List of longest rivers in the United States by state facts for kids
This article is about the longest rivers in the United States by state. It lists rivers that flow through a state, form part of its border, or are completely inside that state. Rivers are super important! They provide water for drinking, farming, and transportation. They also create amazing habitats for plants and animals.
Contents
What Makes a River Long?
When we talk about the longest rivers, it can mean a few things. Sometimes, it's the total length of a river, even if it crosses many states. Other times, it's about the longest river that stays entirely within one state's borders. This list shows both!
Major Rivers Crossing Many States
Some of the longest rivers in the U.S. are like giant highways of water. They flow through many states, connecting different parts of the country.
- The Mississippi River is one of the most famous. It flows for about 2,320 miles (3,730 km) and touches states like Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
- The Missouri River is even longer, at about 2,340 miles (3,760 km). It starts in Montana and joins the Mississippi River in Missouri.
- The Colorado River stretches for about 1,450 miles (2,330 km) through states like Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada, carving out incredible landscapes like the Grand Canyon.
- The Arkansas River is about 1,469 miles (2,364 km) long, flowing through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
- The Ohio River is about 981 miles (1,579 km) long and forms borders for states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Longest Rivers in Each State
Every state has its own important rivers. Here are some examples of the longest rivers in different states, including those that are entirely within one state.
Alabama
The Tennessee River is the longest river that passes through Alabama, stretching about 652 miles (1,049 km). But the Alabama River is special because it's the longest river that stays completely inside Alabama, at 318 miles (512 km).
- Tennessee River – 652 miles
- Chattahoochee River – 430 miles
- Alabama River – 318 miles
Alaska
Alaska is home to some huge rivers! The Yukon River is the longest, at 1,980 miles (3,190 km). The Kuskokwim River is the longest river that is entirely within Alaska, measuring 702 miles (1,130 km).
- Yukon River – 1,980 miles
- Kuskokwim River – 702 miles
- Porcupine River – 569 miles
California
The Colorado River flows through California for part of its 1,450-mile (2,330 km) journey. The Sacramento River is the longest river that is entirely within California, at 447 miles (719 km).
- Colorado River – 1,450 miles
- Sacramento River – 447 miles
- San Joaquin River – 365 miles
Florida
The Chattahoochee River and Appalachicola River system is about 430 miles (690 km) long and flows into Florida. The St. Johns River is the longest river that is entirely within Florida, measuring 310 miles (500 km).
- Chattahoochee River/Appalachicola River – 430 miles
- St. Johns River – 310 miles
- Suwannee River – 246 miles
Hawaii
Hawaii's rivers are generally shorter than those on the mainland, but they are very important to the islands. The Wailuku River is the longest, at 28.0 miles (45.1 km). All of Hawaii's rivers and streams are entirely within the state.
- Wailuku River – 28.0 miles
- South Fork Kaukonahua Stream – 18.1 miles
- North Fork Kaukonahua Stream – 16.3 miles
New York
The Saint Lawrence River is the longest river that touches New York, at 744 miles (1,197 km). The Hudson River is the longest river that is entirely within New York State, measuring 315 miles (507 km).
- Saint Lawrence River – 744 miles
- Susquehanna River – 464 miles
- Hudson River – 315 miles
Texas
Texas has some very long rivers! The Rio Grande is the longest, forming part of the border with Mexico and stretching 1,896 miles (3,051 km). The Colorado River is the longest river that is entirely within Texas, at 862 miles (1,387 km).
- Rio Grande – 1,896 miles
- Red River – 1,360 miles
- Colorado River – 862 miles
Washington
The mighty Columbia River is the longest river that flows through Washington, at 1,243 miles (2,000 km). The Yakima River is the longest river that is entirely within Washington state, measuring 214 miles (344 km).
- Columbia River – 1,243 miles
- Snake River – 1,078 miles
- Yakima River – 214 miles
See also
