Ohio's longest rivers flow for hundreds of miles. See the top 10

Did you know one of the facts about Ohio is that it was named after the Seneca word for river?

The Seneca people, who spoke Seneca, an Iroquoian language, named Ohio after the Ohio River. It can mean "good river," "large creek," or "great river”, according to WorldAtlas . The rivers in Ohio are significant, as they provide water for both domestic and industrial use.

Ohio's great river is just that—the longest river that touches Buckeye State soil. These are the 10 longest rivers in Ohio.

1. Ohio River—981 miles

The Ohio River is the longest in Ohio. This river flows as long as 981 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cairo, Illinois, where it meets the Mississippi. Its drainage basin extends over 15 states.

From flowing to floes: People walked across a frozen Ohio River in 1977. See the photos

2. Wabash River—503 miles

Though it flows through Indiana and is Indiana’s state river, the Wabash River starts in Ohio. This 503-mile river flows from Ohio to Indiana, and ends in Illinois, draining into the Ohio River, making it the largest northern tributary of Ohio's namesake river.

3. Scioto River—231 miles

Ever visited Columbus' Scioto Mile for a walk? The Scioto River flows right through it.

The Scioto River courses for 231 miles only in Ohio, from Auglaize County to Portsmouth. This river receives its water from the Olentangy River and drains into the Ohio River. In the early days of Ohio, Native Americans and settlers used the Scioto River for transport, and it is now used for recreation and domestic use.

4. Great Miami River—160 miles

Another tributary to the Ohio River is the 160-mile-long Great Miami River. The river flows almost exclusively in the Buckeye State before briefly crossing the Ohio-Indiana state border before it discharges into the Ohio.

Sydney, Hamilton, Troy, Piqua, and Dayton are some of the cities that sit on the banks of the Great Miami River.

A win for conservation: Land, where Ohio and Great Miami rivers meet, protected

5. Maumee River—137 miles

The Maumee River starts its 137-mile journey toward Maumee Bay and the shores of Lake Erie near Toledo in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. This river forms at the confluence of the St. Marys and St. Joseph Rivers.

6. Sandusky River—133 miles

Beginning at the confluence of Paramour Creek and the Allen Run near Leesville, according to the Ohio government website , the Sandusky River flows for 133 miles until it reaches Sandusky Bay in Lake Erie.

This river is considered underdeveloped, its surrounding land consists of bogs and marsh areas, and its watershed is home to 220,000 people.

7. Tuscarawas River—130 miles

Named after a Native American village, the Tuscarawas River flows near the city of Coshocton during a portion of its 130 miles, according to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District . It begins near Akron and is a tributary of the Muskingum River, where it ends.

This river is used for recreation, such as fishing and paddling, and provides a habitat for wildlife.

8. Raccoon Creek—114 miles

Flowing through the Ohio counties of Athens, Hocking, Vinton, Jackson, Meigs, and Gallia, according to Ohio Watershed Data , the Raccoon flows for 114 miles, discharging into the Ohio River.

This river requires conservation as it suffers from oil and natural gas pollution and other harmful substances.

9. Auglaize River—113 miles

The Auglaize River is a tributary of the Maumee River, so its waters eventually drain into Lake Erie. It is located entirely within Ohio and stretches roughly 113 miles, according to Natural Atlas . The Auglaize's headwaters start near Lima, Ohio, and the river is a popular spot for canoeing.

10. Mahoning River—113 miles

Ending this flowing list of rivers comes the Mahoning River. It starts in northeastern Ohio and crosses into Pennsylvania, where its waters eventually join the Beaver River and, later, the Ohio River.

According to Friends of the Mahoning River, this watershed played a significant role in the development of Youngstown, Ohio, laying the groundwork for population and industrial growth in the 19th and 20th centuries.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio's longest rivers flow for hundreds of miles. See the top 10