One Of The Oldest Rivers In The World, The French Broad River, Passes Right Through Tennessee

The physical world is so old that sometimes it seems ageless. It’s hard to wrap your mind around the idea of “millions of years,” and because it’s so difficult sometimes the magnanimity of old rivers, mountains and plains seem to be lost on us. If you’ve ever made your way to the French Broad River, and expansive waterway that is found in both North Carolina and Tennessee, then you might be surprised to know it’s one of the oldest rivers in the world. Learn more about this natural wonder, below.

John Hayes - Flickr

Tennessee's topography is one of the most varied and beautiful in the United States. It's a state that boasts the shallows of the Mississippi River and the broad plains of southern America's cotton fields, as well as one of the oldest rivers in the world.

Martin LaBar - Flickr

The French Broad River flows from North Carolina through the Appalachian Mountains and into Tennessee, much like the New River. Both are considered to be some of the oldest rivers on the globe.

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French Broad River - Wikipedia

It's a common myth that the French Broad River is considered the third oldest river in the world, after the Nile and the New River. Some have figured its age to be over 300 million years old.

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Melinda*Young - Flickr

Of course, no one can really know which river is the oldest in the world. Some consider the age of the French Broad River to be "a long held myth," as it was considered by the Citizen Times. Still, it is definitely one of the oldest, since the rocks have been dated back millions of years, but its ranking as the "third oldest" can ruffle some feathers.

Brent Moore - Flickr

The river is fed by multiple tributaries, and stretches 218 miles until its outflow into the Tennessee River.

Melinda Young - Flickr

It's a beautiful river to visit, one that invites waders and swimmers and fisherfolk alike. The French Broad River cuts its course through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and it remains one of the most beautiful places to visit in the state of Tennessee.

DM - Flickr

What are your thoughts on the French Broad River? Do you think its as old as some think it is, or no? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

You can learn more about the great state of Tennessee with some of these quirky bits of state trivia. They’re pretty fun to learn, and even better to share!