Tennessee River Gorge facts for kids
The Tennessee River Gorge is a long canyon, about 26 miles (42 km) long. It was carved out by the Tennessee River. People who live nearby often call it Cash Canyon. This gorge is the fourth largest river canyon in the eastern part of the United States. The river cuts through the Cumberland Plateau as it flows from Tennessee into Alabama.
The Tennessee River Gorge is a special place for many reasons. It is home to rare plants, like the mountain skullcap. Scientists have also found many old sites here. These sites show that people have lived in this canyon for at least 10,000 years!
Before the Hales Bar Dam was finished in 1913, the river through the gorge was very dangerous. It had many tricky spots. There were swirling whirlpools, strong currents called eddies, and shallow areas known as shoals. One huge rock also made it hard for boats to pass.
Some of the most famous dangerous spots included Tumbling Shoals and the Kettle. The Kettle was also known as "the Suck." It was so well-known that even Thomas Jefferson heard about it! This part of the river was very tricky for anyone trying to navigate it.
Protecting the Tennessee River Gorge
Since 1981, a group called the Tennessee River Gorge Trust has been working to protect this amazing place. They are a non-profit organization. Their goal is to save the land in the gorge.
As of 2018, they have protected about 17,000 acres of land. This is a big step towards their goal of saving 27,000 acres. The Trust does more than just buy land. They also study the plants and animals that live there. They build trails for people to explore. And they teach others about how important the gorge is.
Images for kids
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Signal Point Looking East
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Signal Point Looking West
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Elder Mountain
