Gravel Run (Susquehanna River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gravel Run |
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Gravel Run
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | hill in southern Rush Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania between 820 and 840 feet (250 and 260 m) |
| River mouth | Susquehanna River in Rush Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania 436 ft (133 m) 40°55′18″N 76°42′59″W / 40.9216°N 76.7164°W |
| Length | 4.4 mi (7.1 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 6.33 sq mi (16.4 km2) |
Gravel Run is a small stream, also called a tributary. It flows into the big Susquehanna River in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. This stream is about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) long. It travels through two areas: Rush Township and Upper Augusta Township.
The area of land that drains into Gravel Run is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 6.33 square miles (16.4 km2). Many bridges cross over the stream. Long ago, there was even a mill along its banks. Gravel Run is a special place for fish. It is known as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. This means it's a good home for fish that like cold water, and fish that travel to different places.
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Where Gravel Run Flows
Gravel Run starts on a hill in the southern part of Rush Township. It begins by flowing west for a short distance. Then, it turns southwest before heading west again. The stream then flows mostly north for over a mile. It runs alongside Pine Swamp Road for much of this journey. As it flows, other smaller streams join it. The valley around the stream gets deeper here.
Gravel Run then reaches a place called Klines Grove. Here, another small stream joins it. The stream then turns northeast. It flows along the edge between Rush Township and Upper Augusta Township. After a short distance, it turns sharply west. Then it heads north-northwest. The valley of the stream continues to get deeper. After about a mile, the stream turns west and a little south. It then slowly turns northwest. Finally, it reaches a town called Wolverton. In Wolverton, Gravel Run meets the Susquehanna River.
Gravel Run joins the Susquehanna River about 130.58 miles (210.15 km) upstream from the Susquehanna's mouth.
Gravel Run's Location and Height
Gravel Run flows into the Susquehanna River on its left side. The land near where Gravel Run meets the Susquehanna River is about 436 feet (133 m) above sea level. The very beginning of Gravel Run, its source, is much higher. It is between 820 and 840 feet (250 and 260 m) above sea level.
Gravel Run also helps form part of the boundary. It marks the line between Rush Township and Upper Augusta Township.
The Gravel Run Watershed
The watershed of Gravel Run is the entire area of land where water flows into the stream. This area covers about 6.33 square miles (16.4 km2). Both the start and the end of Gravel Run are found in the Riverside area. This area is mapped by the United States Geological Survey. Gravel Run is one of the important streams in Northumberland County.
History of Gravel Run
Gravel Run has been part of Northumberland County since 1772. At that time, Pennsylvania was still a colony. The stream was first in Augusta Township. Later, in 1785, Catawissa Township was created. Gravel Run became part of the border between these two townships.
In 1819, Rush Township was formed. It split off from Shamokin, and Rush Township bordered Augusta. A year later, in 1820, records show that Henry Lacock owned a gristmill and a sawmill on Gravel Run in Rush Township. These mills used the stream's water power. In 1846, Augusta Township split into Upper Augusta and Lower Augusta Townships. After this, Gravel Run became part of the border between Rush Township and Upper Augusta Township.
Gravel Run was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names and locations of places.
Two bridges that are longer than 20 feet (6.1 m) cross over Gravel Run. One concrete bridge was built in 1939. It is 28.9 feet (8.8 m) long. Another concrete bridge, 26.9 feet (8.2 m) long, was built in 1960.
Bassett Campground is located close to Gravel Run. It is on the left side of the stream's floodway.
Wildlife in Gravel Run
Gravel Run is a good place for fish. Experts are thinking about officially calling it a place where wild trout live. It has been suggested that the stream should be known for having trout that reproduce naturally. The stream is also classified as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. This means it's a healthy environment for fish that like cold water and for fish that travel.
