World's Shortest River: The Roe River, Montana

Record Holder

The Roe River near Great Falls, Montana, holds the Guinness World Record for shortest river at 61 meters (201 feet) long.

Characteristics

• Source: Giant Springs (one of the largest freshwater springs in the U.S.).
• Mouth: Empties into the Missouri River.
• Flow: ~156 million gallons/day—remarkable volume for its length.
• Designation: Recognized as a river (not a creek) because it has a defined source, channel, and mouth.

Other Contenders

Ombla River (Croatia, ~30 m), Reprua River (Georgia, ~27 m), and Tamborasi River (Indonesia, ~20 m) are sometimes cited, but Roe River remains the most widely accepted record.