Several rivers in the Northeast have stretches designated as "wild," "scenic," or "recreational" under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Act states that "certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."

The classifications are based upon the degree of development and access alongside the river when it was first protected. Wild areas are largely inaccessible and undeveloped. Scenic areas have greater access but still feature relatively untouched shorelines, while recreational areas are readily accessible by road and often have some development along the waterway. Regardless of the designation, protecting these waterways is critical to preserving their character and the natural and recreational resources they provide. A sampling of wild and scenic rivers in New England and the Mid-Atlantic region is provided below. Several rivers, including the Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook in Massachusetts and the Missiquoi and Trout in Vermont are being studied for possible designation. Visit www.rivers.gov for a complete list and more information. To read about Maine's Allagash Wilderness Waterway, read "The Wild Waterway".

Wildcat Brook (northern New Hampshire)
Miles Protected: 13.5 miles (scenic); 1.0 mile (recreational)
Overview: Tumbling down through Pinkham Notch in the White Mountain National Forest, the first designated scenic river in New Hampshire spills into the village of Jackson. Too small to support canoe traffic, the waterway is a picturesque backdrop to the many hiking and ski trails in the area and forms scenic Jackson Falls near the center of the village. For more info: www.rivers.gov/wsr-wildcat.html

Lamprey (southeastern New Hampshire)
Miles Protected: 23.5 miles (recreational)
Overview: A relatively undisturbed river corridor passing through field, forest, and wetland. Features the largest population of anadromous fish (ocean-dwelling fish that return to fresh water to spawn) in the region, and six out of the nine species of freshwater mussels found in the state. For more info: www.lampreyriver.org

Westfield (western Massachusetts)
Miles Protected: 2.6 miles (wild); 42.9 miles (scenic); 32.6 miles (recreational)
Overview: Massachusetts' first wild and scenic river. Features some of the Northeast's best whitewater canoeing and kayaking and supports a large native trout fishery. Also passes through one of the largest roadless wilderness areas in the state and the largest contiguous state forest. For more info: www.westfieldriverwildscenic.org

Taunton (southeastern Massachusetts)
Miles Protected: 26 miles (scenic); 14 miles (recreational)
Overview: The second largest watershed in the state and one of the longest undammed coastal rivers in New England. Features extensive wetlands, including Hockomock Swamp, one of New England's largest. Supports over 154 species of birds and 29 species of native fish. For more info: www.tauntonriver.org

Musconetcong (northern New Jersey)
Miles Protected: 3.5 miles (scenic); 20.7 miles (recreational)
Overview: A major tributary to the Delaware River located in the New Jersey Highlands. Features many historic and archaeological resources along the shoreline registered with the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The watershed contains 5,045 acres of parks and is one of the state's best trout fisheries. It's also a popular river to run for paddlers. For more info: www.musconetcong.org

Upper Delaware (southern New York, northern Pennsylvania)
Miles Protected: 23.1 miles (scenic); 50.3 miles (recreational)
Overview: The Delaware is the longest free-flowing river in the Northeast and a water source for over 17 million people. The upper river hosts the largest number of wintering bald eagles in the Northeast and offers fine paddling through riffles and Class I and II rapids, as well as placid stretches. For more info: www.nps.gov/upde, www.upperdelawarecouncil.org

Middle Delaware (Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania and New Jersey)
Miles Protected: 35 miles (scenic)
Overview: Forms the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, cutting through Mounts Tammany and Minsi and the famed Kittatiny Ridge. The Appalachian Trail runs for 27 miles through the water gap, which also offers multiday paddle trips and primitive canoe campsites. For more info: www.nps.gov/dewa

Lower Delaware (eastern Pennsylvania, western New Jersey)
Miles Protected: 25.4 miles (scenic); 41.9 miles (recreational)
Overview: Runs through the Delaware Canal State Parks in NJ and PA, which offer 60 miles of multi-use towpaths along each side of the river for hiking, biking, and birding. Fish such as striped bass, shad, and walleye pike roam the waterway, and colonial-era historic sites dot the shoreline. For more info: www.lowerdelawarewildandscenic.org