Perkiomen Creek Finishes 3rd In PA's 'River of the Year' Competition

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Perkiomen Creek has finished third in a statewide contest judging 2024's "River of the Year."

While the creek trailed its larger and more well known competition — winner was the Delaware River and the runner up was the western Pennsylvania's Youghiogheny River — the small and mighty tributary of the Schuylkill held its own.

In a close public vote, the Delaware won with 2,962 votes, followed by the Youghiogheny with 2,784 and the Perkiomen with 2,291.

The annual award, presented by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, is aimed at promoting conservation and public awareness of key natural resources around the state.

“POWR would like to commend everyone for their support of the nominated rivers, especially for the strong showing of support for the Delaware River,” Sweeney said. “The River of the Year program continues to engage our communities by providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase all the nominated rivers. The Delaware River as Pennsylvania’s River of the Year, will be celebrate for its rich history, natural beauty, and ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this incredible resource for future generations.”

The 37.7 mile Perkiomen is by far the shortest of the three nominees. It stretches through Berks, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties, and serves as key habitat for numerous fish, birds, and other critters. It's also a key public water supply and is a regional destination for fishing and kayaking.

The Perkiomen was also nominated in 2016.