Bell Creek (Pine Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bell Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | border between Sugarloaf Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania and Fairmount Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania between 1,280 and 1,300 feet (390 and 400 m) |
| River mouth | Pine Creek in Huntington Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania 833 ft (254 m) 41°12′56″N 76°16′41″W / 41.2155°N 76.2780°W |
| Length | 4.0 mi (6.4 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Pine Creek → Huntington Creek → Fishing Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Tributaries |
|
Bell Creek is a small stream, or tributary, that flows into Pine Creek. It's located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Bell Creek is about 4.0 miles (6.4 km) long and winds its way through two areas: Fairmount Township and Huntington Township. This creek is a special type called a freestone stream, which means its water flows over rocks and doesn't get much groundwater. It's found in a hilly area known as the Ridge and Valley region. Wild trout naturally live and reproduce in Bell Creek. It has one named smaller stream joining it, called Ashs West Branch, and two other unnamed streams.
Contents
Where Does Bell Creek Flow?
Bell Creek starts right on the border between Sugarloaf Township in Columbia County and Fairmount Township in Luzerne County. It flows east into Fairmount Township for a short distance. Then, it slowly turns towards the southeast.
After flowing for a bit, the creek goes through a place called Fairmount Springs. Soon after, it turns south. Further downstream, it flows south-southeast for a few miles. Here, it enters Huntington Township and meets its only named smaller stream, Ashs West Branch, which joins from the right side. Finally, Bell Creek turns east for a short distance before it joins Pine Creek.
Meet Bell Creek's Tributaries
Bell Creek has one main named smaller stream, or tributary, called Ashs West Branch. This tributary is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long. Bell Creek also has two other smaller streams that join it, but these don't have names. Both of these unnamed streams also join Bell Creek from the right side.
Understanding Bell Creek's Landscape
The land around the end of Bell Creek is about 833 feet (254 m) above sea level. Near where the creek starts, its source, the elevation is higher, between 1,280 and 1,300 feet (390 and 400 m) above sea level.
Bell Creek is located in a geographic area known as the Ridge and Valley region. This area is known for its long, parallel ridges and valleys. As mentioned, Bell Creek is a freestone stream, meaning its water comes mainly from rain and snowmelt, flowing over rocky beds.
A Glimpse into Bell Creek's Past
Bell Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System (a database of place names) on August 2, 1979.
In the early 1900s, there were plans to build bridges over Bell Creek. For example, in 1901, a stone arch bridge was suggested for Huntington Township. It was planned to be near a place called J.T. Hess and was estimated to cost $250. Almost two years earlier, in 1899, another similar bridge was proposed for the same township, but that one was expected to cost $700.
Bell Creek's Amazing Wildlife
Bell Creek is a special place for fish! Wild trout naturally reproduce in the creek. This means they lay their eggs and new trout hatch all along the creek, from where it starts all the way to where it joins Pine Creek. The tributary, Ashs West Branch, is also a home for wild trout to reproduce.
