South Toe River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Toe River |
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 Location of the mouth of South Toe River in North Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Yancey |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Hemphill Creek and Left Prong South Toe River North Carolina 3,855 ft (1,175 m) 35°42′39″N 82°15′01″W / 35.71083°N 82.25028°W |
| River mouth | North Toe River Kona, North Carolina 2,333 ft (711 m) 35°56′36″N 82°11′10″W / 35.94333°N 82.18611°W |
| Length | 32.7 mi (52.6 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | South Toe → North Toe → Nolichucky → French Broad → Tennessee → Ohio → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| River system | French Broad River |
| Basin size | 227.99 square miles (590.5 km2) |
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The South Toe River is a river found in Yancey County in Western North Carolina. It's a beautiful waterway that plays an important role in the local environment. The river's name, "Toe," comes from an older Native American name, "Estatoe." This name was linked to an ancient trade route that went from the mountains of North Carolina down into South Carolina.
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What is the South Toe River?
The South Toe River starts high up in the mountains. Its journey begins in a deep valley between the eastern side of the Black Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This area is close to the Eastern Continental Divide, which is like a natural line where water flows either east or west.
Where Does the River Flow?
The river flows north, following along North Carolina Highway 80. It travels about 32.7 miles (52.6 km) before it joins another river called the North Toe River. This meeting point is near a community called Kona, about 2,333 feet (711 meters) above sea level.
The River's Long Journey to the Ocean
After joining the North Toe River, the water doesn't stop there! It continues on a very long journey. It flows into the Nolichucky River, then the French Broad River, and then the mighty Tennessee River. From there, it goes into the Ohio River, then the huge Mississippi River, and finally empties into the Gulf of Mexico. That's a journey of thousands of miles!
Wildlife in the South Toe River
The South Toe River is home to many different kinds of animals, especially fish. It's a great place for fishing and learning about nature.
Fishing for Trout
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission helps manage the river for fishing. They often add trout to many parts of the river. This means there are plenty of fish for people who enjoy fishing. However, the very top part of the river, called the headwaters, is special. It's known as "wild trout waters," meaning the trout there are naturally born and live in the river without being stocked.
The Endangered Appalachian Elktoe
The river is also a home for a very special and rare animal called the Appalachian elktoe. This is a type of freshwater mussel, which is a small creature with a two-part shell that lives in the riverbed. The Appalachian elktoe is an endangered species, which means it's at risk of disappearing forever. Protecting the river helps protect these important mussels.
Tributaries: Streams that Feed the River
Many smaller streams and creeks flow into the South Toe River. These are called tributaries, and they help keep the river full of water.
- From the west side, some of the streams include Hemphill Creek, Right Prong South Toe River, Left Prong South Toe River, and Lower Creek.
- From the east side, you'll find streams like Still Fork Creek, Clear Creek, and Hannah Branch.
