Pennsylvania's River of the Year has something for everyone

The Conestoga River, a tributary of the Susquehanna River that drains to the Chesapeake Bay, has been named Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year. 

The river was selected for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and diverse wildlife that live and travel along its corridors. Flowing more than 61 miles, the river travels mostly through Lancaster County before reaching the Susquehanna River below the Safe Harbor Dam, weaving through a mix of farm, forest, suburban and downtown areas.

You can find an abundance of recreational activities along the Conestoga River, including the 32-mile Conestoga River Water Trail, which offers a variety of boat launches perfect for canoeing, kayaking and float trips. Numerous hiking trails can be found along the river, such as the 1.3-mile Conestoga Greenway Trail and those in Lancaster County Central Park.

Fishing is a popular activity in some portions of the Conestoga River. In the spring, the waterway supports a variety of warm-water species, such as smallmouth bass, panfish and catfish that move up the Conestoga River to spawn. A few popular fishing spots along the river include Sylvan B. Fisher Township Park, Perelman Park and the Walnut Street fishing access.

The river was selected through a public vote presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR). Out of all the votes cast, the Conestoga River received nearly 45%, with 2,510 people selecting it as the best river in the commonwealth.

Have you ever enjoyed an adventure along the Conestoga River? Let us know in the comments!