27 New River Facts The Second Oldest River In The World

Did you know that the New River of the United States is estimated to be the oldest river in the country, with its origin around 300 million years ago?Also, did you know that the river is one of only a few rivers of the world that flow from south to north? To know more such interesting facts, read further.This characteristic of the river, flowing from south to north, resembles that of the River Nile. To begin with, the origin of the New River starts in western North Carolina, in Ashe County, from where the river flows through the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina before it merges with the Gauley River in the state of West Virginia, near the town of Gauley Bridge. The estimated length of the New River is about 360 mi (580 km).Upon its discovery in the 17th century by Colonel Abraham Wood, the river came to be known after his name as the Wood’s River. But later, the name was changed to the New River, which seems quite ironic when you consider the fact that it is the oldest river in the United States and among the five oldest rivers of the world. However, this fact is often challenged by the National Park Service and the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.The river is a low crossing that passes through the Appalachian Mountains and has become a corridor for the innumerable plant and animal species that have spread across the lowlands of the East Coast of America. Some parts of the slow corridor/crossing are also used by the roadway and railway authority, while some other sections have been modified to build dams for hydroelectric projects.The widespread gorge of the New River is not only appealing to the eyes but also offers a number of opportunities for watersports and other recreational activities, such as cliff jumping. Due to its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains, the river offers many scenic ledges from where one can soak in the most magnificent views, like the Hawks Nest State Park, along with the New River Gorge National Park. The New River Gorge National Park is designed to protect and maintain the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia.The wildlife and the flora of the region surrounding the New River have achieved stability due to the old age of the river. Over millions of years, scores of plants and animals have thrived within the region. Moreover, this region is home to more than 65 species of mammals that are known to exist exclusively in the New River Gorge area. These animals include the river otter, the mink, and the muskrat.With the presence of dense forest areas and abandoned mineshafts, the region is also home to more than 40 species of reptiles, like the fence lizard, copperhead snake, stinkpot turtles, and the ruthless snapping turtles. The surrounding area of the New River also provides a habitat for rare and exclusive American birds like the bald eagle, the kingfisher, the osprey, and the blue heron. The region also experiences the presence of migratory birds in different seasons which include the extremely rare cerulean warbler.So what is the oldest river in the US? Is it the New River, the Kanawha River, or the French Broad River? Read on to find out more fascinating facts.Fun Facts About The New RiverThe origin of the New River results from a combination of water from the South Fork New River and North Fork New River. The rather ancient New River originates from the Blue Ridge mountains in the state of North Carolina, near Boone City.From here, the river flows towards the north-east, cutting through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Appalachians, and the Allegheny Front located in western North Carolina and the state of Virginia, after which the New River turns towards the state of West Virginia. Towards the end, the river cuts through a giant plateau and finally meets the Gauley River and the Kanawha River, with their tributaries joining in the south-central region of West Virginia.The New River is home to three hydroelectricity projects;  the Fries Dam, the Byllesby Dam, and the Buck Dam, all of which are located between the towns of Galax and Ivanhoe. The path of the New River takes it through magnificent geological formations which include river-cut valleys, and provide a striking ambiance for all types of flora and fauna of the region.The river experiences an elevation change of more than 1,000 ft (3,000 m) through its course. Not only does the riverine region serve as a home to numerous species, it runs from the south to north limits of the east-west division of the fauna.The New River flows at an average speed of 8,730 cu fts (247 m3s). It has a minimum speed of 538 cu fts (15.2 m3s) and a maximum speed of 226,000 cu fts (6,400 m3s).Does the New River flow backwards?The New River has some remarkable characteristics that give it a place among the most unique rivers of the world.The most beautiful characteristic feature of the New River is that it passes through the Appalachians rather than descending down the mountain range. Although ironically named ‘The New River’, the river is estimated to be the oldest river in the United States with its origin around 300 million years ago.If you are a student in the United States, you must have learned or at least heard of these wonderful characteristics of the river. However, some misconceptions arose among young children that the only other river that flows towards the north is the River Nile. For the same reason, some conceptualize the river as one of the only rivers that flows backward.These misconceptions have arisen due to a number of possible reasons. The first reason could be that both the New River and the Nile River are among the oldest river systems of the planet and thus perhaps the locals of the region of the New River gorge might have estimated the characteristics of the two rivers to be similar in nature. The second reason could be that most rivers across the globe flow either from north to south or in east-west directions.Contrary to this, when you look at the map of the New River and observe it in relation to the world map held upright, one can easily observe and conclude that, unlike most rivers flowing downwards towards the south, the New River is flowing upwards; that is, towards the north.Facts About The New River’s ImportanceThe New River is important for a number of geological reasons as the river has benefited the surrounding regions in a number of ways. The Bluestone Dam built on the New River has given rise to the Bluestone Lake in the county of West Virginia.The New River is accompanied by the Greenbrier River as it flows towards the north. Towards the end, the river is diverted into a 3 mi (4.8 km)-long Hawks Nest Tunnel which is used to harness hydroelectric power and is located near the town of Fayetteville. In the end, the water re-enters the river path and, finally, the New River amalgamates with the Gauley River which together forms the Kanawha River. This river acts as a tributary to the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.The river also crosses paths with many highways which lead to the most magnificent views one can experience on the roads of America. Other than the US 19 steel bridge, which is the third-longest single-arc bridge in the world and also counted among the highest bridges to host vehicular traffic, the New River bridge is like the New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville which is a prominent base-jumping site. Other than this, the proximity of the river also provides excellent hiking locations, along with white-river water rafting.In history, New River was also known as the Wood’s River and was one of the major rivers in the USA.New River Basin and Gorge Fishing FactsAlthough it is little known by people, the New River basin is home to seven exclusive species of fish that can only be found in this river. These include the Candy Darter, Kanawha Minnow, and Bluestone Sculpin.The prestigious geology of the New River Gorge has made it one of the most magnificent protected parks and recreational areas in the states. Due to its exclusivity and legacy, the river has been designated the status of a national river by Congress and was renamed the New River Gorge National River.This decision was taken after a series of long discussions to preserve and protect the gorge and the related flora and fauna. For enthusiasts who love getting their hooks heavy, the New River provides scores of opportunities with fishes of various categories involving smallmouth, largemouth, rocky, striped, bluegilled, and flathead.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 27 New River Facts: The Second Oldest River In The World! then why not take a look at Chang Jiang River facts, or Chenab River facts.

Did you know that the New River of the United States is estimated to be the oldest river in the country, with its origin around 300 million years ago?