Size + Location

The Hiwassee River Basin covers approximately 644 square miles. 

The Hiwassee River Basin lies in the westernmost part of North Carolina. It starts at the mountains of Northern Georgia and western North Carolina, and it ends in the Tennessee River.

            Geographical Features

Tributaries:

1. The Nottely River

2. The Valley River

Elevation:

The Hiwassee River Basin has a elevation of 684 ft.

Lakes:

1. Apalachia Lake

2. Hiwassee Lake

3. Chatuge Lake

Murphy, North Carolina is one of the many towns that the Hiwassee river moves through or is close to.

            Biotic Features

There are Many plants, Animals, And Insects that are inhabited to the hiwassee River Basin.

Plants:

Horse tail, Alligator weed, and Musk grass are just some of the few plants in the river.

Animal + Insects:

There are many animal species in the Hiwassee River Basin that are endangered, Threatened, or rare. A example of this is the Christy's Elimia, it's a snail That can't be found anywhere else but the river.

                Invasive Species

Is there any Invasive Species?

There are indeed Invasive species that are in the Hiwassee River basin, like zebra mussels, crayfishes, etc.

What challenges/benefits are provided by the invasive Species?These nonnative species pose potential threats to native aquatic plants and species. Invasive plant have Indirect effects That can significantly Alter riparian vegetation.