Piney River (East Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Piney River |
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Upstream view from the Cumberland Trail bridge
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Piney and Duskin Creeks ~ 1,020 ft (310 m) |
| River mouth | Watts Bar Lake 741 ft (226 m) |
The Piney River is a beautiful stream in Tennessee. It helps drain water from a part of the Cumberland Plateau called Walden Ridge. This river starts near the border of Rhea County and Bledsoe County.
At its beginning, people often call it Piney Creek. It keeps this name until it meets another stream called Duskin Creek.
Contents
Journey of the Piney River
The Piney River's journey is quite interesting. It flows through different landscapes and meets other important waterways.
Where the River Begins
The Piney River starts as Piney Creek. It flows from the higher lands of the Cumberland Plateau. This area is known for its rugged beauty and forests.
Meeting Other Streams
A major branch of the Piney River is Little Piney Creek. This smaller creek has two amazing waterfalls. You can find these waterfalls in the Piney Falls State Natural Area. This park is close to the town of Grandview.
Soak Creek: A Scenic River
Another important stream is Soak Creek. It flows into Little Piney Creek. Soak Creek is special because it's Tennessee's newest State Scenic River. This means it's protected for its natural beauty.
The "Shut-in Gap"
Little Piney Creek and the main Piney River meet in an area called "Shut-in Gap." This is a narrow valley where the streams come together. After this meeting point, the river flows out of the gap.
Flowing Towards Watts Bar Lake
The Piney River then flows north of Spring City, Tennessee. East of the town, the river slows down. It enters a wide area of Watts Bar Lake. This lake is a large body of water formed by the Tennessee River.
Watts Bar Dam and Lake
Watts Bar Lake was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The TVA built the Watts Bar Dam to control the river and produce electricity. The mouth of the Piney River forms one of the biggest bays of Watts Bar Lake. This bay has several small islands.
Exploring Along the River
The Cumberland Trail is a long hiking path. Part of this trail follows the Piney River. This allows hikers to enjoy the river's beauty and the surrounding nature. It's a great way to see the river up close.
