Barren Fork (Collins River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barren Fork |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Location | Tennessee |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Warren County, Tennessee 830 ft (253 m) |
| River mouth | McMinnville, TN |
| Length | 23.4 mi (37.7 km) |
The Barren Fork is a river in Tennessee, United States. It is about 23.4 miles (37.7 km) long. This river flows into the Collins River, which then joins the Caney Fork. Eventually, its waters reach the Cumberland River, the Ohio River, and finally the mighty Mississippi River.
Contents
Exploring the Barren Fork River
Where Does the Barren Fork Flow?
The Barren Fork river begins in western Warren County, Tennessee. It forms when two smaller streams, called the north and south prongs, meet. This meeting point is near a small community named Trousdale.
The streams that feed the Barren Fork drain parts of Cannon County and Coffee County. The river generally flows from west to east. It continues this path until it reaches the town of McMinnville. McMinnville is the main town in Warren County.
After McMinnville, the river turns and flows more towards the northeast. From this point, it is a short distance to where the Barren Fork joins the Collins River. However, the river takes many twists and turns, making its actual path much longer.
Why Is It Called "Barren Fork"?
The Barren Fork river gets its name from an area in Middle Tennessee called the "Barrens." This area covers much of Coffee County, western Warren County, and southeastern Cannon County.
Early settlers were surprised to find this area mostly without trees. This was unusual because the land around it was covered in thick hardwood forests. People have different ideas about why this area was "barren."
One idea is that the land is a bit swampy. It is too wet for many types of hardwood trees to grow well. Another idea suggests that Native Americans cleared the land. They might have used fire to create open areas. This would have helped animals like elk, deer, and buffalo find food. It also made hunting easier.
Native Americans, like later settlers, also used the area for agriculture. Since only a few types of trees could grow there, it was easier to keep the land clear once the woody plants were removed.
River Access and Recreation
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) helps people enjoy the Barren Fork river. They have set up three places in McMinnville where you can get a boat into the water. These access points make it easier for people to go fishing or enjoy the river.
