West Virginia River Map showing major rivers in West Virginia, River start and end point, county boundaries.
River Map of West Virginia State
PDF Map - Free Download West Virginia River Map, United States
| West Virginia Map | Counties in West Virginia | Cities in West Virginia |
| West Virginia Zipcodes | Airports in West Virginia | US Zip code Map |
| West Virginia Area Codes | West Virginia River Map | - |
Rivers and Waterways in West Virginia
West Virginia’s river systems flow through mountainous terrain and forested valleys, with nearly all waterways draining into the Ohio River and eventually the Mississippi River. The state is known for its rugged landscape, where rivers carve deep valleys and flow swiftly through the Appalachian region. Waterways are fed by rainfall and seasonal snowmelt, creating a dense network of streams. Reservoirs and lakes support flood control, water supply, and recreation across West Virginia.
Major Rivers in West Virginia
| River | Length (Approx.) | Region | Flows Into |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio River | 981 mi | West | Mississippi River |
| Kanawha River | 97 mi | Central | Ohio River |
| Monongahela River | 130 mi | North | Ohio River |
| New River | 320 mi | South | Ohio River |
| Greenbrier River | 173 mi | South | New River |
| Little Kanawha River | 169 mi | West | Ohio River |
| Elk River | 172 mi | Central | Kanawha River |
| Guyandotte River | 166 mi | Southwest | Ohio River |
| Tygart Valley River | 159 mi | North | Monongahela River |
| Cheat River | 78 mi | North | Monongahela River |
| Potomac River | 405 mi | East | Chesapeake Bay |
| South Branch Potomac River | 139 mi | East | Potomac River |
| North Branch Potomac River | 95 mi | East | Potomac River |
| Coal River | 88 mi | South | Kanawha River |
| Big Sandy River | 29 mi | Southwest | Ohio River |
| Williams River | 33 mi | Central | Gauley River |
| Gauley River | 105 mi | Central | Kanawha River |
| Bluestone River | 77 mi | South | New River |
Major Lakes in West Virginia
| Lake | Type | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Summersville Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Stonewall Jackson Lake | Reservoir | North |
| Tygart Lake | Reservoir | North |
| Bluestone Lake | Reservoir | South |
| Burnsville Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Sutton Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Cheat Lake | Reservoir | North |
| Beech Fork Lake | Reservoir | West |
| Mount Storm Lake | Reservoir | Northeast |
| R.D. Bailey Lake | Reservoir | Southwest |
Major River Basins in West Virginia
West Virginia’s river basins are largely part of the Ohio River system, with most water eventually reaching the Mississippi River. These basins are essential for flood control, energy production, and water resources.
- Ohio River Basin
- Kanawha River Basin
- Monongahela River Basin
- New River Basin
- Greenbrier River Basin
- Elk River Basin
- Guyandotte River Basin
- Potomac River Basin
- Gauley River Basin
West Virginia Rivers Facts
| State | West Virginia |
| Total Rivers & Streams | 35,000+ miles of streams |
| Major Rivers | Ohio, Kanawha, Monongahela, New |
| Total Waterway Length | 38,000+ miles |
| Main Drainage | Ohio River & Chesapeake Bay |
| Longest River | Ohio River |
| Shortest River | Big Sandy River |
| Major River Basins | 9 Primary Basins |
| Primary Outlet | Mississippi River & Atlantic Ocean |
| Key Uses | Hydropower, water supply, recreation, flood control |
| Longest River Within State | New River |
| Number of River Basins | 8–10 Basins |
| Major Reservoirs | Summersville Lake, Bluestone Lake, Sutton Lake |
| Primary Water Source | Surface water and reservoirs |
River Maps of the 50 U.S. States – Click on a State to View Its River Map
- Alabama River Map
- Alaska River Map
- Arizona River Map
- Arkansas River Map
- California River Map
- Colorado River Map
- Connecticut River Map
- Delaware River Map
- Florida River Map
- Georgia River Map
- Hawaii River Map
- Idaho River Map
- Illinois River Map
- Indiana River Map
- Iowa River Map
- Kansas River Map
- Kentucky River Map
- Louisiana River Map
- Maine River Map
- Maryland River Map
- Massachusetts River Map
- Michigan River Map
- Minnesota River Map
- Mississippi River Map
- Missouri River Map
- Montana River Map
- Nebraska River Map
- Nevada River Map
- New Hampshire River Map
- New Jersey River Map
- New Mexico River Map
- New York River Map
- North Carolina River Map
- North Dakota River Map
- Ohio River Map
- Oklahoma River Map
- Oregon River Map
- Pennsylvania River Map
- Rhode Island River Map
- South Carolina River Map
- South Dakota River Map
- Tennessee River Map
- Texas River Map
- Utah River Map
- Vermont River Map
- Virginia River Map
- Washington River Map
- West Virginia River Map
- Wisconsin River Map
- Wyoming River Map