Powell River (Tennessee River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Powell River |
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The Powell River near Harrogate in Claiborne County, Tennessee
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The Powell drainage basin
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia, Tennessee |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Indian Mountain in Wise County, Virginia 3,490 ft (1,060 m) 37°01′51″N 82°42′25″W / 37.03083°N 82.70694°W |
| River mouth | Clinch River in Claiborne County, Tennessee 1,020 ft (310 m) 36°17′49″N 84°01′34″W / 36.29694°N 84.02611°W |
| Length | 195.5 mi (314.6 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 954 sq mi (2,470 km2) |
The Powell River is a river in the United States that is about 195 miles (314 km) long. It starts in Southwest Virginia and flows southwest into East Tennessee.
Contents
Where the Powell River Flows
The Powell River begins in Wise County, Virginia, near a place called Laurel Grove. It has two main parts, like branches of a tree, called the South Fork and the North Fork. These two parts join together to form the main river.
The river then flows past Big Stone Gap, Virginia. It travels through almost all of Lee County, Virginia. The Powell River collects water from an area of about 954 square miles (2,471 km2). This area includes parts of both Virginia and Tennessee.
Finally, the Powell River joins the Clinch River. This happens in the Norris Lake reservoir.
How the Powell River Got Its Name
The Powell River was named after a person named Ambrose Powell. He was part of an exploration group led by Dr. Thomas Walker in the mid-1700s.
It's said that Ambrose Powell carved his name on many trees in the river's valley. Because his name appeared so often, later explorers and early settlers started calling the river "Powell's River." They also called the valley "Powell's Valley."
Why the Powell River is Special
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called the Powell River the "second most biologically diverse aquatic system in the nation." This means it has a huge variety of different plants and animals living in its waters.
However, the river faces challenges. Activities like mining (including strip mining) and logging can affect its health. These activities can also lead to more roads being built, which can impact the river's environment.
Studying the River
Lincoln Memorial University has a special place called the Powell River Aquatic Research Station. It's located where Tennessee State Route 63 crosses the river in Claiborne County, Tennessee.
This research station opened in April 2008. It allows scientists to study the river's water quality. They also research the plants and animals that live there, and their natural homes (habitats).
Fishing in the Powell River
Fishing in the Powell River can be really good in some spots! In Wise County, they put trout into the shallow, fast-moving parts of the river.
As the river flows into Lee County, you can find many types of fish. These include Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, and Redeye bass. Other fish like Bluegill, carp, red horses, walleye, sauger, and even large musky live here. Many people enjoy kayaking or wading into the river to fish.
