Big Run (South Branch Potomac River tributary) facts for kids

Big Run on the WVSDB Campus

Big Run is a small stream, about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) long. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one, the South Branch Potomac River. This stream is part of a huge water system that eventually reaches the Chesapeake Bay. Big Run flows right through Romney, a town in Hampshire County, West Virginia. It even goes through the campus of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind. Locals sometimes call it Town Run or Town Creek.

Where Does Big Run Start and Go?

Big Run begins on the western side of South Branch Mountain, just east of Romney. From there, it flows downhill, running alongside the Northwestern Turnpike (also known as U.S. Route 50).

Journey Through Romney

As it leaves the mountain, Big Run goes under Grassy Lick Road (County Route 10). It then flows past the old Miller's Market store and under US 50 again. After crossing US 50, the stream winds its way around the Koolwink Motel. It continues to follow the highway for a while.

Flowing Through Town and School

Big Run then trickles through several neighborhoods. Soon, it enters the beautiful campus of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind (WVSDB). Here, Big Run is a lovely stream surrounded by trees. It winds its way through the school's property. There's even an old dam behind the school's maintenance buildings that was still there in 2008.

Onward to the River

After leaving the school, Big Run continues northwest. It passes by the community's Little League baseball field and flows below Romney's Savilla-Vale neighborhood. It then goes under High Street (West Virginia Route 28).

Big Run then runs next to WV 28, heading north. It flows through the Hampshire County Industrial Park. Finally, it goes under the South Branch Valley Railroad. After passing the old "Cold Storage" building and Wappocomo farm, Big Run empties into the South Branch Potomac River.

What Plants Grow Along Big Run?

Many different kinds of trees grow along the banks of Big Run. These trees help keep the soil in place and provide homes for animals.

• White oak (Quercus alba)
• Pin oak (Quercus palustris)
• Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
• Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
• Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana)
• Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
• American Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
• American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Bridges Over Big Run

Many bridges cross Big Run as it makes its way through Romney. These bridges help people and vehicles get around town.

Images for kids

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  Pedestrian Bridge over Big Run on the WVSDB Campus