Chest Creek facts for kids

Chest Creek is a cool stream in Pennsylvania, flowing for about 40 miles (65 km) through Cambria and Clearfield counties. It's an important branch of the West Branch Susquehanna River. Even though some parts of the creek have a bit too much mud and dirt, it's still a really good home for coldwater fish.

Where Does Chest Creek Flow?

Chest Creek starts in a valley in Allegheny Township, Cambria County. It flows north for a few miles, then turns northeast. As it goes, its valley gets wider. A smaller stream called Laurel Lick Run joins it.

The creek then turns north again, flowing along the edge of East Carroll Township and Clearfield Township. It reaches the town of Patton, where another stream, Little Chest Creek, flows into it. From there, Chest Creek heads north-northwest, following the border between Chest Township and Elder Township.

After a while, Rock Run and Brubaker Run join the creek. Soon after, Chest Creek leaves Cambria County.

Chest Creek in Clearfield County

When Chest Creek enters Westover Township, Clearfield County, it turns northeast. Rougues Harbor Run and Ashcraft Run add their waters to it. The creek then flows past the town of Westover.

Next, Chest Creek enters Chest Township, Clearfield County, and starts to curve and bend a lot, like a snake. It flows next to Pennsylvania Route 36 for many miles. Several smaller streams, including Pine Run, Spring Run, Kings Run, Snyder Run, and North Camp Run, join it here.

The creek eventually goes through the town of Newburg, where Wilson Run and Rattling Run flow into it. Then, it enters Bell Township and turns northwest, still following Pennsylvania Route 36. A few miles later, it passes through Mahaffey and finally meets the West Branch Susquehanna River.

What Streams Join Chest Creek?

Some of the smaller streams that flow into Chest Creek are Ashcraft Run, Brubaker Run, and Duclos Run.

How Clean is Chest Creek's Water?

About 20 miles (32 km) of Chest Creek has too much siltation. This means there's extra mud, sand, and dirt in the water, which can make it cloudy and affect the fish and other creatures living there.

Most of the extra dirt, called sediment, comes from farms (croplands) and the creek banks themselves. Some also comes from hay fields, pastures, and developed areas. Even forests and lawns contribute a small amount. A tiny bit comes from old coal mines and wetlands.

Chest Creek's Surroundings and Weather

Near where Chest Creek joins the big river, the land is about 1,253 feet (382 meters) above sea level.

You might find things called "strainers" in the creek, which are obstacles like fallen trees that can be tricky for boats. There are also two small dams on the upper part of the creek. In the middle part, the creek flows through a deep canyon.

Chest Creek is located in the Appalachian Plateaus area, which is a large region of high, flat land.

The area around Chest Creek gets about 46 inches (117 cm) of rain each year. About 3.5 inches (9 cm) of that rain runs off into the creek.

What is Chest Creek's Watershed?

The watershed of Chest Creek is the entire area of land where all the rain and snowmelt drain into the creek. This watershed covers about 129 square miles (335 square kilometers). There are roughly 264 miles (425 km) of streams and smaller creeks within this area.

More than half (57%) of the land in the main part of the Chest Creek watershed is covered by forests. About 37% is farmland, and the remaining 6% is used for other things.

Animals and Nature in Chest Creek

Most of Chest Creek, from its mouth all the way up to Patton, is known as a coldwater fishery. This means the water is cold enough and clean enough for fish that need cool temperatures, like trout. The very beginning of the creek, called its headwaters, is considered a high-quality coldwater fishery, meaning it's an excellent place for these fish.

Fun Things to Do at Chest Creek

If you like to canoe, you can paddle about 34 miles (55 km) of Chest Creek! The best times to go are when the snow is melting or within a couple of days after a heavy rain. The creek's difficulty for canoeing ranges from easy to a bit challenging.

Some parts of the creek offer beautiful views, while others might not be as scenic. Chest Creek is the first major stream that flows into the West Branch Susquehanna River that is good for canoeing.