Clarks River facts for kids

The Clarks River is a river in western Kentucky, USA. It's about 66.7 miles (107.3 km) long. The river is named after William Clark, a famous explorer who was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Clarks River flows into the Tennessee River. This area of Kentucky is known as the Jackson Purchase region.

The Clarks River carries a lot of water. On average, about 368 cubic feet of water flow through it every second. This measurement helps us understand how much water the river carries each year.

What are the Two Parts of the Clarks River?

For most of its journey, the Clarks River is made of two main parts, or "forks," that run side-by-side. These are called the East Fork and the West Fork. They are both about the same size.

The East Fork

The East Fork is considered the main part of the river on maps. It starts near a town called Puryear in Henry County, Tennessee, south of Murray. A railroad track runs alongside this part of the river.

The West Fork

The West Fork begins about 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Murray in Calloway County. It flows through small towns like Kaler and Symsonia in Graves County. Both forks eventually meet at a place called Oaks Station in McCracken County.

What Can We Find Along the Clarks River?

The Clarks River flows from Murray in Calloway County, through Benton in Marshall County, and finally reaches Paducah in McCracken County. In Paducah, the Clarks River joins the Ohio River.

Wildlife and Nature

This river is home to many animals. You might see different kinds of fish, birds, and other creatures. One type of snake found here is the water moccasin. It's important to be careful and observe wildlife from a safe distance.

History and Native American Life

Long ago, many Native American tribes lived and camped along the banks of the Clarks River. They found it a good place to live because of the water and natural resources. Even today, people still find old items left behind by these tribes. These items include spearheads, arrowheads, and pieces of pottery. These discoveries help us learn about the history of the people who lived here centuries ago.

The river is also honored in the name of a street in Paducah, called Clarks River Road.