Poor Fork (Cumberland River tributary) facts for kids

The Poor Fork is a river located in the southeastern part of Kentucky, United States. It's a special kind of river called a tributary, which means it flows into a larger river. The Poor Fork joins the Cumberland River, which is a much bigger waterway.

This river is about 45-mile (72 km) long. It starts its journey high up in the Appalachian Mountains, right on the border between Kentucky and Virginia. From there, it flows generally towards the southwest. Its journey ends when it meets the Cumberland River, about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of a town called Harlan.

Where the Poor Fork Flows

The Poor Fork river travels through two counties in Kentucky: Letcher County and Harlan County. These areas are known for their beautiful mountain scenery.

Starting Point: Flat Gap

The river begins at a place called Flat Gap. This spot is high in the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Mountains are a huge mountain range that stretches across eastern North America.

Journey to the Cumberland River

As the Poor Fork flows, it collects water from many smaller streams and springs. It winds its way through valleys and past hillsides. Eventually, it reaches its mouth, which is the place where it empties into the Cumberland River. This meeting point is close to the town of Harlan.

Connecting to Bigger Rivers

The Poor Fork is part of a much larger river system. When its water flows into the Cumberland River, it doesn't stop there. The Cumberland River then flows into the Ohio River. After that, the Ohio River joins the mighty Mississippi River. This means that water from the Poor Fork eventually makes its way all the way to the Gulf of Mexico!

• Poor Fork → Cumberland River
• Cumberland River → Ohio River
• Ohio River → Mississippi River
• Mississippi River → Gulf of Mexico

This connection shows how all rivers, big and small, are linked together in a huge network across the land.