| Smith River | |
|---|---|
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • coordinates | 36°45′21″N 80°20′56″W / 36.7559687°N 80.3489478°W |
| Mouth | |
• coordinates | 36°28′50″N 79°45′04″W / 36.4806937°N 79.7511464°W |
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The Smith River is a river in the U.S. states of Virginia and North Carolina. It is a tributary of the Dan River, which it joins at Eden, North Carolina. According to the United States Geological Survey and regional histories, variant names are Irvin River, Irvine River, Irwin River, and Smith's River.[1][2]
The Smith River is a tailrace stream, fed by water from Philpott Lake. Water flow is regulated at Philpott Dam according to the demands of hydroelectric power generation, downstream water temperature control, and adequate water levels for recreational use.[3] From its source at Philpott Dam, the river runs 44.5 mi through Franklin County and Henry County before reaching the North Carolina border. After crossing the border, the Smith River runs an additional 5.25 miles through Rockingham County, North Carolina before its confluence with the Dan River.
Smith River offers year round trout habitat from Philpot through Martinsville. Headwaters come from Philpot Lake Dam. Fly Fishing is popular for locals and tourists,
- ^ "Smith River". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2006-05-12.
- ^ Clement, Maude Carter (2004) [1929]. "Chapter II: Natural Conditions". The History of Pittsylvania County Virginia. Santa Maria, California: Janaway Publishing, Inc. ISBN 9780974195797.
The next two rivers were named Irwin and Mayo in honor of the two surveyors, Alexander Irwin and William Mayo.
- ^ Smith River Water Flow Survey Executive Summary & Responses (2017). Report published by the Dan River Basin Association. Retrieved 2019-07-08.