Fitch Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fitch Creek |
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Fitch Creek looking downstream
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | unnamed lake in Falls Township, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania between 980 and 1,000 feet (299 and 305 m) |
| River mouth | Susquehanna River in Falls Township, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania 554 ft (169 m) 41°27′51″N 75°51′56″W / 41.46419°N 75.86554°W |
| Length | 2.0 mi (3.2 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 2.52 sq mi (6.5 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Fitch Creek is a small stream, also called a tributary, located in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania. It flows into the much larger Susquehanna River. The creek is about 2 miles (3.2 km) long and runs through Falls Township. The land area that drains into Fitch Creek, called its watershed, covers about 2.52 square miles (6.5 km2). This creek is known for being clean and healthy, and its waters are a great home for coldwater fish and fish that travel to spawn.
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Where Fitch Creek Flows
Fitch Creek begins in a small, unnamed lake in Falls Township. From there, it flows south for a short distance. It then enters a valley, where it turns southwest.
As it continues, the valley around the creek gets wider. Fitch Creek then turns south-southwest for a bit. After that, it flows southeast for a few tenths of a mile and goes under Pennsylvania Route 92. Finally, it heads east for several tenths of a mile before joining the Susquehanna River.
Fitch Creek meets the Susquehanna River about 209.40 miles (337.00 km) upstream from where the Susquehanna empties into the ocean.
Fitch Creek's Tributaries
Fitch Creek does not have any named smaller streams flowing into it. However, it does have one unnamed stream that flows down a mountain and joins the creek.
Creek Health
Fitch Creek is considered a very healthy stream. It has not been listed as a "polluted" or "impaired" waterbody. This means its water quality is good for the plants and animals that live there.
Land and Rocks Around the Creek
The land around Fitch Creek changes as you follow the stream. Near where it joins the Susquehanna River, the ground is mostly made of alluvium (soil deposited by water) and sand and gravel left behind by ancient glaciers.
Further upstream, the land is mostly covered by Till (another type of soil left by glaciers). There are also some areas with rocky ground and small lakes. A hill called Post Hill is located just east of Fitch Creek.
The elevation, or height above sea level, of Fitch Creek is different at its start and end. At its mouth, where it meets the Susquehanna River, the elevation is about 554 feet (169 m). At its source, the unnamed lake, the elevation is higher, between 980 and 1000 feet (299 and 305 m) above sea level.
Fitch Creek's Watershed
The watershed of Fitch Creek covers an area of about 2.52 square miles (6.5 km2). This is the entire area of land where all the rain and snowmelt eventually flow into Fitch Creek.
An interesting feature on Fitch Creek is a waterfall known as the Fitch Creek Falls. Part of the creek also flows very close to a road called Evergreen Road, about 100 feet (30 m) away.
The main purpose of Fitch Creek, as recognized by environmental groups, is to support aquatic life. This means it's an important home for fish, insects, and other creatures that live in the water.
History of Fitch Creek
Fitch Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System (a database of place names) on August 2, 1979.
A bridge that carries Pennsylvania Route 92 crosses over Fitch Creek. Plans were made in October 2014 to replace this bridge.
Wildlife in the Creek
The area around Fitch Creek is special for fish. It is designated as a Coldwater Fishery, meaning its waters are cool enough for fish like trout to thrive. It's also a Migratory Fishery, which means certain fish travel through the creek to lay their eggs.
