Fourche La Fave River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fourche La Fave River |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arkansas |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Scott County, Arkansas 34°46′08″N 94°09′33″W / 34.76883°N 94.15918°W |
| River mouth | Bigelow, Arkansas 34°57′57″N 92°34′54″W / 34.96580°N 92.58162°W |
| Length | 140 mi (230 km) |
The Fourche La Fave River is a cool waterway in western Arkansas, United States. It's about 151 miles (243 km) long. This river flows into the Arkansas River. It helps drain water from the northern part of the Ouachita Mountains, which are west of Little Rock.
The river's name is pronounced "Foosh La Fay." It got its name from the La Feve family, who lived near where the river meets the Arkansas River. The word "Fourche" is French, and it means "fork."
Contents
Where the River Flows
The Fourche La Fave River starts in southern Scott County. This is south of a town called Waldron. From there, it flows towards the east-northeast.
Journey Through the Forest
The river travels through the Ouachita National Forest. It flows along the southern side of the Dutch Creek Mountain ridge. Then, it moves to the north side of the Fourche Mountain ridge.
Meeting Other Waters
The river passes by the town of Perryville. It eventually joins the Arkansas River from the west. This meeting point is about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Little Rock.
Nimrod Lake and Flood Control
A dam called Nimrod Dam was built on the river. This dam is located near Fourche Junction. It creates a lake known as Nimrod Lake. The main purpose of this lake is to help control floods.
Another river, the South Fourche La Fave River, also joins the Fourche La Fave River. This happens west of Perryville.
