Hell Run (Slippery Rock Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hell Run |
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Location of Hell Run mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Slippery Rock Creek |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Lawrence |
| Townships | Slippery Rock Shenango |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | divide between Slippery Rock Creek and Beaver River about 0.5 miles north of Energy, Pennsylvania 1,220 ft (370 m) 40°56′02″N 080°15′48″W / 40.93389°N 80.26333°W |
| River mouth | Slippery Rock Creek about 0.5 miles upstream of Harris Bridge on Slippery Rock Creek 880 ft (270 m) 40°54′57″N 080°12′55″W / 40.91583°N 80.21528°W |
| Length | 4.5 mi (7.2 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | generally southeast |
| River system | Beaver River |
| Basin size | 5.78 square miles (15.0 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Bridges | Center Church Road, Copper Road, Shaffer Road |
Hell Run is a small stream, about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) long. It flows into Slippery Rock Creek in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. A big part of Hell Run flows through McConnells Mill State Park. It's special because it's the only stream in Lawrence County called an "Exceptional Value" stream.
What's in a Name?
The name "Hell Run" comes from a story. An early settler once spent a night in the valley. They described it as "Hell," and the name stuck!
Where Hell Run Flows
The area around Hell Run is called its watershed. This is the land where all the rain and snow eventually drain into the stream. Most of the Hell Run watershed is used for farming. Some parts in the upper areas used to be strip mines. The lower parts, inside McConnells Mill State Park, are natural and wild. Almost 60% of the land in this watershed is covered by forests.
A Look Back in Time
The first settlers in this area were Jacob Shaffer (around 1809-1810) and Miller Kennedy (around 1808). Later, in the late 1800s, people used to make iron in the valley. You can still find an old iron furnace in the watershed today!
Special Protection for Hell Run
Hell Run is very important for nature. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has named it an "Exceptional Value" (EV) stream. This means its water quality is super clean and it supports special plants and animals. Hell Run, along with Slippery Rock Creek, is also listed on the Nationwide Inventory of Wild and Scenic Rivers. This listing helps protect its natural beauty and importance for future generations.
