PENNSYLVANIA - A state rich in industrial history, has made remarkable strides in environmental conservation, resulting in numerous rivers and streams renowned for their exceptional water quality and natural beauty. While naming a single "cleanest" river is challenging, as different waterways excel in various measures of purity, several stand out as premier examples of pristine aquatic environments, celebrated for their healthy ecosystems, recreational opportunities, and stunning scenery.
Pennsylvania's Pristine Waters: A Guide to the State's Cleanest Rivers
Two rivers in Pennsylvania are so clean and picturesque that they have earned the prestigious National Wild and Scenic River designation, which protects their free-flowing character and outstanding natural values.
- The Upper Delaware River:
- Why It's a Top Spot: The section of the Delaware River forming the border between Pennsylvania and New York is a federally protected gem. It is celebrated for its outstanding water quality, which supports a world-class trout fishery and a healthy population of smallmouth bass.
- The Experience: This is a significant destination for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and fishing. Its protected status has kept its banks largely undeveloped, preserving a sense of wildness and natural beauty.
- The Clarion River:
- Why It's a Top Spot: The Clarion River represents one of Pennsylvania's greatest environmental success stories. Once heavily polluted by industrial and mine drainage, decades of dedicated cleanup efforts have transformed it into a pristine waterway. Its remarkable recovery was recognized when it was named Pennsylvania's "River of the Year" in 2019 and later earned its Wild and Scenic designation.
- The Experience: Today, the river is a beautiful destination for paddling and fishing, as it flows through the scenic Cook Forest State Park and the Allegheny National Forest.
The Canyon Gem: Pine Creek
- Why It's a Top Spot: Winding its way through the "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon" (Pine Creek Gorge), Pine Creek is renowned for its crystal-clear water and breathtaking scenery. Its remote location and the surrounding state forest lands protect it from significant pollution.
- The Experience: The 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail, which runs alongside the creek, is one of the most popular biking and hiking paths in the state. The creek itself is a top destination for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for trout and smallmouth bass.
The Hallmark of Purity: Class A Wild Trout Streams
Perhaps the best scientific measure of a clean river in Pennsylvania is the presence of a thriving, naturally reproducing trout population. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission designates these high-quality waterways as "Class A Wild Trout Streams."
- What it Means: To earn this designation, a stream must have a sufficient population of wild trout to sustain a fishery without any stocking. This is only possible in cold, clean, and well-oxygenated water with a healthy ecosystem.
- Examples: Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of these streams, often found in its mountainous regions. Famous examples include parts of Spring Creek (Centre County), Penns Creek (Central Pennsylvania), and Letort Spring Run (Cumberland County), which are legendary among fly fishing enthusiasts for their purity and challenging wild trout populations.
While there may not be a single definitive "cleanest" river in Pennsylvania, a wealth of pristine options are available for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're paddling the federally protected Upper Delaware, marveling at the remarkable comeback of the Clarion River, taking in the grandeur of Pine Creek, or casting a line into a cold, precise Class A trout stream, you can experience the exceptional water quality that the Keystone State has to offer. These beautiful rivers are a testament to the success of dedicated conservation efforts and stand as some of the state's most valuable natural treasures.
