Elk Creek (Pine Creek tributary) facts for kids

Elk Creek is a small river, about 19.2-mile-long (30.9 km), located in Centre County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger one called Pine Creek. Think of it as a branch of a tree, where Elk Creek is a branch and Pine Creek is a bigger branch.

This creek is part of a much larger water system! All its water eventually flows into Penns Creek, and then into the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna River is one of the longest rivers on the East Coast of the United States, so Elk Creek's water travels a long way!

Where Does Elk Creek Start and Flow?

Elk Creek begins its journey in Centre County. It starts in a valley nestled between two mountains: Hough Mountain and Brush Mountain. This area is east of a village called Livonia.

Elk Creek's Path

From its start, Elk Creek flows generally west-southwest. It winds its way through a beautiful area known as Brush Valley. Along this path, it passes by two small villages: Smullton and Rebersburg.

After flowing through Brush Valley, the creek takes a turn. At a spot called Spring Bang, it changes direction and heads south. Here, it cuts right through Brush Mountain and another mountain called Shriner Mountain. Imagine the water carving its way through the land over many, many years!

Reaching Penns Valley

Once Elk Creek has made its way through the mountains, it enters another area known as Penns Valley. In this valley, the creek flows through the borough of Millheim.

It continues its journey south-southeast until it reaches its end. Elk Creek flows into Pine Creek, which is its "mouth." This meeting point is just a little bit upstream from where Pine Creek itself joins Penns Creek, near the village of Coburn. So, Elk Creek is a small but important part of a big network of waterways!