Chapter 4 Habitats
4.5.16 Savannah River Basin 4.5.16.1 River Basin Description
The headwaters of the Savannah River Basin begin along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and flow south through Georgia and South Carolina to empty into the Atlantic Ocean. Only 2% of the total Savannah River Basin is within North Carolina. The basin encompasses 172 square miles, making it the smallest of the state’s river basins. The North Carolina portion has approximately 176 miles of streams and 1,366 reservoir acres.
The basin encompasses all or part of four counties (Clay, Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania) and has one sizable municipality (Highlands). Figure 4.5.16-1 depicts the location of the basin.
Figure 4.5.16-1 Location of the Savannah River Basin.
Streams in the North Carolina portion of this river basin are part of the Tugaloo River and Seneca River subbasins; however, both named rivers begin outside the state. Major tributaries of the Tugaloo in North Carolina are the Overflow and Big creeks, and the Chattooga River.
4 - 497
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator