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Exceptional Waters
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The Known Exceptional Tennessee Waters and Outstanding National Resource Waters

The Division of Water Resources has compiled the list of waters in this data viewer based on the characteristics of “Exceptional Tennessee Waters” and “Outstanding National Resource Waters” as set forth in the regulation by the Tennessee Board of Water Quality, Oil and Gas. (Rule Chapter 0400-40-3-.06)

In general, these are waterbodies with exceptional biological diversity, protected species, important ecological values, valuable recreational uses, and/or outstanding scenery. Wherever possible, the Division has utilized objective measures to apply these characteristics and the basis for each listing is provided.

 When viewing this data, the following factors should be considered:

1.          The list will be updated regularly and does not include waterbodies that the division has not evaluated. However, the fact that a waterbody does not appear on this list by name does not preclude the possibility that it may be high quality.

2.          In some cases, only a portion of a waterbody is considered high quality. The details on the extent of each listing is provided.

3.          This compilation of waterbodies is based on the most recent information obtained by the division and may be reconsidered upon submittal of further information.

4.          The list is organized in hydrological order. Reviewers should be aware that many waterbodies share the same name.

 It is our hope that this compilation will provide a valuable planning tool for both the public and the regulated community.

Questions? Please contact Debbie Arnwine at (615) 532-0703 or Debbie.Arnwine@tn.gov .

Exceptional TN Waters
  • 1 - 15 of 2,975
LinkHUCWatershed NameWaterbodyCountyDescriptionBasis for InclusionFrom LatTo LatFrom LongTo LongInclusion DateRevision Date
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkGum BranchFentressPortion in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area including unnamed tributaries.Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.36.4960636.48993-84.74629-84.75194
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkGood Spring BranchScottPortion in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area including unnamed tributaries.Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area36.36336.3631-84.733-84.7376
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkGrand BranchScottPortion in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area including unnamed tributaries.Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area36.536736.5439-84.7129-84.7218
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkGrassy Fork ScottPortion in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area including unnamed tributaries.Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area36.578436.5439-84.6048-84.6298DEC-05-2022
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkGreasy CreekScottPortion in Big South Fork NRRA including tributaries.Big South Fork NRRA36.431536.434-84.5967-84.5906DEC-05-2022
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkGroom BranchFentressPortion in Big South Fork NRRA.Big South Fork NRRA36.444736.4801-84.7151-84.741
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkHammock BranchFentressPortion in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area including unnamed tributaries.Big South Fork NRRA36.515436.5225-84.7872-84.7919
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkHarvey BranchScottPortion in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area including unnamed tributaries.Big South Fork NRRA36.560836.568-84.6719-84.6833
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkHollow Rock BranchScottPortion in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area including unnamed tributaries.Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area36.584936.5852-84.7173-84.7331
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkHoney Creek ScottFrom Big South Fork Cumberland River to origin including tributaries.Big South Fork NRRA and Honey Creek Pocket Wilderness State Natural Area36.433336.42664-84.6465-84.65775
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkHurricane BranchScottPortion in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area including unnamed tributaries.Big South Fork NRRA36.591436.5879-84.6087-84.5956
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkHutts BranchScottPortion in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area including unnamed tributaries.Big South Fork NRRA36.5948936.6007-84.66207-84.6585
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkIndian CreekMorganPortion in Big South Fork NRRA.Big South Fork NRRA36.336636.3298-84.7399-84.7374
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkIndian Rock BranchScottPortion in Big South Fork NRRA including tributaries.Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area36.559936.5463-84.6155-84.6402
Single Row View05130104Cumberland-South ForkIsham CreekScottFrom Roaring Paunch Creek to TN/KY state line.State endangered Big South Fork Crayfish.36.587536.5957-84.45486-84.42655
  • 1 - 15 of 2,975
Abbreviations
The Known High Quality (Tier 2) Streams in Tennessee

NF = National Forest
NM = National Monument
NMP = National Military Park
NP = National Park
NRA = National Recreation Area
NRRA = National River and Recreation Area
NW = National Wilderness
NWR = National Wildlife Refuge
ONRW = Outstanding National Resource Water
RM = River Mile
SAA = State Archaeological Area
SHP = State Historic Park
SNA = State National Area
SP = State Park
WA = Wilderness Area
WMA = Wildlife Management Area
WR = Wildlife Refuge

If you have any questions or comments, email our staff at Water.Permits@tn.gov or call at (888) 891-TDEC (8332).