Tennessee has a plethora of rivers and streams, including the mighty Tennessee and Buffalo rivers. Although this means many wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities for Tennesseans, it has also historically meant a lot damaging floods. However, an extensive damming effort throughout the first half of the 20th century has significantly ameliorated the flooding problem.
The Tennessee River
The Tennessee River originates at the confluence of the Holston River and the French Broad River near Knoxville and winds along the Tennessee Valley all the way to to Chattanooga. Its course is more than 600 miles long, and over many thousands of years it has carved a deep canyon called the Tennessee River Gorge. The Tennessee River today is enjoyed by thousands of Tennesseans and visitors who swim, fish and boat in its waters.
The Duck River
The Duck River is a 270-mile-long river that meanders throughout middle Tennessee. The Duck River is noted for its scenic beauty but is also the sole water supply for over a quarter of a million people in the area. The Duck River is also noted for its amazing species diversity.
According to the Nature Conservancy, "The Duck River is North America's richest river in variety of freshwater animal species, containing more species of fish than are found in all the rivers of Europe combined and more fish varieties per mile than any other river in North America."
The Buffalo River
The Buffalo River originates in Lawrence County in central Tennessee and winds west-northwest until it joins the Duck River in north-central Tennessee. The Buffalo River is one of the few undammed rivers in Tennessee, and is well-known for the many outdoor recreational opportunities it offers, especially fishing, swimming and canoeing.
Big South Fork River
The Big South Fork River has been designated a "national river," both because of its scenic beauty and historical significance. The Big South Fork is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest in northern Tennessee and is a tributary to the Cumberland River. The National Park Service has also created the Big South Fork National Recreation Area encompassing the entire watershed of the river, and this pristine wilderness recreational area draws thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year.
Other Rivers and Streams in Tennessee
Other major rivers and waterways in Tennessee include the Green River; Hiwassee River; Nolichucky River; Ocoee River; Hatchie River; Piney River; Walden Creek; Jones Creek; and Mill Creek.
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