Scioto River
| Scioto River | |
|---|---|
The Scioto River in downtown Columbus, Ohio | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| Counties | Hardin, Marion, Delaware, Franklin, Pickaway, Ross, Pike, Scioto |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Near Roundhead, Ohio |
| • coordinates | 40°36′32″N 83°52′37″W / 40.6089398°N 83.8768831°W |
| Mouth | |
• location | Ohio River near Portsmouth |
• coordinates | 38°43′50″N 83°00′46″W / 38.7306319°N 83.0126747°W |
• elevation | 486 ft (148 m) |
| Length | 231 mi (372 km) |
| Basin size | 6,517 sq mi (16,880 km2) |
| Discharge | |
| • average | 6,674 cu ft/s (189.0 m3/s) |
The Scioto River (/saɪˈoʊtə/ sy-OH-tə) is a river in central and southern Ohio more than 231 miles (372 km) in length. It rises in Hardin County just north of Roundhead, Ohio, flows through Columbus, Ohio, where it collects its largest tributary, the Olentangy River, flows south into Appalachian Ohio, and meets the Ohio River at Portsmouth. Early settlers and Native Americans used the river for shipping, but it is too small for modern commercial craft. The primary economic importance for the river now is for recreation and drinking water. It is the longest river that is entirely within Ohio.
The Scioto River is represented on the Ohio state seal and coat of arms.