New River, Tidal estuary in Broward County, Florida
The New River is a tidal waterway in Broward County that flows through both natural and constructed channels from the Everglades to the Atlantic Ocean at Port Everglades. The river reaches depths of around 60 feet in sections deep enough for larger vessels to pass through safely.
The Seminole people originally called this waterway Himmarshee before European explorers documented it and the location became an important trade route. The early passage was later transformed into engineered channels to improve navigation and manage water flow across the region.
The river became the gathering place where Fort Lauderdale first took root, with a trading post at the bend serving settlers and traders who came to the area. Visitors walking along the banks today encounter historic buildings and landmarks that trace back to those early settlement days.
You can explore the riverbanks at several public access points where footpaths and parks make for easy walking. The best time to visit is during drier months when water levels are more stable and conditions feel more pleasant.
During high tides, water flows upstream for several miles inland, a rare occurrence in a saltwater system of this type in the region. This backward movement of water shapes the local ecosystems and creates distinct tidal patterns unlike most other waterways nearby.
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