Deer Creek (Maryland) facts for kids
Deer Creek is a beautiful river that flows for about 52.9 miles (85.1 km) through parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania. It winds through lovely natural areas, especially in Harford County. Eventually, this river flows into the much larger Susquehanna River. You can find its mouth roughly halfway between the Interstate 95 bridge and the Conowingo Dam.
The land area that drains water into Deer Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 171 square miles (443 km²). In Maryland, the watershed (not counting water) is about 145 square miles (376 km²). In 1994, about 3% of this area was covered by hard surfaces like roads and buildings. Deer Creek also acts like a natural border, separating the farming areas from the towns and suburbs in Harford County.
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Where Does Deer Creek Start?
Deer Creek begins its journey in Shrewsbury, a town in York County, Pennsylvania. From there, it flows southeast and soon crosses into Maryland.
Its Path Through Maryland
The creek briefly cuts across the northeastern corner of Baltimore County. Then, it enters Harford County. Here, it flows through several popular state parks, including Rocks State Park, Palmer State Park, and Susquehanna State Park. It passes just north of the Bel Air area.
The Wilson Mill Dam and Fish Ladder
There is only one dam on Deer Creek. It's called the Wilson Mill Dam and is located along Glenville Road in Harford County.
Helping Fish Travel
In the year 2000, something special was built next to the dam: a Denil fish ladder. A fish ladder is like a set of steps that helps fish swim around a dam. This ladder helped open up about 25 miles (40 km) of river. This new path allows several types of anadromous fish to reach their spawning grounds. Anadromous fish are those that live in the ocean but swim up rivers to lay their eggs.
Wildlife and Recreation
Deer Creek was once home to the last known group of the Maryland darter. This small fish was the only animal with a backbone that was endemic to Maryland. Endemic means it was found naturally only in that specific place.
Fun on the Water
Today, Deer Creek is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy visiting the creek for recreation during the warm summer months.
The Stewartstown Railroad Bridge
A historic bridge crosses Deer Creek in Pennsylvania. This bridge carries the Stewartstown Railroad over the creek. It is located in both Hopewell Township and Shrewsbury Township, Pennsylvania.
