Ballston Creek facts for kids
Ballston Creek is a small but interesting stream located in Saratoga County, New York. It's also known as Shenantaha Creek, which comes from the Iroquois name for Ballston Lake, meaning "deep water." This creek starts at the northern end of Ballston Lake and flows for about six miles (9.7 km). As it travels through the towns of Ballston and Malta, it drops about 100 feet before finally emptying into Round Lake.
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Ballston Creek: A Cool Stream in New York
Ballston Creek is an important natural feature in Saratoga County. It helps connect different bodies of water and has played a role in the history of the area.
How Ballston Creek Connects to Ancient Rivers
Scientists who study the Earth, called geologists, have found some cool ideas about how Ballston Creek might have been part of a much bigger river system long ago! They think that the Mohawk River, a large river in New York today, might have once flowed differently.
The Ancient Mohawk River's Path
Some geologists believe that at one point in history, the Mohawk River, after flowing past a place called Scotia, continued northeast. It might have flowed right through Ballston Lake! Then, it would have turned southeast, making its way through the wide valley where Ballston Creek now flows. From there, it would have continued into Round Lake, and then down the Anthony Kill all the way to the Hudson River. This idea shows how much the landscape can change over thousands of years!
From Railroad to Trail: The Creek's Path Today
For many years, the path alongside Ballston Creek was used for transportation.
The Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad
The Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad once followed the route of Ballston Creek. This railway line was later combined with the Delaware and Hudson railroad system. It was a busy route, especially north of the village of Round Lake.
The Zim Smith Trail
Today, you won't find trains running along Ballston Creek. The old railroad tracks have been removed, and the path has been turned into something new and exciting! The former rail bed is now part of the Zim Smith Trail. This is a multi-use trail, which means people can use it for walking, running, biking, and even cross-country skiing in the winter. It's a great way to enjoy nature and see parts of the creek's journey.
