East Fork Arkansas River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Fork Arkansas River |
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The East Fork just after it goes under County Road 9 and just before it merges with Tennessee Creek to form the Arkansas River.
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mosquito Range 13,200 ft (4,000 m) 39°19′38″N 106°09′56″W / 39.32722°N 106.16556°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Arkansas 9,728 ft (2,965 m) 39°15′25″N 106°20′38″W / 39.25694°N 106.34389°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Arkansas—Mississippi |
The East Fork Arkansas River is a cool river in central Colorado. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger river. This river is about 20.6-mile-long (33.2 km). It helps create the famous Arkansas River.
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What is the East Fork Arkansas River?
The East Fork Arkansas River is a tributary. This means it's a smaller river that feeds into a larger one. Think of it as a branch joining a main tree trunk. It's an important part of the bigger Arkansas River system.
Where Does This River Begin?
The East Fork Arkansas River starts high up in the mountains. Its source is in the Mosquito Range in central Colorado. This area is very high, about 13,200 ft (4,000 m) above sea level. It's a beautiful, wild place where the river's journey begins.
Where Does the River Flow?
As the East Fork flows, it eventually meets another stream. This stream is called Tennessee Creek. When these two streams join together, they form the official Arkansas River. This meeting point is located west of a town called Leadville, Colorado.
Why is This River Important?
Even though it's not the biggest river, the East Fork Arkansas River is very important. It's the starting point for a huge river system. The water from this fork eventually travels all the way to the Mississippi River. This means it's part of a massive network of waterways across the United States. It helps provide water for many plants and animals along its path.
