South Fork New River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Fork New River |
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Map of the Kanawha River watershed, with the New River and its watershed highlighted.
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| Counties | Watauga, Alleghany, Ashe |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Middle Fork South Fork New River Blowing Rock, NC 3,543 ft (1,080 m) 36°07′34″N 81°40′20″W / 36.12611°N 81.67222°W |
| 2nd source | East Fork South Fork New River Watauga County, NC 3,271 ft (997 m) 36°10′56″N 81°36′37″W / 36.18222°N 81.61028°W |
| River mouth | New River Ashe County, NC 2,546 ft (776 m) 36°32′46″N 81°21′11″W / 36.54611°N 81.35306°W |
The South Fork New River is a cool river in North Carolina, a state in the United States. It's one of the two main parts that come together to form the famous New River. This river is special because its waters travel a very long way to reach the ocean!
Contents
The River's Journey
The South Fork New River starts its adventure from a spring near a place called Blowing Rock. This area is close to the Eastern Continental Divide, which is like an invisible line. Water on one side flows towards the Atlantic Ocean, and water on the other side flows inland.
Flowing North
Unlike many rivers in the area, the South Fork New River flows mostly north. It winds its way along the side of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. As it travels, it passes through parts of Watauga County and then Ashe County.
One of the towns it flows through is Boone. Imagine the river as a long, winding path through forests and fields!
Joining Forces
Eventually, in Ashe County, the South Fork New River meets up with another river called the North Fork New River. When these two rivers join, they officially become the larger New River.
A Long Trip to the Ocean
The journey of the South Fork New River's water doesn't stop there! From the New River, the water flows into the Kanawha River. Then, it continues into the mighty Ohio River. Finally, it joins the huge Mississippi River, which carries it all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. That's a super long trip for a drop of water!
River Friends: Tributaries
Along its path, the South Fork New River gets water from smaller streams that flow into it. These smaller streams are called tributaries. Some of its important tributaries include:
- Winkler's Creek
- Boone (Kraut) Creek
- Payne Branch
These smaller creeks help keep the river full and flowing.
