Blue River (Indiana)
The Blue River is a 57-mile-long (92 km), two-forked stream that runs through Harrison, Crawford and Washington counties in Indiana. The headwaters of the North Fork arise near Salem in Washington County and flow south, and the headwaters of the South Fork arise near New Liberty and flow southwest. The two small forks converge in Fredericksburg. From the confluence, the river flows south until it joins Ohio River in the Harrison-Crawford State Forest, just upstream from Leavenworth.
| Blue River | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | near Salem, Indiana |
| Mouth | |
• location | Ohio River |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Leavenworth, Indiana |
| • average | 696 cu/ft. per sec. |
The Blue River is known for its scenery and is one of the main destinations in Southern Indiana for canoeing and kayaking. Receiving a sizeable amount of water from subterranean sources, the Blue River was named for the blueish cast of its clear waters which remain clear, except in times after heavy rain. The area surrounding the main course of the river is relatively undeveloped and heavily wooded. Many large hills, limestone bluffs, and caves can be seen from the river.
The river is divided into four segments, designating the river as scenic, recreational and natural, and is managed by the Blue River Commission.