It is a common misconception that all rivers flow south or all rivers in the Northern Hemisphere flow towards the equator. However, the truth is that, like all objects, rivers flow downhill because of gravity. ... Also, rivers not only follow one direction; some turn and twist in several directions.

Why is it rare for rivers to flow north?

There is nothing freaky about a river flowing north. Rivers flow in one direction all over the world, and that direction is downhill. Across the central and eastern United States, it is rare for rivers to flow north because the slope of the land is toward the south and east.

Is there any river that flows north?

There are countless examples of rivers flowing northward. Some of the most famous are the world's longest river the Nile, along with Russia's Ob, Lena, and Yenisey Rivers. The Red River in the U.S. and Canada and Florida's St. Johns River also flow north.