Tennessee Scenic Rivers
History of National and State Scenic Rivers
During the 1960s the country began to recognize the damage being inflicting on wildlife, the landscape, our drinking water and our heritage caused by decades of damming, development and diversion on our nation's rivers. Recognition of this fact finally led to action by Congress to preserve the beauty and free-flowing nature of some of our most precious waterways. In 1968 the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. States were asked to create their own similar legislation. The Tennessee General Assembly recognized that few unspoiled rivers were “left in the eastern United States” and felt “a strong obligation to the American people to protect the remarkably beautiful ones in Tennessee”; hence, Tennessee was one of the first states in the nation to adopt state legislation.
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System protects 12,598 miles of 203 rivers in 39 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; this is a little more than one-quarter of one percent of the nation's rivers. Tennessee has approximately 60,417 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks and currently, our Tennessee Scenic Rivers System protects more than 400 miles of 13 rivers in 18 counties. This is less than 1% of our state’s rivers. From the remote rivers gushing through gorges in East Tennessee to the swamp waters meandering through West Tennessee and everything in between, we need your help to continue preserving these and other rivers within our state for the enjoyment of present and future generations and to preserve a part of the American story and our heritage.
TN Scenic Rivers Classifications
Rivers or segments of rivers selected for state scenic river designation are categorized into classifications based on set criteria to best suit the manner in which the river shall be managed. The three state scenic river classifications are:
Class I - Natural River Areas - Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free flowing, unpolluted, and with shorelines and scenic vistas essentially primitive and generally inaccessible except by trail.
Class II - Pastoral River Areas - Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free flowing, unpolluted, and with shorelines and scenic vistas partially or predominately used for agricultural and other recreational activities which do not interfere with public use and enjoyment of the river and shores.
Class III - Partially Developed River Areas - Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free flowing, unpolluted, and with shorelines and vistas essentially more developed.
Class IV - Olympic River Areas - Those rivers or sections of rivers in areas with river management zones affected by the works of man but which still possess actual or potential scenic values, the land adjacent to that which is managed by the state in cooperation with federal agencies, and which rivers are suited to recreational whitewater rafting.
Adding Scenic Rivers
Each proposal to add a river or segment of river to the scenic river system shall specify the category of the proposed addition and include detailed information of the factors that make the area a worthy addition to the system. Other agencies or citizen groups are encouraged to contact TDEC for additional information about adding rivers to the scenic river system.
Information for Landowners
Scenic River designation does not affect existing water rights or the existing jurisdiction of states and the federal government over waters as determined by established principles of law. In most cases not all land along eligible rivers will be publicly owned. Recreation, agricultural practices, residential development, and many other uses may continue pursuant to river classification. Landowner support is quite essential to scenic river designation and on-going voluntary demonstrated best management practices to preserve and protect the long-term outcome of rivers.
Map of Scenic Rivers
Table of Scenic Rivers
| Contacts |
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| Roger McCoy Director of Conservation and State Naturalist (615) 804-2802 Roger.McCoy@tn.gov |