South River (South Fork Shenandoah River tributary) facts for kids
The South River is an important waterway in Virginia. It is one of the two main tributaries that feed into the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
The South River starts south of Waynesboro, Virginia. It then flows north until it reaches Port Republic. Here, it meets the North River. When these two rivers join, they form the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. The South River is about 52.6 miles (84.7 kilometers) long.
Towns Along the River
The South River flows through several towns and communities in Virginia. As it travels north, it passes through places like Stuarts Draft and Waynesboro.
Other communities along its path include Dooms, Crimora, and Harriston. Further north, it flows through Grottoes before reaching Port Republic.
River Health and Fish
The South River is a special place for fishing, especially in the Waynesboro area. It is one of only two "urban fisheries" in Virginia. This means it's a place where people can fish right in a city.
However, the river has faced some challenges. In the past, some factories in Waynesboro released a substance called mercury into the water. Mercury can be harmful if too much builds up in fish.
Because of this, there is a special health warning about eating fish from the South River. The Virginia Department of Health suggests that people should not eat most types of fish caught here. The only exception is trout, which are generally safe to eat from this river. This advice helps keep people healthy and safe.
