| River | County | Reach | Length (miles) | Description | Potential Classification | ORVs | Watershed (HUC Code 8) | Year Listed/ Updated | Other State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ararat River | Surry | Mount Airy to Confluence with Yadkin River | 24 | Significant scenic and recreational values. | Recreational, Scenic | Upper Yadkin | 1982 | ||
| Barnes Creek | Montgomery, Randolph | Headwaters one mile above Montgomery County Line to confluence with Uwharrie River | 12 | Supports diversity of fish species including three game fish and one intolerant darter. Unusually high diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates. | Recreational | Fish, Wildlife | Lower Yadkin | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Bennetts Creek | Gates | Merchants Millpond to confluence with Chowan River | 19 | Isolated stream bordered by swamp forests; habitat for variety of flora and fauna. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Chowan | 1982 | ||
| Big Laurel and Puncheon Fork | Madison | US highway 25 to confluence with French Broad River | 5 | 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. | Scenic | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper French Broad | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Big Laurel Creek | Madison | Headwaters to US Highway 25 | 29 | 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. | Recreational | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper French Broad | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Big Mountain Creek | Richmond | NC 73 Bridge to confluence with Pee Dee River and Blewett Falls Lake | 10 | Significant habitat of redbreast sunfish. | Fish, Wildlife | Upper Pee Dee | 1982 | ||
| Big Swamp | Robeson, Bladen, Hoke | From confluence with Gallberry Swamp to RM O, confluence with Lumber River at Lumberton | 30 | Typical blackwater coastal stream with hardwood bottomland swamps that provide excellent wildlife habitat; good fishery. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lumber | 1982 | ||
| Black River | Pender, Bladen, Sampson | Junction of Six Runs Creek and Great Coharie Creek to Confluence with Cape Fear River | 67 | Excellent example of slow-moving blackwater stream with numerous white sand beaches and bars. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Black | 1982 | ||
| Black River | Bladen, Sampson, Cumberland | Rhodes Pond to confluence with South River | 2 | Extremely scenic and natural stream affording variety of recreational activities. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Black | 1982 | ||
| Cane Creek | Alamance | Near Snow Camp and State Road 1004 bridge (Snow Camp Road) to Confluence with Haw River | 18 | Natural stream with significant historical values. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Haw | 1982 | ||
| Cane River | Yancey | Headwaters in Mount Mitchell to confluence with Nolichucky River | 39 | Scenic, recreational mountain stream. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Nolichucky | 1982 | ||
| Cape Fear River | Cumberland, Harnett, Lee, Chatham | Confluence with Haw and Deep Rivers to RM 144, approximately four miles above I-95 bridge | 58 | Popular recreational trail with unique geological features and 150 foot cliffs; rare plant species; numerous historical features. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Cape Fear | 1982 | ||
| Cape Fear River | Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Columbus, Bladen | One mile below US Lock No. 1 downstream to Wilmington | 33 | Remote and secluded segment with islands, inviting shores, and diverse flora and fauna. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Cape Fear | 1982 | ||
| Caraway Creek | Randolph | Headwaters northwest of Glenola to confluence with Uwharrie River. | 26 | Scenic recreational stream. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lower Yadkin | 1982 | ||
| Cashie River | Bertie | RM 19, near Winsor to Albemarle Sound and NC 45 bridge | 19 | Good example of typical free-flowing blackwater stream. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lower Roanoke | 1982 | ||
| Catawba River | McDowell | Headwaters in vicinity of Black Mountain to backwaters of Lake James | 26 | Inspiring scenery rich in diversity of flora. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Catawba | 1982 | ||
| Catawba River, Henry Fork | Catawba, Burke | Headwaters in South Mountains Management Area near Rutherford County Line to above dam at Brookford | 39 | Natural, scenic corridor area abounding in flora. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | South Fork Catawba | 1982 | ||
| Catawba River, Warrior Fork | Burke | From confluence with Upper Creek to confluence with Catawba River | 6 | Rocky whitewater stream wtih steep gradient and numerous boulders. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Upper Catawba | 1982 | ||
| Cedar Creek | Montgomery | Headwaters northwest of Troy to confluence with Uwharrie River | 3 | Heavily forested, cool water mountain stream. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lower Yadkin | 1982 | ||
| Chowan River | Bertie, Chowan, Hertford, Gates | VA State Line to Albemarle Sound | 52 | Blackwater stream with outstanding wildlife values, endangered flora, and extensive recreational opportunities. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Chowan | 1982 | ||
| Cold Springs Creek | Haywood | Headwaters near Madison County Line to confluence with Pigeon River | 6 | Small mountain stream that flows entirely within Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Pigeon | 1982 | ||
| Colly Creek | Pender, Bladen | Headwaters in Big Colly Swamp to confluence with Black River near Currie | 39 | Remote float stream that flows through Bladen State Forest. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Black | 1982 | ||
| Cullasaja River | Macon | From spillway of Lake Sequoyah (Town of Highlands) to the confluence with Little Tennessee River. | 19 | 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. | Scenic | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | Upper Little Tennessee | 1995 | |
| Dan River | Rockingham, Stokes | RM 173, VA State Line to RM 81, VA State Line | 91 | Popular recreational stream with diversified scenic and physiographic features; significant archaeological and geologic values; 200 foot bluffs and 1000 foot deep gorge area. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Dan | 1982 | ||
| Dan River | Caswell | Confluence with Hogans Creek to VA State Line. | 9 | Popular recreational stream with diversified scenic and physiographic features; significant archaeological and geologic values; 200 foot bluffs and 1000 foot deep gorge area. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Dan | 1982 | ||
| Davidson River | Transylvania | Headwaters south of Haywood County line to confluence with French Broad River | 13 | Classified as special native trout waters. High probability for archeological sites. Part of old Vanderbilt estate where forestry was first practiced in America. | Recreational | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Wildlife | Upper French Broad | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Deep River | Lee, Chatham, Moore | NC 22 bridge to confluence with Cape Fear River | 51 | Abundance of wildlife; very remote and scenic flatwater stream with variety of aquatic flora. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Cape Fear | 1982 | ||
| Drowing Creek | Robeson, Scotland, Hoke, Richmond, Moore, Montgomery | Headwaters west of Samarcand to confluence with Lumber River | 43 | Secluded blackwater stream with heavily forested cypress swamps; abundance of flora and fauna. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lumber | 1982 | ||
| Dutchman's Creek | Montgomery | Headwaters west of Troy to confluence with Uwharrie River | 5 | Typical cool water scenic mountain stream that supports small mouth bass fishery. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lower Yadkin | 1982 | ||
| Eno River | Durham, Orange | Churton Street in Hillsborough to Roxboro Road (US 501) | 20 | Highly scenic stream providing quality recreational opportunities. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Upper Neuse | 1982 | ||
| Fisher River | Surry | North of Blue Ridge and Dobson to confluence with Yadkin River | 21 | Excellent float stream in scenic setting. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Yadkin | 1982 | ||
| Fishing Creek | Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Franklin, Warren | One mile above NC 561 bridge to confluence with Tar River | 72 | Essentially primitive shoreline; excellent game fishery. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lower Tar | 1982 | ||
| French Broad River | Buncombe | Asheville, NC, to Barnard, NC | 29 | 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. | Recreational | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper French Broad | 1982/ 1993 | |
| French Broad River | Buncombe | Barnard, NC, to Hot Springs, NC | 8 | River exposes unique structure and group of formations called Hot Springs Window. Thermal springs are unique to NC. Significant falls. | Scenic | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper French Broad | 1982/ 1993 | |
| French Broad River | Buncombe | Hot Springs, NC, to Tennessee State line | 7 | River exposes unique structure and group of formations called Hot Springs Window. Thermal springs are unique to NC. Significant falls. | Recreational | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper French Broad | 1982/ 1993 | |
| French Broad River | Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania | Rosman to Asheville | 71 | Excellent canoeing stream that supports diversity of wildlife and variety of flora. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper French Broad | 1982 | ||
| Gallberry Swamp | Robeson, Bladen, Hoke | Confluence with Little Marsh Swamp to confluence with Big Swamp | 3 | Typical blackwater coastal stream with hardwood bottomland swamps that provide excellent wildlife habitat; good fishery. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lumber | 1982 | ||
| Goshen Swamp | Duplin | NC 403 bridge to confluence with Northeast Cape Fear River | 19 | Abundance and diversity of wildlife. | Fish, Wildlife | Northeast Cape Fear | 1982 | ||
| Great Coharie Creek | Sampson | Confluence with Ward Swamp to confluence with Black River | 42 | Good example of typical blackwater stream. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Black | 1982 | ||
| Green River | Polk, Henderson | Lake Summit Dam to Lake Adger backwaters | 17 | One of most popular float streams with rugged, scenic gorge area and sizable cascades. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Broad | 1982 | ||
| Haw River | Alamance, Orange, Guilford, Rockingham | US 220/NC 150 Bridge to Chatham County Line | 67 | Outstanding whitewater course that drops through constricted scenic valley. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Haw | 1982 | ||
| Johns River | Burke, Caldwell | Collettsville to confluence with Catawba River | 19 | Remote forested corridor. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Catawba | 1982 | ||
| Linville River | Avery, Burke | Headwaters to northern boundary of Linville Gorge Wilderness | 23 | Linville Gorge in southern part of Grandfather Mountain Window has complex sequence of rocks emplaced by two overriding splay thrust sheets. | Recreational | Geologic, Scenic | Upper Catawba | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Linville River | Burke | Northern wilderness boundary to southern wilderness boundary | 15 | Linville Gorge in southern part of Grandfather Mountain Window has complex sequence of rocks emplaced by two overriding splay thrust sheets. | Wild | Geologic, Scenic | Upper Catawba | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Linville River | Burke | Southern wilderness boundary to Lake James one mile below NC 126 bridge | 2 | Linville Gorge in southern part of Grandfather Mountain Window has complex sequence of rocks emplaced by two overriding splay thrust sheets. | Scenic | Geologic, Scenic | Upper Catawba | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Little Coharie Creek | Sampson | State Road 1006 Bridge (High High Road) to confluence with Great Coharie Creek | 30 | Excellent recreational potential. | Fish, Recreational, Wildlife | Black | 1982 | ||
| Little Marsh Swamp | Robeson, Bladen, Hoke | Headwaters northeast of Dundarrach to confluence with Gallberry Swamp | 19 | Typical blackwater coastal stream with hardwood bottomland swamps that provide excellent wildlife habitat; good fishery. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lumber | 1982 | ||
| Little River | Harnett, Cumberland, Hoke, Moore | Headwaters north of West End to confluence with Cape Fear River | 74 | Small, scenic and remote Piedmont stream with excellent recreational potential. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Cape Fear | 1982 | ||
| Little Tennessee River | Swain, Macon | Lake Emory to above Fontana Lake | 23 | Excellent float stream flowing over a bed of gravel, boulders, and ledges bordered by beautiful scenery. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Little Tennessee | 1982 | ||
| Lumber River | Columbus, Robeson | Scotland/ Robeson County Line to Back Swamp Rd. | 32 | Secluded blackwater stream with heavily forested cypress swamps; abundance of flora and fauna. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lumber | 1982 | ||
| Mayo River | Rockingham | Confluence of South Mayo River and North Mayo River to confluence with Dan River | 16 | A most popular and extremely scenic whitewater stream in northern Piedmont Province. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Dan | 1982 | ||
| Mills River | Henderson | From confluence with South Fork Mills River to confluence with French Broad River | 6 | Small remote mountain stream affording variety of recreational values; upper reach in Pisgah National Forest. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper French Broad | 1982 | ||
| Mitchell River | Surry, Alleghany | Confluence with Thompsons Branch confluence with Yadkin River near Mountain Park | 22 | One of most scenic and natural streams in northwest. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Yadkin | 1982 | ||
| Moores Creek | Pender | Moores Creek National Military Park to confluence with Black River | 4 | Meandering wilderness stream with significant historical values. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Black | 1982 | ||
| Mountain Creek | Stanley | Headwaters east of New London to confluence with Pee Dee River | 15 | Significant fishery, cultural, and recreational values. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Pee Dee | 1982 | ||
| Nantahala River | Macon | Headwaters in Standing Indian basin near NC-GA State line to backwaters of Nantahala Lake | 21 | 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. | Recreational | Cultural, Historic, Wildlife, Other | Upper Little Tennessee | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Nantahala River (below lake) | Macon, Swain | Nantahala Powerhouse and lake to Lake Fontana | 18 | 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. | Recreational | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Little Tennessee | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Neuse River | Lenoir, Wayne, Johnston, Wake | Below Bridges Lake to above Kinston | 126 | Varying degrees of contrast within segment drops; superb scenery; numerous outstanding historical features. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Neuse | 1982 | ||
| Neuse River | Craven, Pitt, Lenoir | Caroline RR bridge near town of Kinston to State Road 1400 bridge (Washington Post Road) | 36 | Varying degrees of contrast within segment drops; superb scenery; numerous outstanding historical features. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Neuse | 1982 | ||
| New River, North Fork | Ashe | Town of Maxwell to confluence with New River below Weavers Ford | 43 | Scenic pastoral stream with numerous recreational opportunities. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper New | 1982 | ||
| New River, South Fork | Ashe, Watauga | Headwaters near Boone to junction of Dog Creek east of Jefferson | 67 | RM 0 through 22 designated component of the National Wild and Scenic | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper New | 1982 | ||
| North Toe River | Yancey, Mitchell, Avery | US 19E bridge north of Ingalls to confluence with Cane and Nolichucky Rivers | 51 | Scenic mountain stream with many overhanging rocks and bluffs. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Nolichucky | 1982 | ||
| Northeast Cape Fear River | New Hanover, Pender, Duplin | State Road 1502 Bridge (Bennetts Bridge Road) to confluence with Ness Creek | 119 | Very scenic and unique coastal plain blackwater stream. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Northeast Cape Fear | 1982 | ||
| Oconaluftee River | Swain | Headwaters near Weaver Mount and TN State Line to confluence with Tuckasegee River | 19 | Scenic recreational stream that flows through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Tuckasegee | 1982 | ||
| Pee Dee River | Anson, Richmond, Montgomery, Stanly | Lake Tillery to SC State Line | 44 | Traverses Piedmont Region with much of its course flowing through impressive lowland swamp; scenic bluffs, numerous oxbow lakes and sandbars. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Pee Dee | 1982 | ||
| Pigeon River, East Fork | Haywood | Headwaters to Shining Rock Wilderness boundary on US 276 | 4 | Primitive and accessible by foot travel only. Numerous cascades and small falls. | Wild | Scenic | Pigeon | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Pigeon River, East Fork | Haywood | Shining Rock Wilderness boundary on US 276 to Sharp Mountain Rd. | 3 | Numerous cascades and small falls. | Recreational | Scenic | Pigeon | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Pigeon River, Little East Fork | Haywood | Headwaters in Sherwood Wilderness Management Area to confluence with West Fork of Pigeon | 8 | Flows through Pisgah National Forest. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Pigeon | 1982 | ||
| Potecasi Creek | Hertford, Northampton | Confluence with Ramsey Creek to confluence with Meherrin River | 42 | Excellent example of an upper coastal plain creek with an abundance and diversity of flora and fauna. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Meherrin | 1982 | ||
| Ramsey Creek | Hertford, Northampton | US 158 Bridge to confluence with Potecasi Creek | 3 | Excellent example of an upper coastal plain creek with an abundance and diversity of flora and fauna. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Meherrin | 1982 | ||
| Rocky Creek | Montgomery | Headwaters west of Troy to confluence with Little River | 13 | Scenic Piedmont mountain stream that supports significant sport fishery. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Pee Dee | 1982 | ||
| Rocky River | Chatham | State Road 1300 bridge (Staley Snow Camp Road) to confluence with Deep River | 37 | Excellent canoeing stream with exciting whitewater run. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Deep | 1982 | ||
| Six Runs Creek | Sampson | State Road 1904 bridge (Pine Ridge Road) to confluence with Black River | 28 | Significant sport fishery and wildlife values. | Fish, Wildlife | Black | 1982 | ||
| Smith River | Rockingham | VA State Line to confluence with Dan River near Eden | 5 | Popular for riverine recreational opportunities; inviting ledges and rapids. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Dan | 1982 | ||
| Snowbird Creek | Graham | Confluence with Owlcamp Branch to backwater of Lake Santeetlah | 12 | 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. | Recreational | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Scenic, Wildlife | Lower Little Tennessee | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Snowbird Creek | Graham | Headwaters to confluence with Owl Camp Branch | 9 | Has unique "wild" brook trout population. | Wild | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Scenic, Wildlife | Lower Little Tennessee | 1982/ 1993 | |
| South Fork Mills River | Henderson, Transylvania | Headwaters near Haywood County Line to confluence with Mills River | 28 | Small remote mountain stream affording variety of recreational values; upper reach in Pisgah National Forest. | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper French Broad | 1982 | ||
| South River | Bladen, Sampson, Cumberland | Confluence with Black River (small segment which connects to Rhodes Pond) to confluence with Black River | 84 | Extremely scenic and natural stream affording variety of recreational activities. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Black | 1982 | ||
| Steels Creek | Burke | Headwaters in Long Arm Mountain to confluence with Upper Creek | 12 | Rocky whitewater stream wtih steep gradient and numerous boulders. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Upper Catawba | 1982 | ||
| Tar River | Nash, Franklin, Vance, Granville, Person | Headwaters north of Dennys Store to State Road 1933 Bridge west of Winstead Crossroads (Tar River Church Road) | 96 | Attractive stream with several whitewater segments; secluded picturesque ravines and gorges. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Tar | 1982 | ||
| Tellico River | Cherokee | Headwaters near Graham County line north of McDaniel Bald to NC-TN State line | 6 | Considered eligible for study because of outstanding values on section of river in TN such as waterfalls and wild whitewater. | Recreational | Other | Lower Little Tennessee | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Thompson River | Transylvania | Headwaters near Jackson County/Transylvania County line to the South Carolina state line. | 6 | The river contains scenic waterfalls, cascades, and rapids. The main gorge and sheer cliffs caused by erosion and river action are impressive. Extensive surrounding forests support healthy populations of game and non-game species, including black bear. The main gorge area contains tropical species, while other vegetation representative of the Southern Appalachians are found. | Wild | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | Seneca | 1995 | |
| Thompsons Branch | Surry, Alleghany | Headwaters north of Roaring Gap to confluence with Mitchell River | 6 | One of most scenic and natural streams in northwest. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Yadkin | 1982 | ||
| Town Creek | Brunswick | Headwaters approximately two miles above State Road 1413 Bridge to confluence with Cape Fear River | 33 | Small coastal stream that supports excellent fishery. | Fish, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Lower Cape Fear | 1982 | ||
| Toxaway River | Transylvania | From N.C. 281 bridge to Lake Jocassee. | 6 | The Toxaway lies within a scenic, wild, and rugged mountain region. The terrain is characterized by high mountain balds, rock outcrops and cliffs, and lower hills and valleys. There are picturesque waterfalls and rugged gorges. Rare and unique species are present. The remote watershed harbors good populations of non-game and mountain game species. | Wild | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | Seneca | 1995 | |
| Tuckasegee River | Swain, Jackson | Lake Cedar Cliff Impoundment to Bryson City | 40 | Scenic, natural stream that flows through ancestral home of Cherokee | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Tuckasegee | 1982 | ||
| Upper Creek | Burke | From confluence with Steels Creek to confluence with Warrior Fork | 6 | Rocky whitewater stream wtih steep gradient and numerous boulders. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Upper Catawba | 1982 | ||
| Upper Little River | Harnett, Lee | Confluence with Mulatto Branch to confluence with Cape Fear River | 52 | Scenic blackwater stream. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Cape Fear | 1982 | ||
| Uwharrie River | Randolph, Montgomery | Headwaters south of town of High Point and Guilford County line to Confluence with Pee Dee River | 63 | Scenic stream with streches of gentle rapids, oxbow islands, several high bluffs and impressive rock outcrops; spawning habitat for white bass. | Recreational | Cultural, Historic, Scenic | Upper Pee Dee | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Waccamaw River | Brunswick, Columbus | Lake Waccamaw to SC State Line | 48 | Deep blackwater swamp stream characterized by numerous buttressed tree species, predominated by Spanish moss draped cypress; abundance and variety of wildlife. | Cultural, Fish, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Waccamaw | 1982 | ||
| Watauga River | Watauga, Avery | Headwaters north of Grandfather Mountain to TN State Line | 27 | Spectacular, very steep and scenic Watauga gorge area with several falls and huge boulders; recreational opportunities throughout. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Watauga, North Carolina, Tennessee | 1982 | ||
| White Oak River | Jones, Onslow | Confluence with North Prong White Oak River to powerline | 19 | Fishing, hunting, picnicking, camping, canoeing, and motorboating. Habitat for American alligator, number of wading birds and waterfowl. Includes four distinct ecotypes: saltwater marsh, hardwood swamp, upland hardwood forest, and pine forest. | Recreational | Cultural, Historic, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | White Oak River | 1982/ 1993 | |
| White Oak River | Jones, Onslow, Carteret | Powerline to town of Stella | 12 | Fishing, hunting, picnicking, camping, canoeing, and motorboating. Habitat for American alligator, number of wading birds and waterfowl. Includes four distinct ecotypes: saltwater marsh, hardwood swamp, upland hardwood forest, and pine forest. | Scenic | Cultural, Historic, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | White Oak River | 1982/ 1993 | |
| White Oak River | Onslow, Carteret | Stella to Atlantic Ocean at Swansboro | 10 | Fishing, hunting, picnicking, camping, canoeing, and motorboating. Habitat for American alligator, number of wading birds and waterfowl. Includes four distinct ecotypes: saltwater marsh, hardwood swamp, upland hardwood forest, and pine forest. | Recreational | Cultural, Historic, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | White Oak River | 1982/ 1993 | |
| White Oak River, North Prong | Jones, Onslow | Hoffman Forest to confluence with White Oak River | 1 | Fishing, hunting, picnicking, camping, canoeing, and motorboating. Habitat for American alligator, number of wading birds and waterfowl. Includes four distinct ecotypes: saltwater marsh, hardwood swamp, upland hardwood forest, and pine forest. | Recreational | Cultural, Historic, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | White Oak River | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Whitewater River | Transylvania and Jackson | From confluence with Silver Run Creek near NC 107 in the Nantahala National Forest to the South Carolina state line. | 6 | The exposure of ancient rocks produces some of the most spectacular scenery in western North Carolina. Sheer cliffs and gorges are caused by erosion. Upper Whitewater Falls cascades 411 feet. The Whitewater Gorge contains tropical mosses and ferns. Water quality and fishing are excellent. A portion of the 43-mile Foothills Trail runs form the USFS parking lot at upper Whitewater Falls. | Wild | Fish, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife, Other | Seneca | 1995 | |
| Yadkin River | Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Yadkin, Surry | I-77 Bridge to confluence with South Yadkin River Junction | 91 | Clear lively mountain stream that traverses the oldest formations of the North American Continent, Carolina gneiss of the Archean Epoch. | Cultural, Fish, Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Upper Yadkin | 1982 |
Last updated: November 30, 2016