailers as well as kayaks.
The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and Susquehanna River Trail Association, with Water Trail mini-grant funding, have created a new paddling booklet for the Middle Susquehanna. The booklet featuring routes that explore the river’s iconic island campsites — perfect for planning an overnight paddling adventure. The booklets will be available throughout 2025 at all SGP events and partner events and festivals.
Also, stay tuned for the announcement of the recipients of the 2025 Pennsylvania Water Trail Mini-Grants. PEC administers the grant program in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the National Parks Service. The program serves to promote and maintain the state’s network of creeks and river for non-motorized recreation.
To view a map of designated Pennsylvania Water Trails, click here.