Withlacoochee River (Suwannee River tributary) facts for kids

The Withlacoochee River flows into the Suwannee River.

Map showing the northern Withlacoochee River.

The Withlacoochee River is a river that starts in Georgia. It begins northwest of a town called Nashville, Georgia. The river flows south through Berrien County. Here, it meets the New River. It then forms part of the border between Berrien and Cook counties.

The river continues its journey south into Lowndes County, Georgia. Near Troupville, Georgia, the Little River joins it. The Withlacoochee River then helps form the border between Lowndes and Brooks counties in Georgia.

After this, the river flows into Florida for a short distance. It then goes back into Georgia for a bit longer. Finally, it returns to Florida for good. In Florida, it forms the northeast border of Madison County, Florida. It also forms the western border of Hamilton County, Florida. The river eventually joins the famous Suwannee River at Suwannee River State Park. This park is west of Live Oak. The Withlacoochee River is about 115 miles (185 kilometers) long. People believe this river gave its name to another river in central Florida, which is also called the Withlacoochee River.

What Does the Name "Withlacoochee" Mean?

The name "Withlacoochee River" comes from the Muskogean people. These Native American groups lived in South Georgia a long time ago. The name comes from a word in the Creek language. It is ue-rakkuce.

Let's break down the meaning:

• ue means "water"
• rakko means "big"
• -uce means "small"

So, the name roughly translates to "little river." When English speakers started using the name, they changed the Muskogee sound for "r" to "thl." This is how we got "Withlacoochee."

Bridges and River Crossings

Many bridges cross the Withlacoochee River as it flows through Georgia and Florida. These crossings help people and trains get from one side of the river to the other. Some bridges are still used today, carrying busy roads. Others are older bridges that are no longer in use.

For example, in Georgia, you can find the SP4 Derrell Danforth Bridge. It carries SR 354 between Lenox, Georgia and Alapaha, Georgia. Further south, near Valdosta, Georgia, US 41 and SR 7 cross the river.

As the river enters Florida, you can see the SR 150 bridge near Bellville, Florida. There is also a bridge for SR 6 near Madison Blue Spring State Park. These crossings are important for travel and connecting communities along the river.

Images for kids

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  A sign for the Withlacoochee River on Georgia State Route 122.

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  A sign marking the Lowndes County line on US 84.

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  An old railway bridge over the Withlacoochee River.

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  The Georgia State Route 31 bridge crossing the river.

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  The Withlacoochee River as seen from Florida State Road 150.

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  A bridge on Florida County Road 141 over the Withlacoochee River.