River of the Year

The Shenango River has been nominated as PA’s 2021 River of the Year! Winning this award would allow for the Shenango River Watchers to host a long list of events to celebrate the Shenango as River of the Year. This is a great chance to share the beauty of the Shenango River with people from all over the commonwealth as we celebrate SRW’s 20th Anniversary! Please follow the link below to vote and encourage your friends and family to do the same!

http://pariveroftheyear.org/2021-river-of-the-year/vote-for-a-2021-river-of-the-year/

The Shenango River winds through Northwestern Pennsylvania, connecting Pymatuning and Shenango Lakes with the Beaver River via 82 miles of scenic, peaceful river. Its history includes use as part of the Erie Canal system during the Industrial Revolution, remnants of which can still be found along the historic Shenango Trail which follows part of its eastern bank. In addition to the swimming, boating, fishing, and waterfowl hunting offered on the lakes, the Shenango River has become a paddler’s paradise, bringing kayakers and canoers from many states to enjoy the diverse wildlife and riparian forest views.

The upper Shenango and its tributaries offer excellent fly fishing for trout, bass, and other choice species. The Upper Shenango River Water Trail runs from Pymatuning Dam, through downtown Greenville’s Riverside Park and, under the historic Kidd’s Mill covered bridge, to Shenango Lake. The Water Trail offers a 23-mile sojourn with Class 1 rapids, easily accessible launch areas, more fishing opportunities, and fabulous bird-watching; including majestic bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, and many other waterfowl and songbird species.

In Sharon, the Shenango River is home to WaterFire Sharon, one of America’s premier art and music festivals. From Sharon to New Castle, where the Shenango merges with the Mahoning to form the Beaver River, the Shenango continues to offer beautiful scenery and plentiful launch areas. The Shenango River Watchers and their partner organizations have worked together to clean up the less savory remnants of the River’s industrial past and maintain it as a beautiful destination.

Photo Donated by Helene Dreisbach