Tunkhannock Creek 1 of 5 waterways vying for 2021 River of Year award

The 42-mile Tunkhannock Creek is the only waterway within the Middle Susquehanna River watershed nominated for the 2021 River of the Year honors. 

Voting has begun to select the 2021 River of the Year, with a deadline for online voting set for Jan. 22, 2021. We encourage everyone within our watershed to consider voting for the Tunkhannock Creek. Why? Consider the following:

​​​The  Tunkhannock Creek is a 42-mile tributary in northeastern Pennsylvania that begins in Jackson Township, Susquehanna County, and flows to Tunkhannock Borough in Wyoming County, where it empties into the Susquehanna River’s North Branch.

Tunkhannock Creek has 17 different tributaries, giving merit to the English translation of the Lenni-Lenape word “Tunkhannock” that has often been said to be, “meeting of the waters.” Other interpretations of the Native American term are, “small stream,” “wilderness stream,” and “wooded stream.”

A number of tourist attractions and lodging facilities are situated along the creek including the Shadowbrook Inn & Resort, Lazy Brook Park, Cozy Creek Campground, Shady Rest Campground, and, most notably, the historic and picturesque 2,400-foot long Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, locally known as the Nicholson Bridge.

This 240-foot tall concrete deck arch bridge on the Norfolk Southern Railway Sunbury Line was once considered the largest concrete structure in the world when its construction was completed by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W) in 1915.

​For the past 20 years, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has annually recognized one river as the River of the Year. This recognition is done to raise awareness of the important recreational, ecological, and historical resources associated with the state’s rivers and streams.

The River of the Year is celebrated throughout the year. Events have included paddling trips, a speaker series, clean up days, photography contests, and more. Partnerships of community groups organize the events including a Sojourn paddling trip. In addition, POWR coordinates the production and distribution of a free poster celebrating the river.

The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, or POWR, administers the River of the Year program. Local organizations submit nominations. POWR also helps organize and support local watershed associations, as well as the groups who lead a dozen sojourns on rivers around the state each year.

Previous winners

Pennsylvania’s River of the Year honors have been presented annually since 1983.  The past feature Rivers of the Year are:

2020 – Lackawanna River
2019 – Clarion River
2018 – Loyalsock Creek
2017 – Allegheny River
2016 – North Branch Susquehanna River
2015 – Conewango Creek
2014 – Schuylkill River
2013 – Monongahela River
2012 – Stonycreek River
2011 – Delaware River
2010 – Lackawaxen River
2009 – Lower, Middle Susquehanna River
2008 – Youghiogheny River
2007 – Lehigh River
2006 – Three Rivers
2005 – West Branch Susquehanna River
2004 – North Branch Susquehanna River
2003 – French Creek
2002 – Delaware River
2001 – Juniata River
2000 – Kiskiminitas-Conemaugh River
1999 – Schuylkill River
1998 – Youghiogheny River
1997 – Lehigh River
1996 – Tulpehocken Creek
1996 – Clarion River
1995 – Upper Delaware
1995 – Juniata River
1994 – Allegheny River
1994 – Susquehanna River
1993 – Meshoppen Creek
1993 – North Branch and Main Stem Susquehanna River
1992 – Yellow Breeches Creek
1992 – West Branch Susquehanna River
1991 – North Branch Susquehanna River
1991 – Pine Creek
1990 – Catawissa Creek
1989 – Bear Run
1988 – West Branch Susquehanna River
1986 – North Branch Susquehanna River
1983 & 1984 – Clarion River

When Tunkhannock Creek is at its normal water flow levels, it is widely utilized for outdoor recreational activities like fishing, swimming and paddling as well as the backdrop for a number of creek side events like bluegrass festivals, wine festivals, community picnics, and competitive running events.

To vote for the Tunkhannock Creek as the 2021 Pennsylvania River of the Year, click here

Vote for 2021 River of the Year