Chapter 4 Habitats
4.5.18 Watauga River Basin 4.5.18.1 River Basin Description
The Watauga River watershed drains northwest into Tennessee where it flows into Watauga Reservoir. The Watauga River is a tributary of the Holston River, which is a major tributary of the Tennessee River. The basin is one of the smallest in North Carolina, encompassing only 205 square miles (131,056 acres) and approximately 270 stream miles, and is entirely within the Mountain ecoregion. The North Carolina portion of the Watauga River Basin includes the headwaters and tributaries of the Elk and Watauga rivers. The Watauga River originates on the north slopes of Grandfather Mountain on land protected by The Nature Conservancy. The basin encompasses parts of two counties (Avery and Watauga) and has six municipalities, including Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Seven Devils, and Sugar Mountain. Figure 4.5.18-1 depicts the location of the basin.
Figure 4.5.18-1 Location of the Watauga River Basin.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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