Bear Kill facts for kids

Bear Kill is a small river located in New York State, United States. It flows into a larger waterway called the Schoharie Creek. This meeting point is found southeast of a place called Grand Gorge. Along its path, the Bear Kill flows over a beautiful spot known as Hardenburgh Falls.

About Bear Kill

Bear Kill is a fascinating example of a small river. The word "Kill" in its name comes from an old Dutch word. It means a creek or a stream. Many waterways in New York have "Kill" in their names. This shows the history of Dutch settlers in the area.

Where is Bear Kill?

Bear Kill starts its journey in Schoharie County, New York. This county is in the eastern part of New York State. The river then flows through parts of Delaware County, New York. It eventually reaches its end near Grand Gorge. This area is known for its beautiful natural landscapes.

The Journey of the Water

The water in Bear Kill travels a specific path. It begins in its source, high up in Schoharie County. From there, it flows downhill. It collects water from smaller streams along the way. Finally, it joins the Schoharie Creek. The Schoharie Creek is a much larger river.

What is a River Basin?

Every river has a "basin." Think of a basin as a giant bowl. All the rain and snow that falls into this bowl eventually flows into the river. Bear Kill has a basin size of about 25.7 square miles. This means all the land in that area drains into Bear Kill. It's like a big funnel for water.

Waterfalls and Tributaries

Bear Kill has some interesting features. One of the most notable is Hardenburgh Falls. Waterfalls are places where a river's water drops over a steep rock face. They are often very scenic.

Hardenburgh Falls

Hardenburgh Falls is a natural wonder on the Bear Kill. It's a spot where the river creates a beautiful cascade. Waterfalls are formed over many years. The flowing water slowly erodes the rock. This creates the drop that we see.

Friends of the River: Tributaries

Rivers often have "friends" that join them. These friends are called tributaries. Tributaries are smaller streams or rivers. They flow into a larger river. Bear Kill has two known tributaries. These are Jump Brook and Fall Brook. They add more water to Bear Kill.

Why Rivers Matter

Rivers like Bear Kill are very important. They provide homes for many plants and animals. They also help shape the land around them. Rivers are a vital part of Earth's water cycle. They carry water from higher elevations to lower ones. They eventually reach larger bodies of water.