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Houghs Creek (Delaware River tributary) facts for kids

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Houghs Creek
pushpin map showing location of Houghs Creek
pushpin map showing location of Houghs Creek
Houghs Creek
Native name Hough Creek
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
County Bucks
Township Upper Makefield
Physical characteristics
Main source 320 feet (98 m)
40°16′19″N 74°57′17″W / 40.27194°N 74.95472°W / 40.27194; -74.95472
River mouth 26 feet (7.9 m)
40°19′39″N 74°51′32″W / 40.32750°N 74.85889°W / 40.32750; -74.85889
Length 4.70 miles (7.56 km)
Basin features
Progression Houghs Creek → Delaware RiverDelaware Bay
River system Delaware River
Basin size 5.19 square miles (13.4 km2)
Bridges Woodland Road
Creamery Road
Highland Road
Old Dolington Road
Pennsylvania Route 532 (Washington Crossing Road)
Taylorsville Road
Pennsylvania Canal (Delaware Division)
Pennsylvania Route 32 (River Road)
Slope 62.55 feet per mile (11.847 m/km)

Houghs Creek, also known as Hough Creek, is a small stream in Pennsylvania. It flows into the Delaware River. The entire creek is located within Upper Makefield Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

The Story of Houghs Creek's Name

Houghs Creek gets its name from Richard Hough. He was the first settler to live near the creek. An old map from 1682-1684 shows the creek running through land owned by someone named 'Richard Huffe'. This was likely the same person, just with a different spelling of his name back then!

Where Houghs Creek Flows

Houghs Creek is the southernmost stream in Upper Makefield Township. It starts in the southwest part of the township. The creek begins at an elevation of about 320 feet (98 m) (which is like being on top of a 32-story building!).

The creek generally flows towards the east. As it travels, it collects water from three smaller streams. These smaller streams don't have official names. Finally, Houghs Creek joins the Delaware River. This meeting point is about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) downstream from Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. At this spot, the creek is only 26 feet (7.9 m) above sea level. This means the creek drops about 62.55 feet (19.07 m) for every mile it travels!

Local Areas Houghs Creek Touches

Houghs Creek flows entirely within Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Specifically, it is located only in Upper Makefield Township.

Bridges Over Houghs Creek

Many roads and paths cross over Houghs Creek. Here are some of the bridges you might find:

Crossing Year Built Material
Woodland Road - -
Creamery Road - -
Highland Road - -
Old Dolington Road 1940 Steel
Pennsylvania Route 532 (Washington Crossing Road) 1910 Concrete
Taylorsville Road 1941 Concrete
Pennsylvania Canal (Delaware Division) and towpath - -
Pennsylvania Route 32 (River Road) 1933 Concrete Arch
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