• The water starts at the highest area on the terrain (headwaters), flowing downhill moving through a network of drainage pathways. It is relatively easy to delineate watersheds using a topographic map that shows stream channels. Watershed boundaries follow major ridge lines around channels and meet at the bottom, where water flows out of the watershed, a point commonly referred to as a stream or river.
• The rain water flows creating small streams called tributaries, and grows progressively larger as the water moves on downstream, filling streams and rivers and eventually reaching lakes, reservoirs, and eventually the ocean. In Tennessee, streams flow into larger basins and then into the Mississippi River, which then drains into the ocean at the Gulf of Mexico.
• Other terms used interchangeably with watershed include drainage basin and catchment basin. Watersheds can be large or small. Every stream, tributary, or river has an associated watershed, and small watersheds join to become larger watersheds. For example, the Stones River is one of 14 watersheds that make up the Cumberland River Basin.
• Water can travel both underground (groundwater) and on the surface (surface water). These are connected. Rain flows into sinkholes and karst windows, flowing as groundwater below the surface eventually coming out at a spring.
• Rain also picks up pollutants as it washes through the community and landscape. Pollutants include fertilizers, pesticides, animal waste, septic leaks, automobile fluids, brake dust, and many others. As citizens, we can do a lot to prevent pollution through easy daily actions to protect water quality.

The Stones River Watershed Association works diligently to try and provide a variety of education and outreach resources to the community.

The Division of Natural Heritage listed 69 rare plant and animal species as part of the important biodiversity we are trying to protect and many other species you find in our watershed.

There are numerous species that also call out watershed home. From birds to otters to various fish and dragonflies. Even beautiful flowers. Our region is very unique in habitat and underlying rock features which promote the diversity of wildlife and the streams that flow here.

There are 12 designated State Natural Areas in the Stones River Watershed.

Riverine Landmarks of the Stones River Watershed

East Fork Through Percy Priest to the Cumberland

West and Middle Forks

Stewart Creek

Be Safe and Stay Informed

The best safety practices are to always know stream conditions BEFORE getting on the water. It is important to check the weather and real-time stream conditions before heading out on a paddling excursion.

Click here to view local information for:

• East Fork of the Stones River 
• West Fork of the Stones River.

Did you know the headwaters of the Stones River begin in Cannon County on Stones River Road? Small seeps from the mountain flow and form a tributary which becomes the East Fork of the Stones River. These tributaries are important habitat and water quality areas to protect and preserve.

• 921 square miles
• 1031 stream miles
• 22,691 acres of lakes, and
• 12 Natural State Areas

OUR WATERSHED AT A GLANCE

The Stones River Watershed is located in Middle Tennessee and includes parts of Cannon, Davidson, Rutherford, and Wilson counties. It is approximately 921 square miles and drains into the Cumberland River.

The headwaters of the Stones River Watershed start in the high regions of Cannon County and drain into Rutherford County and parts of Wilson County and eventually flow into the Cumberland River located in Nashville in Davidson County.   It covers approximately 921 square miles. Included in this area are 1,031 stream miles and 22,691 acres of lakes. Approximately 209 miles of streams are designated as impaired, or are impacted negatively by pollution or alteration.