Courtois Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Courtois Creek |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | near Viburnum, Missouri 1280 ft 37°41′02″N 91°00′41″W / 37.6839354°N 91.0115194°W |
| River mouth | Huzzah Creek 636 ft 38°01′36″N 91°12′43″W / 38.0267124°N 91.2118075°W |
| Length | 38.6 miles (62.1 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 222 sq mi (570 km2) |
Courtois Creek is a stream about 38.6-mile-long (62.1 km) in southern Missouri, United States. It flows through a beautiful area known as the Ozarks, which has many hills and forests. The creek is named after the nearby town of Courtois. Experts believe it was named after a French settler, but his exact identity is not known.
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Journey of Courtois Creek
Courtois Creek starts its journey in the Mark Twain National Forest. This is a large forest located in northern Iron County, Missouri. The creek begins near Missouri Route 32, a few miles east of Bixby.
Flowing North
From its start, the creek flows north. It passes about four miles east of a town called Viburnum. The stream then enters the southwest part of Washington County. It flows past the town of Courtois.
Through Mark Twain National Forest
The creek continues its path north through the Mark Twain National Forest. It enters Crawford County just south of Berryman. Here, it flows under Missouri Route 8, which is a main road.
Meeting Huzzah Creek
Courtois Creek then flows northwest through the Ozarks in Crawford County. It runs almost parallel to another stream called Huzzah Creek. Finally, Courtois Creek flows into Huzzah Creek. This meeting point is close to where Huzzah Creek joins the Meramec River. This area is near the Crawford County Highway E bridge, just east of Scotia.
Fun Activities on the Creek
Courtois Creek is a very popular place for outdoor activities all year round. Many people enjoy spending time on its waters.
Water Sports
The creek is a great spot for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. These activities let people explore the creek's natural beauty from the water.
Nature and Wildlife
The area around Courtois Creek is full of nature. It has thick forests with many trees and native plants. The creek is also home to many fish, turtles, and different kinds of waterfowl (birds that live near water). It is known as one of the best-protected streams in the area, meaning it resists erosion well. In 2007, a local newspaper, the Riverfront Times, even called it the best local float trip.
