Forked Deer River
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (July 2014) |
| Forked Deer River | |
|---|---|
 The South Fork of the Forked Deer River near Halls, Tennessee | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • coordinates | 35°59′51″N 89°26′08″W / 35.99750°N 89.43556°W |
| Mouth | |
• location | Obion River, Mississippi River |
• coordinates | 35°55′42″N 89°35′12″W / 35.92833°N 89.58667°W |
• elevation | 230 ft (70 m)[1] |
The Forked Deer River system is the main drainage of the central portion of West Tennessee. Locals pronounce the first word of the river's name with two syllables, as in “Forkéd” (/ˈfɔːrkɪd/).
The Forked Deer consists of various streams designated "Forked Deer" and their tributaries. Much of the Forked Deer
Much of the channelized flow is routed into the Obion River just above the mouth of that river into the Mississippi, other streams related to the system have their own mouths into the Mississippi. In some areas where the historic channels are left in place even after the bulk of the flow has been routed into new ones, the historic channels at times still demonstrate considerable flow, especially after heavy rains.
Local historians record that barges and small riverboats plied the Forked Deer in the early 19th century as far up river as the present location of the city of Jackson. Siltation from agricultural run-off eventually choked the river, and channelization became a major focus of West Tennessee politicians until the 1970s. River cutoffs have left numerous small finger lakes that are popular with local crappie and bass fishers. Otherwise, the river is a slow-moving canal with little scenic appeal.
Forked Deer River Tributaries
- North Fork of the Forked Deer River
- Middle Fork of the Forked Deer River
- South Fork of the Forked Deer River
