For years, Delawareans have dealt with jokes about our tiny state, and we've dealt with every other neighboring state trying to steal our name. There's Delaware County in Pennsylvania, Delaware State Park in New York, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - that's about 120 miles from our border. Now, however, the one thing we all have in common - the Delaware River - is something we can all agree deserves a little recognition. The longstanding environmentalist group, American Rivers, has named the Delaware River the best river in the country for the year 2020. You can read their enlightening report right here!
The Delaware River is much more than a waterway that flows through the First State. It's the highest traffic river in the country and one of the longest, too!
The mighty Delaware flows nearly 400 miles, starting in the Catskill Mountains and ending somewhere between New Jersey and Delaware, when it flows into the Delaware Bay. It's the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi!
Back before the states pulled together to help cut river pollution, the Delaware wasn't even on the radar of those who love wild and scenic rivers.
Over the past 75 years, though, conservationists and environmentalists have rallied up politicians and philanthropists to help restore this beautiful and enormous waterway.
Now, a resurgence of wildlife and cleaner water has turned the Delaware River into one of the most incredible ecosystems in the country.
Up and down the coastline of Delaware, evidence of wildlife and plant life is evident in marshes and rocky shorelines where shorebirds, turtles, and thousands of horseshoe crabs make their homes.
In New Castle County, wildlife areas and parks showcase some of the traffic that flows up the Delaware into Philadelphia and New York.
You can experience the gorgeous river by traveling to Pea Patch Island, where Fort Delaware gives you a 360-degree view of the waterway.
This historic Fort makes for a wonderful day trip in Delaware. Take the ferry from Delaware City and you'll get to enjoy a beautiful ride.
Next time you find yourself walking the banks of the Delaware River, take some time to appreciate the river of the year and all the beauty it brings to the First State.
As far as we're concerned, American Rivers could not have made a better choice when it crowned our signature waterway as river of the year!
Where do you love to spend time along the Delaware River? Catch a great view of the River of the Year from Delaware's Breezy Waterfront Trail At Fox Point State Park.
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