Hickory Creek (Delaware River tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hickory Creek
Hickory Creek
Other name(s)	Hickory Run
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Bucks
Township	Plumstead
Physical characteristics
Main source	420 feet (130 m) 40°24′17″N 75°4′26″W / 40.40472°N 75.07389°W / 40.40472; -75.07389
River mouth	72 feet (22 m) 40°25′11″N 75°3′45″W / 40.41972°N 75.06250°W / 40.41972; -75.06250
Length	1.17 miles (1.88 km)
Basin features
Progression	Hickory Creek → Delaware River → Delaware Bay
River system	Delaware River
Bridges	Wismer Road Tollgate Road Pennsylvania Route 32 (River Road) Pennsylvania Canal (Delaware Division) and towpath
Slope	297.44 feet per mile (56.333 m/km)

Hickory Creek is a small stream located in Plumstead Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It flows into the larger Delaware River.

History of Hickory Creek

Hickory Creek got its name because many hickory trees grew in the area. Long ago, people thought of it as a natural border. It separated the small towns of Point Pleasant and Lower Black Eddy.

Facts About Hickory Creek

Hickory Creek is completely within Plumstead Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The area of land that drains into the creek, called its watershed, covers about 1.50 square miles (3.9 km²).

The creek starts high up at an elevation of about 420 feet (130 m). It then flows downhill to meet the Delaware River at an elevation of about 72 feet (22 m). This drop in height means the creek has a good slope, averaging 297.44 feet per mile (56.333 m/km).

Where Hickory Creek Flows

Hickory Creek begins near Tollgate Road, which is southeast of Ferry Road. From there, it flows northeast for about 1.17 miles (1.88 km). Its journey ends when it joins the Delaware River.

Geology of the Creek Area

Hickory Creek flows through a special type of rock called diabase. This rock formed a very long time ago, during the Jurassic and Triassic periods. Diabase is a hard, dark gray or black rock. It is made mostly of two minerals: labradorite and augite.

Bridges Over Hickory Creek

Several bridges and crossings allow people to travel over Hickory Creek. These include:

• Wismer Road
• Tollgate Road – This bridge was built in 1989. It is about 12 metres (39 ft) long and has two lanes.
• Pennsylvania Route 32 (River Road)
• Pennsylvania Canal (Delaware Division) and its towpath