An Overview of Tennessee's Rivers & Lakes

Largest and Most Famous Water Features

• The Tennessee River is one of the largest and most significant rivers in the state, stretching over 652 miles and serving as a vital waterway for transportation and commerce.
• Reelfoot Lake is a major natural lake in Tennessee, created by the New Madrid earthquakes of the early 19th century. It is renowned for its birdwatching and fishing opportunities.
• Other notable reservoirs include Percy Priest Lake, which was created by the construction of the Percy Priest Dam on the Stones River. It is a popular spot for recreational boating and fishing.
• Streams like the Duck River, which is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America, are also significant for their ecological diversity and recreational value.

Sources of Water

• Tennessee's rivers and lakes primarily derive their water from local sources, including rain and mountain snowmelt within the Appalachian region.
• While some rivers receive contributions from distant sources, such as the Tennessee River which has tributaries extending into neighboring states like Kentucky and North Carolina, local precipitation is the main source of water.
• The interaction between local rainfall and regional inflows ensures that Tennessee's waterways maintain their flow and ecological balance throughout the year.

Types of Rivers and Man-Made Features

• Perennial rivers like the Cumberland River flow continuously throughout the year and play a crucial role in both ecology and human activities.
• Exotic rivers, such as the Hatchie River, offer unique environments and are important for their specialized ecological roles.
• Tributary rivers, including the Clinch River, feed into larger rivers and contribute to their overall water volume and health.
• Man-made features such as the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, an artificial waterway connecting the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, facilitate transportation and commerce across states.

Types of Lakes in Tennessee

• Fluvial lakes, such as Old Hickory Lake, are formed by the natural processes of rivers and their interactions with surrounding landscapes.
• Anthropogenic lakes like Boone Lake, created by damming the Watauga River, serve multiple purposes including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities.
• Unlike tectonic or volcanic lakes, Tennessee’s lakes are primarily formed by fluvial processes and human intervention rather than geological forces.

River Flow Directions

• In Tennessee, many rivers flow predominantly east-west. For example, the Tennessee River flows from east to west across the state, defining much of its geography.
• Conversely, some rivers, like the Clinch River, flow north-south, contributing to the state's varied topography and water systems.
• The direction of river flow affects local ecosystems and human activities, influencing everything from agriculture to urban development.

Natural vs. Man-Made Lakes

• Tennessee has a mix of natural and man-made lakes. Natural lakes like Reelfoot Lake formed through geological events, whereas man-made lakes such as Percy Priest Lake were created by the Tennessee Valley Authority for flood control and hydroelectric power.
• Man-made lakes were developed primarily by federal agencies like the TVA during the mid-20th century to address regional needs for power and flood management.
• These reservoirs have become central to local recreational and economic activities, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports.

Rivers for Transportation

• Rivers like the Tennessee River play a crucial role in transportation, with barges and cargo ships transporting goods such as coal and agricultural products.
• The Tennessee River, in particular, supports a significant amount of cargo traffic, contributing to the state's economy by facilitating the movement of heavy goods.
• Although not as heavily used as rivers in coastal areas, Tennessee's rivers are important for regional commerce and logistics.

Dams and Their Uses

• Tennessee has numerous dams, such as the Chickamauga Dam on the Tennessee River, used for flood control, power generation, and recreation.
• Dams are critical for managing river flow, providing hydroelectric power, and controlling floods, which can impact agricultural and urban areas.
• Many of these structures also support recreational activities by creating reservoirs that are popular for fishing, boating, and other water sports.

Recreation on Water Features

• Popular recreational activities include fishing on Reelfoot Lake, boating on Percy Priest Lake, and kayaking on the Duck River.
• Many rivers and reservoirs offer opportunities for jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and house boating, particularly in areas with extensive lakefront access.
• These recreational uses are supported by state and local parks, providing facilities and access points for water-based activities.

Support for Agriculture

• Some lakes and reservoirs, such as the Kentucky Lake, are crucial for supporting Tennessee's agriculture by providing irrigation water to farmlands.
• Water from these bodies is used to sustain crops and manage livestock, particularly in regions with less consistent rainfall.
• The availability of reliable water sources from these lakes helps ensure agricultural productivity across the state.

Pollution Issues

• Several of Tennessee’s rivers and lakes have experienced pollution issues, particularly from agricultural runoff and industrial discharges.
• For example, the Tennessee River has faced challenges with contaminants affecting water quality and aquatic life.
• Efforts to address these problems include state and federal regulations aimed at improving water quality and reducing pollution sources.

Tennessee Rivers, Lakes, Streams, Reservoirs and Water Features