List of rivers of Virginia facts for kids
Virginia is a state in the United States. It is home to many important rivers. These rivers flow across the land and empty into larger bodies of water. They are vital for nature, people, and the economy.
Rivers are like the veins of the land. They carry water from higher places to lower ones. This water eventually reaches oceans or large bays. The path a river and its smaller streams take is called a drainage basin or watershed.
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Virginia's River Basins
Virginia's rivers flow into different major water systems. Most of them lead to the Atlantic Ocean. Some rivers flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Others go directly into the Atlantic Ocean. A few rivers in western Virginia are part of the Mississippi River system.
Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic Ocean
Some rivers in Virginia flow directly into the Atlantic Ocean. These are often smaller rivers found along the coast.
- Cockle Creek
- Machipongo River
Rivers Flowing into Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is a very large estuary. An estuary is where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. Many of Virginia's major rivers empty into this bay.
The Potomac River is a major river in Virginia. It forms part of the border with Maryland. Many smaller streams flow into the Potomac. These are called tributaries. * Hull Creek * Coan River * Yeocomico River * Lower Machodoc Creek * Nomini Creek * Popes Creek * Mattox Creek * Rosier Creek * Upper Machodoc Creek * Potomac Creek * Aquia Creek * Chopawamsic Creek * Quantico Creek * Neabsco Creek * Occoquan River * Bull Run * Pohick Creek * Accotink Creek * Dogue Creek * Little Hunting Creek * Hunting Creek * Cameron Run * Four Mile Run * Pimmit Run * Difficult Run * Sugarland Run * Broad Run * Goose Creek * Catoctin Creek * Shenandoah River
The Shenandoah River is famous for its beautiful valley. It has two main forks. * North Fork Shenandoah River * South Fork Shenandoah River * Opequon Creek * Back Creek * Sleepy Creek * South Branch Potomac River
- Little Wicomico River
- Great Wicomico River
- Rappahannock River
The Rappahannock River flows through central Virginia. It is known for its history and natural beauty. * Urbanna Creek * Lagrange Creek * Parrotts Creek * Corrotoman River * Totuskey Creek * Piscataway Creek * Hoskins Creek * Cat Point Creek * Occupacia Creek * Rapidan River * Mountain Run * Hazel River * Jordan River
- Piankatank River
- East River
- North River
- Ware River
- Severn River
- York River
The York River is formed by the meeting of two other rivers. * Perrin River * Queen Creek * Poropotank River * Mattaponi River * Pamunkey River
Hampton Roads is a large natural harbor. Several rivers flow into it. * Hampton River * Elizabeth River * James River
The James River is the longest river in Virginia. It plays a big role in the state's history. * Hoffler Creek * Nansemond River * Chuckatuck Creek * Pagan River * Warwick River * Lawnes Creek * Skiffes Creek * College Creek * Grays Creek * Chickahominy River * Upper Chippokes Creek * Wards Creek * Bailey Creek * Appomattox River * Falling Creek * Powhite Creek * Deep Creek * Muddy Creek * Willis River * Byrd Creek * Rivanna River * Slate River * Hardware River * Rockfish River * Tye River * David Creek * Beaver Creek * Blackwater Creek * Harris Creek * Pedlar River * Maury River * Cedar Creek (James River tributary) * Catawba Creek * Craig Creek * Mill Creek (James River tributary) * Sinking Creek * Cowpasture River * Jackson River
Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic Ocean South of Chesapeake Bay
These rivers are in the southeastern part of Virginia. They flow directly into the Atlantic Ocean or into rivers that lead there.
- North Landing River
- Northwest River (Virginia)
- Chowan River (NC)
The Chowan River is mostly in North Carolina. However, some of its tributaries start in Virginia. * Meherrin River * Somerton Creek * Blackwater River * Nottoway River
- Roanoke River (or Staunton River)
The Roanoke River is a large river that flows into North Carolina. It is also known as the Staunton River in Virginia. * Allen Creek (Roanoke River tributary) * Island Creek * Grassy Creek * Bluestone Creek * Dan River * Difficult Creek * Roanoke Creek * Cub Creek * Falling River * Straightstone Creek * Seneca Creek * Otter River * Big Otter River * Goose Creek (Roanoke River tributary) * Pigg River * Blackwater River * Back Creek * Tinker Creek * North Fork Roanoke River * South Fork Roanoke River
- Pee Dee River (NC)
* Yadkin River (NC) * Ararat River * Fisher River
Rivers Flowing to the Mississippi River
Some rivers in western Virginia are part of the huge Mississippi River drainage basin. This means their water eventually reaches the Mississippi River.
Tennessee River System
- Tennessee River (TN)
The Clinch River starts in Virginia and flows into Tennessee. * Powell River * North Fork Clinch River * Copper Creek * Stock Creek * Guest River * Little River * Big Creek * Indian Creek * Holston River (TN) The Holston River also begins in Virginia. * North Fork Holston River * South Fork Holston River
Ohio River System
- Ohio River (KY, WV)
* Big Sandy River (KY) The Big Sandy River forms part of the border between Kentucky and West Virginia. Some of its branches are in Virginia. * Levisa Fork * Tug Fork * Kanawha River (WV) * New River
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world. It flows north, which is unusual for rivers in this area. * Bluestone River * East River * Wolf Creek * Walker Creek * Sinking Creek * Little River (New River tributary) * Peak Creek * Big Reed Island Creek * Burks Fork * Little Reed Island Creek * Reed Creek * Chestnut Creek * Elk Creek * Little River (North Carolina–Virginia) * Fox Creek * Wilson Creek * North Fork New River
See also
- List of rivers of the United States
- List of Chesapeake Bay rivers
