Elk River (North Carolina–Tennessee) facts for kids

The Elk River is a cool stream that flows through the mountains of North Carolina and East Tennessee. It starts high up on Peak Mountain in Avery County, North Carolina. The river then travels all the way to the Watauga River in Carter County, Tennessee.

Quick facts for kids Elk River
Elk River in North Carolina
Location of the mouth of Elk River in Tennessee
Country	United States
States	North Carolina, Tennessee
Counties	Avery NC, Carter TN
Physical characteristics
Main source	Hanging Rock Gap Sugar Mountain, North Carolina 4,389 ft (1,338 m) 36°08′15″N 81°49′59″W / 36.13750°N 81.83306°W / 36.13750; -81.83306
River mouth	Watauga River Fish Springs, Tennessee 1,952 ft (595 m) 36°18′45″N 81°59′29″W / 36.31250°N 81.99139°W / 36.31250; -81.99139
Basin features
Progression	Elk → Watauga → Holston → Tennessee → Ohio → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico
River system	Watauga River
Tributaries	Left: Flattop Creek, Sugar Creek, Wildcat Creek, Leroy Creek, Ramp Branch, Curtis Creek, Cranberry Creek, Little Elk Creek, Jones Branch, Sugar Hollow Branch, Little Laural Branch, Heaton Branch Right: Hanging Rock Creek, Shawneehaw Creek, Whitehead Creek, Horney Branch, Peavine Branch, Skalley Branch, Fall Creek, Nowhere Branch, Asher Branch
Waterfalls	Elk River Falls

The Elk River's Journey Through the Mountains

The Elk River begins on the northwestern side of Peak Mountain. From there, it flows west through towns like Banner Elk and Elk Park. For most of its journey, the river carves its way through a deep, narrow valley called a gorge.

Amazing Waterfalls Along the Elk River

Just before the Elk River enters Tennessee, it tumbles over "Big Falls." This waterfall is also known as "Elk Falls." It's a popular spot and drops about 60 feet (18 meters) down!

The river then flows through a steep valley to a tiny community called Elk Mills. This place was named after an old water-powered mill. Early settlers built this mill right on the river. Between the state line and Elk Mills, the river flows over another waterfall called Twisting Falls. This one drops about 30 feet (9 meters).

Where the Elk River Meets Watauga Lake

Near Elk Mills, U.S. Highway 321 crosses the river. Soon after this, the river's flow slows down. It becomes part of Watauga Lake, which is a large man-made lake. This lake was created by the Watauga Dam as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority project. The lake now covers the spot where the Elk River used to naturally join the Watauga River.

The Elk River's Path to the Ocean

The water from the Elk River eventually joins many other rivers. It flows into the Watauga River, then the Holston River, and then the mighty Tennessee River. From there, it travels into the Ohio River, and finally into the huge Mississippi River. All these rivers carry the water all the way to the Gulf of Mexico!