Swannanoa River

The Swannanoa River flows through the Swannanoa Valley of western North Carolina, and is a major tributary to the French Broad River. It begins at its headwaters in Black Mountain, NC, however, it also has a major tributary near its headwaters: Flat Creek, which begins on the slopes of Mount Mitchell. The Swannanoa River ends when it meets the French Broad at Biltmore Estate in Asheville. The river is 22 miles or 35 kilometers long, and it flows entirely within the geographical boundaries of Buncombe County. It is a valuable resource to the county, providing drinking water to the Asheville metropolitan area, and numerous recreational opportunities. In September 2004, massive rains from the remnants of Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Ivan caused the Swannanoa to flood, causing major damage to the Biltmore Village section of Asheville, and to the other communities that it flows through.

Swannanoa River at Asheville, North Carolina.

Tributaries

(Not necessarily in order.)

• Sweeten Creek
• Ross Creek
• Haw Creek
• Gashes Creek
• Grassy Branch
• Christian Creek
• Bull Creek
• Beetree Creek
• Lower North Fork
• Upper North Fork
• Tomahawk Branch
• Flat Creek

Swannanoa River flooding after Hurricane Frances, September 2004

External links

• RiverLink: Swannanoa River Watershed Project

Coordinates: 35°34′05″N 82°33′49″W / 35.56817°N 82.56374°W / 35.56817; -82.56374