Roanoke (river, United States)

Roanoke (river, United States), river, southeastern United States. The river rises in southwestern Virginia, near Christiansburg, flows northeast to the city of Roanoke, Virginia, and then turns southeast. Near the border with North Carolina it is joined by its chief tributary, the Dan River. The river above this point is also known as the Staunton River. Below Clarksville, Virginia, the river is dammed to form part of a major hydroelectric scheme. The Roanoke then flows through the northeastern portion of North Carolina and empties into Albemarle Sound. The total length of the river is 610 km (380 mi).