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

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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
| River | Length (Approx.) | Region | Flows Into |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee River | 652 mi | West | Ohio River |
| Cumberland River | 688 mi | Central | Ohio River |
| Mississippi River | 2,340 mi | West | Gulf of Mexico |
| Clinch River | 300 mi | East | Tennessee River |
| Holston River | 136 mi | East | Tennessee River |
| French Broad River | 218 mi | East | Tennessee River |
| Hiwassee River | 147 mi | Southeast | Tennessee River |
| Duck River | 284 mi | Central | Tennessee River |
| Hatchie River | 238 mi | West | Mississippi River |
| Obion River | 90 mi | West | Mississippi River |
| Forked Deer River | 60 mi | West | Mississippi River |
| Buffalo River | 125 mi | Central | Tennessee River |
| Harpeth River | 115 mi | Central | Cumberland River |
| Red River | 219 mi | North | Cumberland River |
| Elk River | 195 mi | Central | Tennessee River |
| Pigeon River | 70 mi | East | French Broad River |
| Little Tennessee River | 135 mi | East | Tennessee River |
| Big Sandy River | 100 mi | West | Tennessee River |
Major Lakes in Tennessee
| Lake | Type | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Lake | Reservoir | West |
| Lake Barkley | Reservoir | West |
| Chickamauga Lake | Reservoir | Southeast |
| Douglas Lake | Reservoir | East |
| Norris Lake | Reservoir | East |
| Watts Bar Lake | Reservoir | East |
| Percy Priest Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Center Hill Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Dale Hollow Lake | Reservoir | North |
| Reelfoot Lake | Natural lake | West |
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
| State | Tennessee |
| Total Rivers & Streams | 61,000+ miles of streams |
| Major Rivers | Tennessee, Cumberland, Mississippi |
| Total Waterway Length | 65,000+ miles |
| Main Drainage | Mississippi River System |
| Longest River | Tennessee River |
| Shortest River | Forked Deer River |
| Major River Basins | 9 Primary Basins |
| Primary Outlet | Gulf of Mexico |
| Key Uses | Hydropower, navigation, water supply, recreation |
| Longest River Within State | Cumberland River |
| Number of River Basins | 8–10 Basins |
| Major Reservoirs | Kentucky Lake, Norris Lake, Percy Priest Lake |
| Primary Water Source | Surface water and reservoirs |
River Map OF U.S. 50 States - Click on State name for its River Map
- Alabama River Map
- Alaska River Map
- Arizona River Map
- Arkansas River Map
- California River Map
- Colorado River Map
- Connecticut River Map
- Delaware River Map
- Florida River Map
- Georgia River Map
- Hawaii River Map
- Idaho River Map
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- Iowa River Map
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- Kentucky River Map
- Louisiana River Map
- Maine River Map
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- Massachusetts River Map
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- Nebraska River Map
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- New Jersey River Map
- New Mexico River Map
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- North Dakota River Map
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- Oklahoma River Map
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- Pennsylvania River Map
- Rhode Island River Map
- South Carolina River Map
- South Dakota River Map
- Tennessee River Map
- Texas River Map
- Utah River Map
- Vermont River Map
- Virginia River Map
- Washington River Map
- West Virginia River Map
- Wisconsin River Map
- Wyoming River Map
