Indian Creek (Putnam County, Tennessee) facts for kids

Indian Creek, sometimes called Big Indian Creek, is a big stream in western Putnam County, Tennessee. It flows into the Caney Fork River. A stream that flows into a bigger river is called a tributary.

Where Indian Creek Flows

Indian Creek starts near Baxter, Tennessee. At first, it might not always have water flowing in it. This is called an ephemeral or intermittent stream. But soon, it gets water from the Boyd Hollow Branch.

After that, it meets the Leftwich Hollow Branch and a large natural spring. From this point, the creek always has water flowing. This is called a perennial stream.

As Indian Creek gets bigger, it creates a wide, flat area next to its banks. This area is called a floodplain. It sits between steep hills. The creek then flows through these hills.

It also picks up water from one of the streams named Little Indian Creek. Near its end, Indian Creek flows through a small community called Buffalo Valley.

In the southwestern part of Buffalo Valley, I-40 crosses over the creek with a bridge. The Buffalo Branch also joins Indian Creek here. Soon after, Indian Creek flows into the Caney Fork River.

About Little Indian Creek

There are actually two streams in Putnam County named Little Indian Creek.

One of these streams is a tributary of the main Indian Creek. It is completely within Putnam County. This Little Indian Creek starts near Boma, Tennessee.

The other Little Indian Creek also starts in Putnam County. It begins very close to Gentry, Tennessee. This stream flows down through hills and valleys. It then gets a wide floodplain and always has water, much like the main Indian Creek.

For a short time, this second Little Indian Creek forms part of the border between Putnam County and Smith County, Tennessee. Then, it flows completely into Smith County. As it enters Cordell Hull Lake in Smith County, its part of the lake is next to the Indian Creek Campgrounds. It then joins Dillard Creek. Finally, it flows into the Cumberland River. This is less than two miles from Granville, Tennessee.