Turbidity levels at baseflow conditions were examined in relation to a gradient of land use/land cover types, topography, and stream density in 30 drainage basins within the upper Little Tennessee River watershed. Baseflow turbidity at each site was sampled on 11 separate occasions between November 2006 and May 2007. Relationships between baseflow turbidity and 27 independent variables were explored through correlation, linear regression and forward stepwise multiple regression. The watershed variables could be reduced to three components which explained 73% of the variance in baseflow turbidity, with pasture land cover demonstrating the greatest effect. A better understanding of the relationship between basin-scale land use and baseflow turbidity is essential to providing specific guidance on drainage basin alterations most detrimental to stream quality.