Endless Mountains Heritage Region

The Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) was established in 1998 as a non-profit, membership-based organization within the PA Heritage Areas Program. It is one of 12 current Heritage Areas across the Commonwealth, which are designated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The EMHR proudly serves a 2,850-square mile area encompassing the counties of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming. The organization also serves as water trail manager for the upper North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail, which has been named the PA River of the Year a record six times, most recently in 2023 in conjunction with EMHR's 25th anniversary. Known for our unmatched pastoral landscapes shaped by centuries of farming and timbering as well as land conservation, the EMHR embraces its agricultural theme of “Living with the Land,” and its mission “to celebrate, preserve, and enhance the unique rural character and culture of the Endless Mountains.” The organization is committed to outdoor recreation development, historical and cultural preservation, educational programming, environmental stewardship, and agricultural support. The EMHR also hosts an annual grants program to aid its heritage partners across the four counties it serves and has contributed nearly $3 million in acquired state funding to projects that bolster historic and agricultural preservation initiatives, outdoor recreation development and improvement projects, scenic enhancements and heritage asset promotion. These many initiatives have undoubtedly increased the quality of life for our residents and encourage tourism across the four-county area.
The EMHR is currently pursuing a National Heritage Area (NHA) designation, which takes an act of the U.S. Congress to achieve. This would create more awareness of the four county region and the opportunity to bring federal funding to the four counties for outdoor recreation and historic preservation. As we complete our NHA feasibility study, we are seeking financial and technical support from our residents, legislators, and partners to encourage Congress to pass a piece of legislation making the designation possible. We are also seeking financial support for our paddling events along on the North Branch Water Trail, particularly our youth events that introduce students in grades 6-12 to outdoor recreation, the Susquehanna River, paddling safety, and our local history. We hope you will consider donating the EMHR and help us continue our goal in making the Endless Mountains Heritage Region a better place to live and to visit. 

Who We Are

The mission of the organization is to maintain and enhance the unique rural character and culture of our Endless Mountains.