Deep Creek (Pine Creek tributary) facts for kids

Deep Creek is a small stream in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It flows into Pine Creek. Deep Creek is about 22.9 miles (36.9 km) long. It flows through areas like Barry Township and Hegins Township. The land that drains into Deep Creek covers about 31.80 square miles (82.4 km²). A smaller stream called Hans Yost Creek also flows into Deep Creek.

Where Deep Creek Flows

Deep Creek starts in a lake called Beury's Lake in Barry Township. For several miles, the creek flows southwest. It moves through a valley between two mountains. Along the way, it meets Hans Yost Creek.

After a short distance, Deep Creek leaves Barry Township. It then enters Hegins Township. Here, it flows through another valley. This valley is between Little Mountain and Mahantango Mountain.

Once the creek passes Little Mountain, it enters a new valley. This valley is between Good Spring Mountain and Mahantango Mountain. Deep Creek shares this valley with Pine Creek. The creek then winds its way west for several miles. It eventually leaves Hegins Township.

After Hegins Township, Deep Creek enters Hubley Township. It keeps winding west for a few more miles. Finally, it joins Pine Creek in the middle of Hubley Township. Deep Creek meets Pine Creek about 8.14 miles (13.10 km) before Pine Creek ends.

Land, Rocks, and Weather

The land near where Deep Creek joins Pine Creek is about 577 feet (176 meters) above sea level. The creek's height drops as it flows. For the first few miles, it drops about 8 feet (2.4 meters) for every mile it travels. Closer to its end, it drops faster, about 20.6 feet (6.3 meters) per mile.

Deep Creek is not very deep. It has calm pools and faster-moving riffles. The bottom of the creek is covered with round stones.

The land around Deep Creek is "rough and hilly." The creek's path is very twisty and winding. You can find rock formations made of limestone and shale along the creek.

The amount of rain and snow in the Deep Creek area is usually between 45 to 50 inches (114 to 127 cm) each year.

Deep Creek's Watershed

The watershed of Deep Creek is the entire area of land where water drains into the creek. This area is about 31.80 square miles (82.4 km²). It is located in the western part of Schuylkill County. This watershed is part of a larger river system called the Susquehanna basin.

Deep Creek mostly flows through countryside areas. Much of its length is surrounded by forests. Mountains are on both sides of the watershed.

There is a weir (a small dam) built on Deep Creek.

History and Fun Activities

In the early 1900s, farming was the main way people made a living in the Deep Creek watershed. In 1921, some of the main towns in the area were Valley View, Hegins, and Sacramento. Valley View had about 580 people, Hegins had 400, and Sacramento had 202.

You can go canoeing on at least 9.9 miles (15.9 km) of Deep Creek. A book called Keystone Canoeing by Edward Gertler says the views along the creek are "good."