Tributaries
The main tributaries of the Vermilion River join near Danville:
- Salt Fork Vermilion River
- Middle Fork Vermilion River
- North Fork of the Vermilion River
The Vermilion starts with the confluence of the Salt Fork and Middle Fork, to be joined by the North Fork approximately 5 miles (8 km) downstream.
The Salt Fork is the western tributary. It arises north of Urbana, flowing east toward Danville. It was named for the saline springs in its lower reaches. When settlers first arrived in the area, the saline springs were the basis of the dominant industry.
The Middle Fork arises near Roberts, and flows southeast toward Danville. The Middle Fork is notable as the only river in Illinois designated as a National Wild and Scenic River by United States National Park Service. This scenic stream flows through Kickapoo State Park near Danville and is a favorite of Illinois canoeists.
The North Fork arises in Indiana to the northeast of Hoopeston, Illinois. It flows south and southwest toward Danville.
From Danville, the Vermilion River flows to its confluence with the Wabash River to the east of the Illinois/Indiana border.
Read more about this topic: Vermilion River (Wabash River Tributary)