Whitewater River (Great Miami River tributary)
The Whitewater River is a tributary of the Great Miami River, located in southeastern Indiana and southwestern Ohio, in the United States. The river is approximately 101 miles (163 km) long and drains a watershed of about 640 square miles (1,700 km2).
The Whitewater River is formed by the confluence of the East Fork Whitewater River and the West Fork Whitewater River near Brookville, Indiana. The East Fork rises in western Ohio and flows generally southwest. The West Fork originates in east-central Indiana and also flows southwest. From their confluence, the Whitewater River flows generally south through a valley carved into the surrounding hills. It joins the Great Miami River near Harrison, Ohio.
The river's name is derived from the white, frothy water caused by the river's swift currents and rocky bottom. The Whitewater River valley was historically an important transportation corridor, with the Whitewater Canal constructed along its banks in the 19th century. While the canal is no longer operational, remnants of it can still be seen.
The Whitewater River is a popular destination for recreational activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The river is also home to a variety of fish and wildlife species. Sections of the river are designated as Indiana's Whitewater Canal State Historic Site.