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Tennessee River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Tennessee

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Tennessee River Map showing major rivers in Tennessee, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Tennessee State

Rivers and Waterways in Tennessee

Tennessee’s river systems flow through mountains, valleys, and rolling plains, with most waterways draining into the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers. The eastern part of the state features fast-flowing mountain rivers, while central and western regions include wider, slower rivers. Much of Tennessee is part of the Mississippi River Basin, with major tributaries supporting navigation and hydropower. Reservoirs and lakes are widespread, playing a key role in flood control, electricity generation, recreation, and water supply.

Major Rivers in Tennessee

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Tennessee River652 miWestOhio River
Cumberland River688 miCentralOhio River
Mississippi River2,340 miWestGulf of Mexico
Clinch River300 miEastTennessee River
Holston River136 miEastTennessee River
French Broad River218 miEastTennessee River
Hiwassee River147 miSoutheastTennessee River
Duck River284 miCentralTennessee River
Hatchie River238 miWestMississippi River
Obion River90 miWestMississippi River
Forked Deer River60 miWestMississippi River
Buffalo River125 miCentralTennessee River
Harpeth River115 miCentralCumberland River
Red River219 miNorthCumberland River
Elk River195 miCentralTennessee River
Pigeon River70 miEastFrench Broad River
Little Tennessee River135 miEastTennessee River
Big Sandy River100 miWestTennessee River

Major Lakes in Tennessee

LakeTypeRegion
Kentucky LakeReservoirWest
Lake BarkleyReservoirWest
Chickamauga LakeReservoirSoutheast
Douglas LakeReservoirEast
Norris LakeReservoirEast
Watts Bar LakeReservoirEast
Percy Priest LakeReservoirCentral
Center Hill LakeReservoirCentral
Dale Hollow LakeReservoirNorth
Reelfoot LakeNatural lakeWest

Major River Basins in Tennessee

Tennessee’s river basins are primarily part of the Mississippi River system, with most water flowing through the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. These basins are essential for navigation, hydropower, and water management.

  • Tennessee River Basin
  • Cumberland River Basin
  • Mississippi River Basin
  • Clinch River Basin
  • Duck River Basin
  • Hatchie River Basin
  • Holston River Basin
  • Hiwassee River Basin
  • French Broad River Basin

Tennessee Rivers Facts

StateTennessee
Total Rivers & Streams61,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversTennessee, Cumberland, Mississippi
Total Waterway Length65,000+ miles
Main DrainageMississippi River System
Longest RiverTennessee River
Shortest RiverForked Deer River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletGulf of Mexico
Key UsesHydropower, navigation, water supply, recreation
Longest River Within StateCumberland River
Number of River Basins8–10 Basins
Major ReservoirsKentucky Lake, Norris Lake, Percy Priest Lake
Primary Water SourceSurface water and reservoirs