Tuckasegee River
The Tuckasegee River flows entirely within western North Carolina. It begins its course in Jackson County above Cullowhee at the confluence of Panthertown and Greenland creeks. It flows in a northwesterly direction into Swain County, where it joins the Oconaluftee before heading northwest. Bryson City developed along both sides of the river around this area, and Bryson City Island Park was developed. The river next enters Fontana Lake and ultimately flows as a tributary into the Little Tennessee River.
The name Tuckasegee may be an anglicisation of the Cherokee language word daksiyi— in the local Cherokee variety, meaning 'Turtle Place.' The river is dotted with stone fishing weirs built by Native Americans; this practice may have preceded the Cherokee in the area. The weirs are most easily viewed when water levels are low.
Fishing, hiking, and paddling are among the recreational opportunities along the river.
