River

County

Reach

Length (miles)

Year Listed/ Updated

Potential Classification

ORVs

Description

Other States

Ararat River

Surry

RM O, confluence with Yadkin River, to RM 23, Mount Airy.

23

1982

S, R

Significant scenic and recreational values.

Barnes Creek

Montgomery, Randolph

RM O, confluence with Uwharrie River, to RM 9, headwaters one mile above Montgomery County Line.

9

1982

S, R, G, F

Scenic mountain stream that that flows through Uwharrie National Forest.

Barnes Creek

Montgomery, Randolph

Confluence with Uwharrie River to headwaters one mile above Montgomery County line

9

1982/ 1993

R

F, W

Supports diversity of fish species including three game fish and one intolerant darter. Unusually high diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates.

Bennetts Creek

Gates

RM O, confluence with Chowan River, to RM 17, Merchants Millpond.

17

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Isolated stream bordered by swamp forests; habitat for variety of flora and fauna.

Big Laurel and Puncheon Fork

Madison

Confluence with French Broad River to US Highway 25

4

1982/ 1993

S

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Flows through a 1200 foot deep gorge. Fishing, hiking, viewing scenery, and whitewater boating. Four rare fish species. Ghost town of Runion located on Big Laurel Creek. High probability for archeological sites.

Big Laurel and Puncheon Fork

Madison

US Highway 25 to headwaters

28

1982/ 1993

R

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

See initial comments

Big Laurel Creek and Puncheon Fork

Madison

RM O, confluence with French Broad River, to RM 32, headwaters south of TN State line.

32

1982

S, R, G, F, W

Fast flowing stream with exceptional scenic values, including 1200 foot deep gorge area.

Big Swamp and Little Marsh Swamp

Robeson, Bladen, Hoke

RM O, confluence with Lumber River at Lumberton, to RM 48, headwaters northeast of Dundarrach.

48

1982

S, R, F, W

Typical blackwater coastal stream with hardwood bottomland swamps that provide excellent wildlife habitat; good fishery.

Black River

Pender, Bladen, Sampson

RM O, confluence with Cape Fear River, to RM 52, junction of Six Runs and Little Coharie Creeks.

52

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Excellent example of slow-moving blackwater stream with numerous white sand beaches and bars.

Cane Creek

Alamance

RM O, confluence with Haw River, to RM 16, near Snow Camp and State Road 1004 bridge.

16

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Natural stream with significant historical values.

Cane River

Yancey

RM O, confluence with Nolichucky River, to RM 39, headwaters in Mount Mitchell.

39

1982

S, R, G, F, W

Scenic, recreational mountain stream.

Cape Fear River

Cumberland, Harnett, Lee, Chatham

RM 144, approximately four miles above I-95 bridge, to RM 195, confluence with Haw and Deep Rivers.

51

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Popular recreational trail with unique geological features and 150 foot cliffs; rare plant species; numerous historical features.

Cape Fear River

Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Columbus, Bladen

RM 27, Wilmington, to RM 63, one mile below US Lock No. 1.

36

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Remote and secluded segment with islands, inviting shores, and diverse flora and fauna.

Caraway Creek

Randolph

RM O, confluence with Uwharrie River, to RM 33, headwaters northwest of Glenola.

33

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Scenic recreational stream.

Cashie River

Bertie

RM O, Albemarle Sound and NC 45 bridge, to RM 19, near Winsor.

19

1982

S, R, F, W

Good example of typical free-flowing blackwater stream.

Catawba River

McDowell

RM 203, backwaters of Lake James, to RM 225, headwaters in vicinity of Black Mountain.

22

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Inspiring scenery rich in diversity of flora.

Catawba River, Henry Fork

Catawba, Burke

RM 18, above dam at Brookford, to RM 45, headwaters in South Mountains Management Area near Rutherford County Line.

27

1982

S, R, F, W

Natural, scenic corridor area abounding in flora.

Catawba River, Warrior Fork

Burke

RM O, confluence with Catawba River, to RM 24, headwaters in Long Arm Mountain.

24

1982

S, R, G

Rocky whitewater stream with steep gradient and numerous boulders.

Cedar Creek

Montgomery

RM O, confluence with Uwharrie River, to RM 5, headwaters northwest of Troy.

5

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Heavily forested, cool water mountain stream.

Cheoah and Snowbird Creek

Graham

RM 16, backwaters of Lake Santeetlah Reservoir, to RM 35, headwaters near TN State Line.

19

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Small stream that flows through Natahala National Forest.

Cheoah and Snowbird Creek

Graham

Backwater of Lake Santeetlah to Owl Camp Branch

10

1982/ 1993

R

S, F, W, H, C

Fishing, hunting, hiking, primitive camping, and viewing scenery. Largest stream in NC with fish population comprised solely of brook trout. Historical interest relative to railroad logging that occurred in 1930's.

Cheoah and Snowbird Creek

Graham

Owl Camp Branch to headwaters

9

1982/ 1993

W

S, F, W, H, C

Has unique "wild" brook trout population.

Chowan River

Bertie, Chowan, Hertford, Gates

RM O, Albemarle Sound, to RM 51, VA State Line.

51

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Blackwater stream with outstanding wildlife values, endangered flora, and extensive recreational opportunities.

Cold Springs Creek

Haywood

RM O, confluence with Pigeon River, to RM 6, headwaters near Madison County Line.

6

1982

S, R, F, W

Small mountain stream that flows entirely within Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area.

Colly Creek

Pender, Bladen

RM O, confluence with Black River near Currie, to RM 36, headwaters in Big Colly Swamp.

36

1982

S, R, F, W

Remote float stream that flows through Bladen State Forest.

Cullasaja River

Macon

From spillway of Lake Sequoyah (Town of Highlands) to the confluence with Little Tennessee River.

24

1995

S

S, R, G, F, W, H, C, O

In a 7.5-mile national forest section, the river drops 1300 feet. Known as the Cullasaja Gorge, it has three well-known waterfalls. The gorge has been recognized as botanically diverse, beautiful, and geologically unique in the Southern Blue Ridge. Numerous rare plants occur within the gorge. US64 roughly parallels the river and has been designated a USFS Scenic Byway. The river is a NC Class B trout stream. Archaeological sites have been identified dating from as early as the Archaic Period.

Dan River

Rockingham, Stokes

RM 81, VA State Line, to RM 173, VA State Line.

92

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

See initial comments.

Dan River

Caswell

RM 42, VA State Line, to RM 58, confluence with Hogans Creek.

16

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Popular recreational stream with diversified scenic and physiographic features; significant archaeological and geologic values; 200 foot bluffs and 1000 foot deep gorge area.

Davidson River

Transylvania

RM O, confluence with French Broad River, to RM 16, headwaters south of Haywood County Line.

16

1982

S, R, G, F, W

Highly scenic stream with diversity of recreational opportunities; within Pisgah Wildlife Management Area.

Davidson River

Transylvania

Confluence with French Broad River to headwaters south of Haywood County line

16

1982/ 1993

R

F, W, H, C

Classified as special native trout waters. High probability for archeological sites. Part of old Vanderbilt estate where forestry was first practiced in America.

Deep River

Lee, Chatham, Moore

RM O, confluence with Cape Fear River, to RM 51, NC 22 bridge.

51

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Abundance of wildlife; very remote and scenic flatwater stream with variety of aquatic flora.

Dutchman's Creek

Montgomery

RM O, confluence with Uwharrie River, to RM 28, headwaters west of Troy.

28

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Typical cool water scenic mountain stream that supports small mouth bass fishery.

Eno River

Durham, Orange

RM 11, Roxboro Road, to RM 31, Churton Street in Hillsborough.

20

1982

S, R, G, F

Highly scenic stream providing quality recreational opportunities.

Fisher River

Surry

RM O, confluence with Yadkin River, to RM 18, Top of Blue Ridge and Dobson.

18

1982

S, R, F, W

Excellent float stream in scenic setting.

Fishing Creek

Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Franklin, Warren

RM O, confluence with Tar River, to RM 61, one mile above NC 561 bridge.

61

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Essentially primitive shoreline; excellent game fishery.

French Broad River

Buncombe

Barnard, NC, to Hot Springs, NC

8

1982/ 1993

S

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

River exposes unique structure and group of formations called Hot Springs Window. Thermal springs are unique to NC. Significant falls.

French Broad River

Buncombe

Hot Springs, NC, to Tennessee State line

8

1982/ 1993

R

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

French Broad River

Buncombe

Asheville, NC, to Barnard, NC

22

1982/ 1993

R

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Whitewater boating, fishing, and duck hunting. Large number of rare and native fish species. High probability for archeological sites. Was lifeline in settlement and development of western NC.

French Broad River

Madison, Buncombe

RM O 101, TN State line, to RM 138, Asheville.

37

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Excellent canoeing stream that supports diversity of wildlife and variety of flora.

French Broad River

Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania

RM 148, above Asheville, to RM 208, Rosman.

60

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

See initial comments.

Goshen Swamp

Duplin

RM O, confluence with North-east Cape Fear River, to RM 16, NC 403 bridge.

16

1982

F, W

Abundance and diversity of wildlife.

Great Coharie Creek

Sampson

RM O, confluence with Black River, to RM 33, junction of Beaverdam Creek and Ward Swamp.

33

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Good example of typical blackwater stream.

Green River

Polk

RM 27, Lake Adger backwaters, to RM 43, Lake Summit Dam.

16

1982

S, R, G, F, W

One of most popular float streams with rugged, scenic gorge area and sizable cascades.

Haw River

Alamance, Orange, Guilford, Rockingham

RM 22, Chatham County Line and State Road 1545 bridge, to RM 87, US 220/NC 150 Bridge.

65

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Outstanding whitewater course that drops through constricted scenic valley.

Johns River

Burke, Caldwell

RM O, confluence with Catawba, to RM 19, Collettsville.

19

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Remote forested corridor.

Linville River

Burke, Avery

RM 7, one mile below NC 126 Bridge, to RM 44, headwaters five miles south of Banner Elk.

37

1982

S, R, G, F, W

Spectacular gorge area and continuous series of waterfalls; excellent hiking opportunities in Roan Mountain National Forest.

Linville River

Avery, Burke

Headwaters to northern boundary of Linville Gorge Wilderness

22

1982/ 1993

R

S, G

Linville Gorge in southern part of Grandfather Mountain Window has complex sequence of rocks emplaced by two overriding splay thrust sheets.

Linville River

Avery, Burke

Northern wilderness boundary to southern wilderness boundary

12

1982/ 1993

W

S, G

See initial comments

Linville River

Avery, Burke

Southern wilderness boundary to Lake James one mile below NC 126 bridge

3

1982/ 1993

S

S, G

See initial comments

Little Coharie Creek

Sampson

RM O, confluence with Great Coharie Creek, to RM 27, State Road 1006 Bridge.

27

1982

R, F, W

Excellent recreational potential.

Little Tennessee River

Swain, Macon

RM 85, above Lake Fontana, to RM 108, Lake Emory.

23

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Excellent float stream flowing over a bed of gravel, boulders, and ledges bordered by beautiful scenery.

Lower Little River

Harnett, Cumberland, Hoke, Moore

RM O, confluence with Cape Fear River, to RM 62, headwaters north of West End.

62

1982

S, R, F, W

Small, scenic and remote Piedmont stream with excellent recreational potential.

Lumber and Drowning Creek

Columbus, Robeson

RM 14, SC State Line and Fairbluff, to RM 47, Lumberton.

33

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Secluded blackwater stream with heavily forested cypress swamps; abundance of flora and fauna.

Lumber and Drowning Creek

Robeson, Scotland, Hoke, Richmond, Moore, Montgomery

RM 53, above Lumberton, to RM 127, headwaters west of Samarcand.

74

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

See initial comments.

Mayo River

Rockingham

RM O, confluence with Dan River, to RM 16, VA State Line.

16

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

A most popular and extremely scenic whitewater stream in northern Piedmont Province.

Mills and South Fork

Henderson, Transylvania

RM O, confluence with French Broad River, to RM 29, headwaters near Haywood County Line.

29

1982

S, R, G, F, W

Small remote mountain stream affording variety of recreational values; upper reach in Pisgah National Forest.

Mitchell River

Surry, Alleghany

RM O, confluence with Yadkin River near Mountain Park, to RM 26, headwaters north of Roaring Gap.

26

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

One of most scenic and natural streams in northwest.

Moores Creek

Pender

RM O, confluence with Black River, to RM 8, Moores Creek National Military Park.

8

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Meandering wilderness stream with significant historical values.

Mountain Creek

Stanley

RM O, confluence with Pee Dee River, to RM 14, headwaters east of New London.

14

1982

S, R, F, W, H, C

Significant fishery, cultural, and recreational values.

Mountain Creek

Richmond

RM O, confluence with Pee Dee River and Blewett Falls Lake, to RM 8, NC 73 Bridge.

8

1982

F, W

Significant habitat of redbreast sunfish.

Nantahala River

Swain, Macon

RM 4, Lake Fontana, to RM 22, Nantahala Powerhouse and Aquone Lake.

18

1982

S, R, G, F, W

One of most popular recreational streams in the southeast; flows throgh deep gorge area.

Nantahala River

Clay, Macon

RM 29, backwaters of Lake Aquone Reservoir, to RM 48, headwaters.

19

1982

S, R, G, F, W

See initial comments.

Nantahala River (above lake)

Macon

Backwaters of Nantahala Lake to headwaters in Standing Indian basin near NC-GA State line

19

1982/ 1993

R

W, H, C, O

Native trout waters. Four bogs are significant examples of mountain wetlands. Habitat for rare bog turtle and wetland-bog plant communites. Significant Native American sacred site.

Nantahala River (below lake)

Macon, Swain

Lake Fontana to Nantahala Powerhouse and lake

18

1982/ 1993

R

S, R, G, W

Nantahala Gorge is most extensive formation in southwestern NC of limestone and Murphy marble. Number of rare or endemic Southern Appalachian plant species. Whitewater boating, picnicking, fishing, and viewing scenery.

Neuse River

Craven, Pitt, Lenoir

RM 49, State Road 1400 bridge, to RM 83, Caroline RR bridge near town of Kingston.

34

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Varying degrees of contrast within segment drops; superb scenery; numerous outstanding historical features.

Neuse River

Lenoir, Wayne, Johnston, Wake

RM 88, above Kingston, to RM 199, below Bridges Lake.

111

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

See initial comments.

New River, North Fork

Ashe

RM O, confluence with New River below Weavers Ford, to RM 39, town of Maxwell.

39

1982

S, R, G, F, W

Scenic pastoral stream with numerous recreational opportunities.

New River, South Fork

Ashe, Watauga

RM 22, junction of Dog Creek east of Jefferson, to RM 91, headwaters near Boone.

69

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

RM 0 through 22 designated component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Nolichucky River

Mitchell, Yancey (NC) Union (TN)

The main stem from Poplar, NC downstream to the railroad bridge at Unaka Springs, TN

8

1993

S

S, R, G

Spectacular scenery with steep slopes rising more than 2,000 feet adjacent to the river. The Gorge is a popular attraction for whitewater boaters, including commercial outfitters.

TN

North Toe River

Yancey, Mitchell, Avery

RM O, confluence with Cane and Nolichucky Rivers, to RM 46, US 19E bridge north of Ingalls.

46

1982

S, R, G, F, W

Scenic mountain stream with many overhanging rocks and bluffs.

Northeast Cape Fear River

New Hanover, Pender, Duplin

RM 3, Ness Creek junction, to RM 106, State Road 1502 Bridge.

103

1982

S, R, F, W

Very scenic and unique coastal plain blackwater stream.

Oconaluftee River

Swain

RM O, confluence with Tuckaseigee River, to RM 22, headwaters near Weaver Mount and TN State Line.

22

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Scenic recreational stream that flows through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Pee Dee River

Anson, Richmond, Montgomery, Stanly

RM 166, SC State Line, to RM 208, Lake Tillery.

42

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Traverses Piedmont Region with much of its course flowing through impressive lowland swamp; scenic bluffs, numerous oxbow lakes and sandbars.

Pigeon River, East Fork

Haywood

First bridge on US Highway 276 to Shining Rock Wilderness boundary on US 276

3

1982/ 1993

R

S

Numerous cascades and small falls.

Pigeon River, East Fork

Haywood

Shining Rock Wilderness boundary on US 276 to headwaters

4

1982/ 1993

W

S

Primitive and accessible by foot travel only. Numerous cascades and small falls.

Pigeon River, Little East Fork

Haywood

RM O, confluence with West Fork of Pigeon, to RM 8, headwaters in Sherwood Wilderness Management Area.

8

1982

S, R, G, F, W

Flows through Pisgah National Forest.

Pigeon, East Fork

Haywood

RM 14, US 276 bridge (first crossing), to RM 21, headwaters northeast of Black Mountain

7

1982

S, R, F, W

Highly scenic stream; headwaters in Sherwood Wildlife Management area.

Potecasi and Ramsey Creeks

Hertford, Northampton

RM O, confluence with Meherrin River, to RM 43, US 158 Bridge.

43

1982

S, R, G, F, W

Excellent example of an upper coastal plain creek with an abundance and diversity of flora and fauna.

Rock Creek River

Montgomery

RM O, confluence with Little River, to RM 13, headwaters west of Troy.

13

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Scenic Piedmont mountain stream that supports significant sport fishery.

Rocky River

Chatham

RM O, confluence with Deep River, to RM 36, State Road 1300 bridge.

36

1982

S, R, G

Excellent canoeing stream with exciting whitewater run.

Six Runs Creek

Sampson

RM O, confluence with Black River, to RM 24, State Road 1904 Bridge.

24

1982

F, W

Significant sport fishery and wildlife values.

Smith River

Rockingham

RM O, confluence with Dan River near Eden, to RM 5, VA State Line.

5

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Popular for riverine recreational opportunities; inviting ledges and rapids.

South River

Bladen, Sampson, Cumberland

RM O, confluence with Black River, to RM 66, Rhodes Pond.

66

1982

S, R, F, W

Extremely scenic and natural stream affording variety of recreational activities.

Tar River

Nash, Franklin, Vance, Granville, Person

RM 99, State Road 1933 Bridge west of Winstead Crossroads, to RM 192, headwaters north of Dennys Store.

93

1982

S, R, G, F, W, H, C

Attractive stream with several whitewater segments; secluded picturesque ravines and gorges.

Tellico River

Cherokee

RM 47, TN State Line to RM 53, headwaters near Graham County Line north of McDaniel Bald.

6

1982

S, R, G, F, H, C

Wild, whitewater mountain stream with spectacular waterfalls and variety of recreational opportunties.

Tellico River

Cherokee

NC-TN State line to headwaters near Graham County line north of McDaniel Bald

6

1982/ 1993

R

O

Considered eligible for study because of outstanding values on section of river in TN such as waterfalls and wild whitewater.