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410 miles

Roanoke River

The Roanoke runs through southern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina to Albemarle Sound. It drains a mostly rural area from the Appalachians across the Piedmont and coastal plain.

N50 mi
Course of the river, simplified. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
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River facts

Length410 miles
SourceNear Lafayette, Virginia
MouthAlbemarle Sound, near Plymouth, North Carolina

Six impoundments turn its middle course into a chain of reservoirs, including Smith Mountain Lake, Leesville Lake and Kerr Reservoir.

Listed fish are the species named for the river on its Wikipedia page. Check the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for river-specific regulations before you fish.

Lakes and flowages on the Roanoke River

Lakes in our guide on or connected to this river:

Source: Roanoke River (Wikipedia)

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View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map to follow the river past roads and towns. Red pins are boat ramps and launches. Tap a pin for directions.