SAVANNAHRIVER

SAVANNAH
N
RIVER
BASIN
umerous and spectacular waterfalls give the state’s smallest river basin a gigantic
presence. In the Savannah River Basin, wilderness abounds and diversity astounds.
The upper basin receives the highest amount of rainfall in the eastern United States—
between 80 and 100 inches per year. This
moisture-rich environment feeds rivers that
fall and plunge through rock scarps.
SC
Ga
With varied topography and a relatively warm
climate, this basin contains some of the most ecologically diverse habitats in North Carolina and the Southern Appalachians. Plants more typical of the tropics thrive in unique
microhabitats. Rare ferns and mosses live in temperate mini-rainforests
surrounding the constant spray of waterfalls.
profile:
Total miles of
streams and rivers:
198
Municipalities
within basin: 1
Counties
within basin: 4
Size: 171
square miles
Population:
KEVIN ADAMS
The Savannah River Basin is the only river basin in the state that con5,563
(2010 U.S. Census)
tains no part of the river for which it is named. The major rivers in the
basin—the Chattooga, Horsepasture, Toxaway,
Whitewater and Thompson—are the source
waters for tributaries of the Savannah River
that flow through South Carolina and Georgia
(the Savannah River empties into the Atlantic
Ocean at Savannah, Ga.). Owing to rugged
scenery, the Chattooga River (9.7 miles in
North Carolina) and a 4.5-mile segment of
the Horsepasture River have been designated
as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The same
segment of the Horsepasture is also a State
Natural and Scenic River. The Horsepasture’s Hiker on Horsepasture River
BILL LEA
Whitewater Falls
Carolina Star-moss
M
ost plants cannot survive in the turbulent environment that waterfalls create.
However, a few rare ferns and mosses find the
Carolina star-moss
CHARLES BRASWELL JR.
wild, moist habitat to their liking. The Carolina
star-moss, which grows in dark-green rosettes,
clings to spray cliffs in the river basin. It is known
outside the Southern Appalachians only in the
Dominican Republic. Similarly, Pringle’s moss,
which attaches to rocks under running water, is
found elsewhere only in Mexico. Scientists
aren’t sure how such species exist so far from the
tropics. Some suggest that spores were blown
from afar. Others theorize that the plants may be
remnants from the continent’s warmer periods
tens of thousands of years ago.
Pringle’s moss
nder
ma
green sala
BILL LEA
WAYNE VAN DEVENDER
special designations effectively blocked a hydroelectric power plant proposed on the river in the
1980s. The Whitewater River lays claim to the 411-foot Whitewater Falls, the tallest and most
voluminous waterfall east of the Rockies. The basin also contains several manmade lakes, the
largest of which is a popular resort, Lake Toxaway.
More than half the basin’s land lies in federal ownership, most within
the Nantahala National Forest. Gorges State Park spans 7,100 acres of
the Toxaway and Horsepasture river gorges. With its diverse mix of rocky
outcrops, high-elevation forests, streams and waterfalls, this ecologically
rich region has been deemed of national ecological significance by the
state’s Natural Heritage Program. Gorges State Park and the neighboring Toxaway River Gamelands support 32 rare species of plants and
animals, some of which are found few other places in the world.
CHARLES BRASWELL JR.
The basin has three rare endemic fish species, including the Turquoise
Darter, Blackbanded Darter and the Rosyface Chub. Endemic means Swimmers on the
a species is restricted to only one place or region in the world. These
Horsepasture River
three fish have been found only within the Horsepasture and Toxaway
River systems in North Carolina. The forests of the basin’s large, rocky ravines contain a large
population of the Swainson’s warbler, a bird rarely found in North Carolina’s mountains. One
of the largest populations of the green salamander in the state is found here too; the species is
state-listed as an endangered species. This secretive salamander lives in the damp, shaded
crevices of cliff faces. Other rare species known to inhabit the watershed include the state
endangered peregrine falcon and the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (mountain subspecies) which
is listed as threatened in North Carolina.
Waterfalls of the Savannah River Basin come in all shapes and sizes. The community of Lake
Toxaway has more waterfalls within a 15-mile radius than any other spot in North Carolina.
Besides Whitewater Falls, notable waterfalls in the basin include Drift Falls, a popular, but
dangerous, swimming area; Turtleback Falls, a wide, curved rock face over which water
tumbles into another hazardous swimming hole known as Chug Hole; and Rainbow Falls,
whose drenching mists create frequent rainbows.
SAVANNAH
RIVER BASIN
You may have noticed
Savannah River Basin
signs posted along highways. These were cre-
KEVIN ADAMS
A significant environmental threat in the
Savannah River Basin is the destruction of
eastern hemlock forests by a non-native pest,
the hemlock woolly adelgid. Like an aphid, it
sucks fluids from the tree, killing it. The loss
of the tree canopy alters these moist, cool
environments, which shelter unique plant and
animal species suited to mountain coves.
Without shade, water temperatures in forested streams increase, stressing trout and
other cold-water species. The death of tree
root systems may also lead to erosion of
streambanks and accumulation of sediment
Rainbow Falls
in the water. In 2003, the Chattooga Conservancy led a collaborative effort to establish a laboratory to raise and release predatory
beetles that feed exclusively on the adelgids. About $100,000 of the funds came from private
donations by residents in surrounding communities. The lab has released more than a halfmillion beetles on U.S. Forest Service land in the Chattooga River subbasin in North Carolina,
South Carolina and Georgia in the hopes of checking the spread of the hemlock pest. The
conservancy is also educating homeowners on how to treat infested ornamental hemlocks
on their property. Other efforts are being carried out by the U.S. Forest Service and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust to treat important remaining stands of hemlock, including the
world’s largest standing eastern hemlock.
ated through a partnership between the Office
of Environmental Education and Public Affairs
and the N.C. Department of Transportation
with funding from the
Federal Transportation
Enhancement Program.
Signs in each of the
state’s 17 river basins
call attention to basin
boundaries and promote
stewardship of public
waters.
Overall water quality in the Savannah River Basin is good. More than one-fourth of its stream
segments are managed by the state to maintain their exceptional water quality. Runoff from
construction sites, paved and unpaved roads and developed areas is an emerging threat to
water quality. While most of the land in the basin is forested (approximately 90 percent),
many retirement homes, second homes and commercial resorts are being built.
Swainson’s warbler
DOUG WECHSLER, VIREO
Alteration of natural areas may damage wildlife habitat and harm surrounding
waters. As land is cleared, rain and melting snow pick up eroded sediments,
pesticides, fertilizers and road salts and carry them to streams and lakes. Responsible planning and development are essential. Property owners can help by
establishing or leaving wide strips of shrubs and trees beside streams or lakes
on their land; by maintaining unpaved roads in a way that prevents erosion;
and by properly maintaining septic systems. For information on conservation
initiatives in the basin, see the contacts on the back page.
HIKING & BIKING
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Ho R i v
T R A N S YLVA N IA
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in the Savannah River Basin
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The Savannah River Basin offers many opportunities to enjoy and explore nature through
walking, hiking and biking. This list features a few places for easy to moderate activity.
Sometimes the steepness of terrain may limit easy activity except at an overlook or short
path. Many trails include views of streams, rivers, creeks, lakes, wetlands and waterfalls.
Remember that some trails are multi-use, serving pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians and
other recreational users.
1 Horsepasture River Trail
www.ncwaterfalls.com/horse1.htm ● 2.8-mile
trail along this National Wild and Scenic River.
Moderate to strenuous; use extreme caution
due to slippery rocks and ledges.
(shown with red dashed line)
www.foothillstrail.org ● This 77-mile woodland trail over the summits of mountains and
through the wild lands of the Southern Appalachian Mountains has been called “the most
unsung, underused and underrated long trail
in the Southeast.” About 20 miles of the trail
are in North Carolina, entirely within the
Savannah River Basin. The trail enters North
Carolina just east of the Macon-Jackson county
line and west of N.C. 107, about 8 miles south
of Cashiers. It snakes an eastward trail to the
banks of the Whitewater River and includes
views of Whitewater Falls. The middle of the
trail is accessible from the Whitewater Falls
Scenic Area along N.C. 281. Near that point,
it ducks back in and out of South Carolina
briefly and re-enters North Carolina, crossing
tributaries of Lake Jocassee and more than
6.7 miles of Gorges State Park. The trail exits
North Carolina where the Toxaway River spills
into the lake. Depending on the location, the
trail is rated moderate to strenuous.
2 The Foothills Trail
2
6
● hiking
● hiking and biking
Foothills Trail
part of the bird’s native range. The birds nest
on exposed rock faces.
● HIKING and BIKING ●
5 Standing Indian Mountain
www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/gorg/main.php
● 7,500 acres ● 24 miles of hiking trails;
6 miles of biking trails.
www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/
hiking.php ● This 2.5-mile trail, part of the
Appalachian Trail, crosses the southeastern
tip of Clay County. Though the path ascends
gradually, it is a strenuous hike to reach the
top. Standing Indian is the highest mountain
south of the Smokies at 5,500 feet.
6 Gorges State Park
= some trails designated as wheelchair accessible
3 Whitewater Falls
www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/
waterfalls.php ● .2-mile paved, wheelchairaccessible trail to the overlook to view the highest waterfall east of the Rockies (411 feet); a
second overlook is below, and a longer trail
descends to river.
4 Whiteside Mountain
www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/nantahala/
nantahala/guidedhikes/whiteside.html ● Easy
to strenuous 2-mile loop trail. During spring and
summer, you may see peregrine falcons flying
above or sitting on rock outcrops. Through the
Endangered Species Program, the falcon was
re-introduced in 1985 to Whiteside Mountain,
CHARLES BRASWELL JR.
Hikers in Gorges State Park
THE WILD SIDE
of the Savannah River Basin
Several rare and fascinating fliers find sanctuary in the
Savannah River Basin. Among these are the peregrine
falcon, listed as an endangered species in North Carolina,
and Rafinesque's big-eared bat, state-listed as threatened.
Peregrine Falcon
During the spring and summer, you may see peregrine
falcons flying above the cliffs of Whiteside Mountain or
sitting on rock outcrops. These migratory birds of prey
return each year to nest on the exposed rock faces of
the 4,930-foot mountain. The bird is a fast flier, averaging
speeds of 69 mph as it hunts for its food, which consists
mostly of smaller birds. When it dives for prey, it may reach
speeds of up to 200 mph. The falcon usually strikes its prey
in midair, knocking it to the ground. Listen for a piercing,
rapid “kek kek kek” cry as it hunts. During courtship, the
adults fly near each other around the nest ledge and also
perform aerial acrobatics. During the 1950s the species
was wiped out in the eastern United States due to effects
MASLOWSKI PRODUCTIONS
of pesticides such as DDT (banned in the United States in
1972). A re-introduction program using captive-bred falcons was begun in the 1970s and started in North Carolina in 1984.
Eighty juveniles had been released in the state by 1991, with an additional 12 birds released in 1996 - 1997. Nesting on Whiteside Mountain was first observed in 1988. Since then, 39 chicks have fledged from this location. Eleven nesting pairs of falcons
are known in North Carolina. Although it was removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999, the peregrine falcon
remains protected in North Carolina due to low breeding numbers and high rates of chick mortality.
DR. J. SCOTT ALTENBACH
Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat
This night-flying mammal with long,
rabbit-like ears is slight in number
throughout its native range in the
southeastern United States. Two
subspecies, one of which occurs
in the Savannah River Basin, are on
the federal watch list as species of
special concern and are listed by
the state as threatened species. In
the mountains, this bat lives in caves,
old mineshafts, hollow trees and
gaps in rock ledges. The bat has the
habit of twisting its long ears back
almost into a spiral while roosting.
Like other bat species, it “hears” its
prey. It emits high-frequency sounds
and listens for echoes that bounce
back from objects in its path, including moths and other insects. Bats
use this sophisticated method,
called echolocation, to quickly
and efficiently home in on prey.
Waders on the Horsepasture (left); Toxaway Falls (right)
CHARLES BRASWELL JR.
?
WHERE
SHOULD
I GO
BILL LEA
What makes the Savannah River Basin so special? See for yourself. Visit these
Environmental Education Centers to discover more about your ecological address:
● Earthshine Mountain Lodge
● Gorges State Park
For more information about Environmental Education Centers in North Carolina,
check out the Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs’ website at
www.eenorthcarolina.org.
HOW
CAN
I HELP
?
You can gain a sense of community pride by learning more and helping to protect streams, rivers
and lakes in the Savannah River Basin. The contacts listed below can help you do just that.
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy
www.carolinamountain.org
(828) 697-5777
Chattooga Conservancy
www.chattoogariver.com
(706) 782-6097
Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance
www.j-mca.org
North Carolina Stream Watch
www.ncwater.org/Education_and_Technical_
Assistance/Stream_Watch
(919) 715-5433
Savannah River Basinwide Plan*
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/basin
Western North Carolina Alliance
www.wnca.org
North Carolina Association of Soil &
Water Conservation Districts
www.ncaswcd.org
▼
*Basinwide water quality planning is a nonregulatory, watershed-based approach to restoring and protecting the
quality of North Carolina’s surface waters. The N.C. Division of Water Quality welcomes community input.
To order additional brochures on any of North Carolina’s 17 river basins, a general river basin booklet or a poster, fill out
the online order form at www.eenorthcarolina.org.
State of North Carolina: Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue • North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources: Secretary
Dee Freeman • Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs: Program Manager Lisa Tolley, Project Manager Tracey Ritchie •
Editor Carla Burgess • Designer Kimberly KC Schott, Red Gate Design • Special Thanks North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North
Carolina Division of Water Quality and North Carolina Natural Heritage Program • Date: 2012 • 5,000 copies of this public document were
printed at a cost of $1,038.00 or $0.207 per copy. • This publication was funded through a Walmart Stormwater Compliance Grant.
Printed on recycled paper