Little Hocking River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Hocking River |
|
|---|---|
West Branch Little Hocking River in Belpre Township in 2006
|
|
Map of the Little Hocking River and its watershed.
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Washington County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Fairfield Township 932 ft (284 m) 39°23′48″N 81°42′59″W / 39.39667°N 81.71639°W |
| River mouth | Ohio River Little Hocking 584 ft (178 m) 39°15′47″N 81°41′39″W / 39.26306°N 81.69417°W |
| Length | 18.4 mi (29.6 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 102 sq mi (260 km2) |
| Tributaries |
|
The Little Hocking River is a small river in southeastern Ohio, United States. It flows into the Ohio River. The Little Hocking River is about 18.4 miles (29.6 km) long.
This river is part of a larger watershed that eventually leads to the Mississippi River. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a single river or lake. The Little Hocking River watershed covers about 102 square miles (260 km2). This area is part of the Allegheny Plateau, a hilly region that was not covered by glaciers long ago.
The river flows entirely within Washington County. Some of its smaller streams, called tributaries, also collect water from a small part of Athens County.
Contents
Where the River Flows
The Little Hocking River starts in Fairfield Township. This is between the towns of Barlow and Bartlett.
First, the river flows southeast through Barlow Township. Then it enters Dunham Township. Here, a dam creates Veto Lake. This lake is surrounded by the Veto Lake State Wildlife Area, which is 160-acre (0.65 km2) big. It's a great place for nature!
After Veto Lake, the river turns southwest. It flows into Belpre Township. Near its end, it turns east and flows into the Ohio River. This happens at the community of Little Hocking.
River Branches
The Little Hocking River has several important branches. These are smaller streams that flow into the main river. Three of them are named after the Little Hocking River itself:
East Branch Little Hocking River
This branch starts in Warren Township. It flows southwest into Dunham Township. It is about 6.8 miles (10.9 km) long. This branch collects water from an area of about 13 square miles (34 km2).
Little West Branch Little Hocking River
This branch begins in Fairfield Township. It flows south through Decatur Township. Then it reaches Belpre Township. This branch is about 6 miles (9.7 km) long. It drains an area of about 9.46 square miles (24.5 km2).
West Branch Little Hocking River
The West Branch is the longest of these tributaries. It starts near Bartlett in Wesley Township. It flows south-southeast through Fairfield and Decatur Townships. Finally, it joins the main river in Belpre Township. This branch is about 18 miles (29 km) long. It collects water from a large area of about 39.4 square miles (102 km2).
Other Names for the River
Over time, the Little Hocking River has been known by a few different names. These older names include "Little Hockhocken River," "Little Hockhockin River," and "Little Hockhocking River." These names come from historical records.
