Back Creek (Potomac River tributary) facts for kids

Back Creek is a cool stream, about 59.5 miles (95.8 km) long. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one, the Potomac River. Back Creek starts in Frederick County, Virginia, and then travels north into Berkeley County, West Virginia. It's located in the eastern part of West Virginia, called the Eastern Panhandle. The creek got its name because early settlers in the 1700s saw it behind a big hill called North Mountain. So, they called it "Back Creek."

Where Back Creek Flows

From the Start to Gore

Back Creek begins high up in the Great North Mountain at a spot called Farmer's Gap. From there, it flows northwest, winding around a place called Burnt Ridge. The stream then turns northeast, staying close to the side of Great North Mountain. It's joined by smaller mountain streams like Reed Creek and Lauren Run.

Near Dunlap Ford, more water comes in from Gallows Ridge and Cove Ridge. Laurel Run also adds water from the springs at Rock Enon Springs. As Back Creek moves towards Gore, Virginia, it passes through an area with lots of sandstone and sand. That's why you can find sand mines in Gore! In Gore, Mine Spring and Dry runs join the creek.

From Gore to De Haven

After Gore, Back Creek flows next to the Northwestern Turnpike (which is U.S. Route 50) and the Winchester and Western Railroad. It goes under US 50 and then turns east towards Gainesboro. There, another stream called Tavenner Run flows into it.

From Gainesboro, Back Creek passes under the North Frederick Pike (U.S. Route 522). Near a place called Lew, two important streams, Isaacs Creek and Hogue Creek, join Back Creek. By the time Brush Creek adds its water at Baileys Ford, Back Creek becomes much bigger and deeper. It then winds its way north through the community of De Haven. Soon after De Haven, Back Creek crosses the border into Berkeley County, West Virginia.

From De Haven to the Potomac River

Once Back Creek enters West Virginia, it gets more water from many springs flowing off North Mountain. It travels through a wide valley, passing by towns like Glengary, Ganotown, and Shanghai.

Further north, near Shanghai, Leading Ridge forms the western edge of the creek's valley. Back Creek continues northeast, with North Mountain on its east side. It flows past more communities such as Tomahawk, Hedgesville, and Soho. The old Park's Gap Bridge crosses Back Creek at Tomahawk. This bridge is so special that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Northeast of Soho, another major stream, Tilhance Creek, joins Back Creek. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad mainline bridge crosses the creek just before it flows past Allensville. Finally, Back Creek empties into the mighty Potomac River.

Streams That Join Back Creek

Here are some of the streams that flow into Back Creek, listed from its start to its end:

• Reed Creek
• Laurel Run
• White Pine Branch
• Mine Spring Run
• Dry Run
• Albin Run
• Tavenner Run
• Isaacs Creek
• Hogue Creek
• Brush Creek
  • Babbs Run
  • Pearris Run
  • Cattail Run
  • Green Springs Run
• Tub Run
• Tilhance Creek
  • Whites Run
  • Higgins Run

Towns Along Back Creek

You can find these towns and communities along the path of Back Creek:

• Allensville
• De Haven
• Gainesboro
• Ganotown
• Glengary
• Gore
• Hedgesville
• Jones Springs
• Shanghai
• Soho
• Tomahawk

Images for kids

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  This picture shows soldiers from the Tenth Regiment of New York Zouaves discovering a new rebel battery (a group of cannons) near Back River during the American Civil War, before September 1861.