Big Run (North Fork South Branch Potomac River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Run |
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Big Run, just after it leaves the marshland and enters the forest, below the beaver dam at river mile 12.4. Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, 8 October 2017
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Pendleton |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 38°42′43″N 79°33′35″W / 38.711885°N 79.559813°W |
| River mouth | North Fork South Branch Potomac River Cherry Grove, West Virginia 38°38′15″N 79°31′14″W / 38.637589°N 79.520687°W |
| Length | 13 miles (21 km) |
| Basin features | |
| GNIS feature ID | 1550331 |
Big Run is a river in West Virginia, about 13 miles (21 km) long. It flows through the beautiful Monongahela National Forest in Pendleton County, West Virginia. This river is a branch of the North Fork South Branch Potomac River. It starts just west of a tall mountain called Spruce Knob.
The Journey of Big Run
Big Run begins in a marshy area, not far from Forest Road 112. At first, it's just small streams and wet ground. But then, something interesting happens! Between about 12.8 and 12.4 miles (20.6 and 20 km) from where it ends, you'll find a series of beaver dams.
These dams turn the marsh into a chain of small lakes. After the last beaver dam, at about 12.4 miles (20 km) from its end, Big Run truly becomes a clear river. It leaves the open marsh and flows into a deep, wooded valley.
As Big Run continues its journey, other smaller streams join it. These include Elk Run, Teeter Camp Run, and Sawmill Branch Run. Finally, Big Run empties into the North Fork South Branch Potomac River. This happens near a place called Cherry Grove, right across a bridge on Snowy Mountain Road.
Did you know there are other rivers named Big Run in West Virginia? It's a common name for streams in the area!
Exploring Big Run Trail
You can explore parts of Big Run by walking along the Big Run Trail (also known as Forest Trail 527). This trail follows the eastern side of the upper part of the river.
A cool fact about this trail is that some of it used to be a railroad line. Long ago, this railway was used by the Parsons Pulp and Lumber Company. They used steam engines to pull heavy loads of logs to a mill. So, when you walk on this trail, you're walking on a piece of history!
You can get onto the Big Run Trail from a few different spots. One way is from the Gatewood Trail, which is off Sawmill Run Road. Another way is from a parking lot on Forest Road 112. It's a great way to see the river and the surrounding forest up close!
