Explore the Waterways of Tennessee
Tennessee, located in the southeastern United States, boasts a diverse and extensive network of waterways that play crucial roles in the state's culture, history, economy, and recreation. Here's a description of the primary waterways in Tennessee:
1. Tennessee River: The Tennessee River is one of the major waterways in the state, flowing through the western part of Tennessee. It stretches over 650 miles and is navigable for much of its length. The Tennessee River is impounded by several dams, including Kentucky Dam and Pickwick Landing Dam, creating large reservoirs like Kentucky Lake and Pickwick Lake. These reservoirs provide opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and water sports. The river also passes through the city of Chattanooga, where the Tennessee Aquarium showcases the region's aquatic life.
2. Cumberland River: The Cumberland River flows through the central and north-central regions of Tennessee. It is dammed to create multiple reservoirs, including Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake, both near Nashville. The Cumberland River and its lakes are popular for boating, fishing, and water-based recreational activities.
3. Mississippi River: The western border of Tennessee is defined by the Mississippi River. While the majority of the river's shoreline is in Arkansas, Tennessee has several river towns, including Memphis, that have historically played significant roles in commerce and trade along the river. Memphis, in particular, is known for its riverfront attractions, including Beale Street and Mud Island River Park.
4. Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway: This man-made waterway connects the Tennessee River in the northwestern part of the state to the Gulf of Mexico via the Tombigbee River in Mississippi and Alabama. It serves as an important transportation route for cargo and provides recreational opportunities for boating and fishing.
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Located in eastern Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to numerous streams and rivers, including the Little Pigeon River and the Oconaluftee River. These waterways are known for their pristine beauty and offer opportunities for trout fishing, tubing, and hiking in a scenic mountain environment.
6. Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake: These are two prominent reservoirs in eastern Tennessee, created by the Douglas and Cherokee Dams on the French Broad River and the Holston River, respectively. Both lakes are popular for boating, fishing, camping, and lakeside living.
7. Small Lakes and Streams: Tennessee has a multitude of smaller lakes and streams that are ideal for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Examples include Center Hill Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, and the Caney Fork River.
8. Ocoee River: The Ocoee River in southeastern Tennessee is renowned for its challenging whitewater rapids. It was the site of the 1996 Summer Olympics whitewater events and is a popular destination for rafting and kayaking.
9. Reelfoot Lake: Located in northwestern Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake is a unique and shallow lake formed by a series of earthquakes in the early 19th century. It is known for its cypress trees, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.
Tennessee's waterways, encompassing everything from mighty rivers to scenic mountain streams, are integral to the state's identity and offer a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty. They support industries, provide essential water resources, and contribute to the state's vibrant cultural heritage. Whether it's exploring the rivers, fishing in the lakes, or enjoying the mountain streams, Tennessee's waterways offer something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.
1. Tennessee River: The Tennessee River is one of the major waterways in the state, flowing through the western part of Tennessee. It stretches over 650 miles and is navigable for much of its length. The Tennessee River is impounded by several dams, including Kentucky Dam and Pickwick Landing Dam, creating large reservoirs like Kentucky Lake and Pickwick Lake. These reservoirs provide opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and water sports. The river also passes through the city of Chattanooga, where the Tennessee Aquarium showcases the region's aquatic life.
2. Cumberland River: The Cumberland River flows through the central and north-central regions of Tennessee. It is dammed to create multiple reservoirs, including Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake, both near Nashville. The Cumberland River and its lakes are popular for boating, fishing, and water-based recreational activities.
3. Mississippi River: The western border of Tennessee is defined by the Mississippi River. While the majority of the river's shoreline is in Arkansas, Tennessee has several river towns, including Memphis, that have historically played significant roles in commerce and trade along the river. Memphis, in particular, is known for its riverfront attractions, including Beale Street and Mud Island River Park.
4. Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway: This man-made waterway connects the Tennessee River in the northwestern part of the state to the Gulf of Mexico via the Tombigbee River in Mississippi and Alabama. It serves as an important transportation route for cargo and provides recreational opportunities for boating and fishing.
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Located in eastern Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to numerous streams and rivers, including the Little Pigeon River and the Oconaluftee River. These waterways are known for their pristine beauty and offer opportunities for trout fishing, tubing, and hiking in a scenic mountain environment.
6. Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake: These are two prominent reservoirs in eastern Tennessee, created by the Douglas and Cherokee Dams on the French Broad River and the Holston River, respectively. Both lakes are popular for boating, fishing, camping, and lakeside living.
7. Small Lakes and Streams: Tennessee has a multitude of smaller lakes and streams that are ideal for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Examples include Center Hill Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, and the Caney Fork River.
8. Ocoee River: The Ocoee River in southeastern Tennessee is renowned for its challenging whitewater rapids. It was the site of the 1996 Summer Olympics whitewater events and is a popular destination for rafting and kayaking.
9. Reelfoot Lake: Located in northwestern Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake is a unique and shallow lake formed by a series of earthquakes in the early 19th century. It is known for its cypress trees, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.
Tennessee's waterways, encompassing everything from mighty rivers to scenic mountain streams, are integral to the state's identity and offer a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty. They support industries, provide essential water resources, and contribute to the state's vibrant cultural heritage. Whether it's exploring the rivers, fishing in the lakes, or enjoying the mountain streams, Tennessee's waterways offer something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.
Water Temperature and Weather by Waterway in Tennessee
Cumberland River, Carthage, TN
Cumberland River, Nashville, TN
Cumberland River, Old Hickory, TN