Hector Creek (Cape Fear River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hector Creek |
|
|---|---|
 
Location of Hector Creek Creek mouth
|
|
| Other name(s) | Tributary to Cape Fear River |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Harnett County Wake |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Buckhorn Creek divide pond about 0.5 miles northeast of Duncan, North Carolina 435 ft (133 m) 35°33′02″N 078°50′33″W / 35.55056°N 78.84250°W |
| River mouth | Cape Fear River about 4 miles southwest of Kipling, North Carolina 115 ft (35 m) 35°26′52″N 078°51′50″W / 35.44778°N 78.86389°W |
| Length | 10.81 mi (17.40 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | generally south |
| River system | Cape Fear River |
| Basin size | 19.11 square miles (49.5 km2) |
| Tributaries |
|
| Bridges | NC 42, Wagstaff Road, Rock Spring Lane, Rawls Church Road, Baptist Grove Road, Kipling Road, Christian Light Road |
Hector Creek is a cool stream located in North Carolina, United States. It flows for about 10.81 mi (17.40 km) before joining the much larger Cape Fear River. Think of it as a smaller helper stream that adds its water to a bigger river!
About Hector Creek
Hector Creek is an important part of the natural water system in Harnett County, North Carolina. It's known as a "3rd order tributary," which means it's a stream that flows into another stream, which then flows into an even bigger river. In this case, Hector Creek flows into the Cape Fear River.
Where Does It Start?
Hector Creek begins its journey in a small pond. This pond is located about half a mile northeast of a town called Duncan, North Carolina, in Wake County. From there, the creek flows generally south.
As it travels, Hector Creek crosses into Harnett County. Finally, it meets the Cape Fear River about four miles southwest of Kipling, North Carolina. The place where it joins the Cape Fear River is called its "mouth."
What's Its Home?
The area that Hector Creek collects water from is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 19.11 square miles (49.5 km2) of land. Imagine all the rain that falls on this area – much of it eventually makes its way into Hector Creek!
Every year, this area gets about 46.6 inches of rain. A big part of the land, about 50%, is covered by forests. These forests are super important because they help keep the water clean and provide homes for many plants and animals.
Fun Facts About the Creek
- Hector Creek starts at an elevation of about 435 ft (133 m) above sea level. That's like starting at the top of a tall building!
- By the time it reaches the Cape Fear River, its elevation drops to about 115 ft (35 m). This drop helps the water flow downhill.
- Many bridges cross over Hector Creek, including major roads like NC 42 and other local roads such as Kipling Road. These bridges help people travel easily over the creek.
- The creek has a smaller stream called Cooper Branch that flows into it from the left side. It also has other unnamed streams that add water to it.
