Is The Potomac River More Dangerous Than the Mississippi?

Swimming in any river can be dangerous but there are a few known for their treacherous currents, especially undercurrents that may not be obvious when looking at the water from the riverbank. Dangerous wildlife can also pose a threat, as can rapids and rocks.

The Potomac and Mississippi Rivers are two that go through many scenic parts of the United States and are popular tourist destinations. Whether you want to enjoy the natural areas that surround these rivers or venture into their waters, exploring the Potomac and the Mississippi can be done safely.

But which of the two is more dangerous? The answer really depends on what metrics you want to use and how you plan to have fun on the river.

Is The Potomac River More Dangerous Than the Mississippi?

Generally, the Potomac is considered more dangerous than the Mississippi River. Both have undercurrents and some wildlife to watch out for. But the Potomac also has underwater whirlpools, rapids, and falls that can result in serious injury. For this reason, the Potomac is considered more dangerous but that increased danger is limited to certain sections of the river.

Visiting the Potomac River

This 405-mile river goes from the mountains of West Virginia all the way to the Chesapeake Bay. It winds through Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. The Potomac is a shorter river than the Mississippi but no less important in American history, conservation, and culture.

The Potomac was the dividing line between the Union and the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Much of the conflict during the war took place in areas around the Potomac. Today, it runs through Washington, D.C., and is an important natural area within this urban environment.

Dangers in the Potomac River

The Potomac presents a tranquil, calm appearance. But under the surface, there are a ton of undercurrents that will claim even very experienced swimmers. There are also whirlpools that pull logs, fish, and other debris to the bottom of the Potomac. If you get caught in one of these whirlpools, it can be very difficult to get out.

Great Falls Park is a popular location along the Potomac River. It straddles the line between Virginia and Maryland, with scenic falls on both sides. But the water in this area is notoriously dangerous. Swimming and wading are illegal in Great Falls Park. Authorities take these dangers so seriously that even putting your feet in the river can result in a $200 fine, appearance in court, or arrest.

The rapids in Great Falls Park range from class 3 to class 5 and require specialized training, including self-rescue techniques. If you kayak on the rapids, you have to wear a life jacket and a helmet. There are a lot of rocks in addition to the rapids and undercurrents, making these fun but dangerous for those who are inexperienced.

Animals in the Potomac River

Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes both live in the Potomac River. Even if you don’t go in the river, keep an eye out for these venomous snakes along the banks. They spend time on the shore as well as in the water and can easily camouflage with their environment. There are a lot of fish in the Potomac, including shad and the large sturgeon. Conservation efforts by the Potomac Conservancy in Silver Spring, Maryland focus on bringing attention to the effects of overfishing, pollution, and algae blooms caused by increased nitrogen and phosphorus in the river.

There are a lot of dolphins in the Potomac, especially as the river gets closer to the Chesapeake Bay. These marine mammals come to the Bay in the summer and will swim up the Potomac. They are a fun sighting if you take a trip to this area. Spiny dogfish sharks and bull sharks also come from deeper waters into the Potomac, posing a threat to the dolphins, fish, and any unwise person who ventures into the river. Bull sharks can live in both freshwater and saltwater, making them especially dangerous since they can be found in just about any river environment.

Birdwatching is a safe pastime to enjoy from the shore of the Potomac. This river is the ideal habitat for many birds, including the majestic bald eagle. Due to the river’s proximity to Washington, D.C., spotting a bald eagle is extra special when seen from the banks of the Potomac.

Visiting the Mississippi River

This river goes through 10 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It runs from north in Minnesota to south, terminating at the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi is often considered “America’s River.” It has a prominent role in the ecosystem of the Midwest and also a cultural role in American expansion. Travel on this river greatly impacted industries and economies around it. The Mississippi was also a main cultural point in many of Mark Twain’s novels.

Dangers in the Mississippi River

Undercurrents are the primary danger in the Mississippi River. There are numerous sections in this river, which is one of the longest in North America, with undercurrents that can pull even a strong swimmer under the water. Swimming is not recommended in the Mississippi River at all. Even fishing within the river is discouraged, since it can be hard to tell if there are undercurrents until you are in them, which may be too late.

Boating is a good option to enjoy the Mississippi River, although smaller boats like kayaks and canoes can be tricky to navigate. The river has plenty of large and small debris, which can make it hard to steer and maintain your course. If you hit something and fall out of your boat, you might end up in real trouble on the Mississippi. One of the best ways to enjoy these pastimes on the Mississippi is to go with a tour group or guide. Not only will they know the safety techniques required to stay safe, but they can also teach you a lot about the interesting wildlife and natural areas along the river.

Animals in the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River has some wildlife that can pose a threat to visitors. Bull sharks and pikefish both live in the river. Fortunately, attacks are rare. But if you see one of these animals, especially the aggressive bull shark, make sure to give it plenty of space. There are also American alligators in the Mississippi. While they aren’t very aggressive and prefer to be left alone unless they are really hungry, it’s still a good practice to leave these animals be.

Like the Potomac, the Mississippi is home to some venomous snake species. Cottonmouth and copperheads are two that can thrive in both the water and on land. If you are in the water boating, watch for snakes and try to avoid them if possible. While exploring the banks of the Mississippi, make sure you watch where you step so that you don’t accidentally antagonize one of these dangerous snakes.

The Mississippi is also home to animals that are less dangerous, although you should always leave wild animals alone and not interfere with them. River otters, bluebirds, map turtles, and even some swans live around the Mississippi. The fishing in the Mississippi is also great, with catfish, carp, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass as some of the most popular and plentiful.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Douglas Rissing