About TN Scenic Rivers Program

The Tennessee Scenic Rivers Program is a voluntary community-based partnership intended to preserve and protect the free flowing, unpolluted and outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, botanical, fish, wildlife, historic or cultural values of selected rivers or river segments in the state.

The intent of the scenic rivers program is to bring landowners and other interested parties in the community together to work towards common river conservation goals.

Seventeen rivers or segments of rivers are included in the state scenic rivers program. Program oversight is provided by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) in cooperation with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Rivers are managed cooperatively following the standards outlined in the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (Title 11; Chapter 13) and the Rules for the Management of Tennessee Natural Resource Areas. Tennessee has one river included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program which is managed cooperatively with the National Park Service and follows the standards outlined in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.).

Designated Rivers  |  Apply For Designation  |  Legislation  |  Updates  |  TN Watershed Directory 

Click on the map below for a downloadable PDF. It may take a few minutes to download depending on your connection.