Which States Border the Ohio River?

The Ohio River forms a natural boundary across the eastern United States, touching six states along its 981-mile course. From its headwaters in Pittsburgh to its confluence with the Mississippi River at Cairo, Illinois, the river shapes the geography and history of the region.

States Along the Ohio River

• Pennsylvania – The river begins at the Forks of the Ohio in Pittsburgh, where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet.
• West Virginia – The Ohio River defines West Virginia’s entire western border for 277 miles.
• Ohio – The state’s southern and eastern boundaries follow the river for 451 miles.
• Indiana – The river forms Indiana’s southern border for 302 miles.
• Kentucky – The Ohio River runs along Kentucky’s entire northern border for 664 miles.
• Illinois – The river’s final 133 miles form Illinois’s southeastern edge before joining the Mississippi.

These six states share the Ohio River’s resources, commerce, and recreational opportunities, making it a vital corridor for transportation, industry, and ecology.