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The Schuylkill River in Auburn, Schuylkill County. (Image via Schuylkill River Greenways)<\/p>\nPOTTSTOWN \u2014 In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 6, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum designated five new National Recreation Trails and one National Water Trail. That water trail was the Schuylkill River\u2019s.<\/p>\n
The designation added 162.5 miles of hiking, paddling, and outdoor recreation opportunities across five states. Already a State and National Heritage Area, the Schuylkill River has become the first and currently only designated National Water Trail in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
Currently, there are 40 officially designated National Water Trails across the United States.<\/p>\n
\u201cSchuylkill River Greenways is honored and proud to have the Schuylkill River \u2014 the backbone of our Heritage Area and our region \u2014 recognized as the very first National Water Trail in Pennsylvania,\u201d executive director Elaine Schaefer, said in a press release.<\/p>\n
The Schuylkill River in Auburn, Schuylkill County. (Image via Schuylkill River Greenways)<\/p>\n
\u201cThis news is especially exciting and poignant as we are on the eve of setting out on our 28th Schuylkill River Sojourn, a beloved annual event during which over 250 paddlers enjoy 112 miles of the river over seven days. This year we are focusing on the river\u2019s integral role in our nation\u2019s 250-year history, now capped off with the lofty distinction as a National Water Trail!,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The Schuylkill River Water Trail is a 120-mile paddling route within the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area, stretching from the river\u2019s headwaters near Tuscarora to its confluence with the Delaware River. Flowing through five counties, the trail offers experiences ranging from whitewater paddling to calm stretches suited for beginners.<\/p>\n
Decades of environmental restoration have transformed the river into a thriving recreational resource that supports a diverse fishery and abundant wildlife.<\/p>\n
Schuylkill River Greenways began the application process to become a designated National Water Trail in 2024, applying in the 2025 round. Criteria for selection includes the implementation of \u201cBest Management Practices\u201d like recreational opportunity, education, restoration, maintenance, and planning.<\/p>\n
The organization also sought out\u00a0 community support during the process and received recommendation letters from state agencies, municipal boat launch owners, and water trail stakeholders.<\/p>\n
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Paddlers check out the Schuylkill River Water Trail near the Montgomery County section of Valley Forge. (Image via Schuylkill River Greenways)<\/p>\n
\u201cAmerica\u2019s trails connect people to the outdoors, strengthen local communities and showcase the natural beauty and history that define our nation,\u201d\u00a0 U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in the department\u2019s press release. \u201cThese new designations expand opportunities for recreation, stewardship and exploration while helping ensure future generations can experience the landscapes and waterways that make America extraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n
An interactive map of the Schuylkill River Water Trail can be found on Schuylkill River Greenways\u2019 website and paddlers can purchase a detailed guide that provides information on river mileage between more than 60 water landings, river safety and navigation around hazards, and amenities provided by river towns and local communities.<\/p>\n