Little Lehigh Creek facts for kids

Little Lehigh Creek in Allentown, Pennsylvania, 2007

The Little Lehigh Creek is a beautiful stream in eastern Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's about 24 miles (38.6 kilometers) long. Sometimes people call it the Little Lehigh River. This creek is the biggest stream that flows into the Lehigh River.

The Little Lehigh Creek winds its way through the Lehigh Valley. It starts in Longswamp Township in Berks County. From there, it flows generally northeast through areas like Lower Macungie Township and Salisbury Township. When it reaches the city of Allentown, another stream called Jordan Creek joins it. Soon after, the Little Lehigh Creek flows into the larger Lehigh River.

The Little Lehigh Creek collects water from a large area. Its drainage area covers about 88.8 square miles (230 square kilometers) in Lehigh County. It also drains about 18.7 square miles (48.4 square kilometers) in Berks County.

Fun Things to Do at Little Lehigh Creek

The Little Lehigh Creek is a great place for outdoor activities! It forms a long, narrow park in Allentown and Emmaus. This park has a charming covered bridge and many walking trails right along the creek.

Even though there's a fish hatchery in the park, the stream is famous for its wild brown trout. These fish live naturally in the creek. Some parts of the stream are special areas where people can only do "catch and release" fly fishing. This means you catch the fish, but then you gently let it go back into the water.

There are also many trails for horseback riding along the stream. These trails are used by riders, runners, and people who enjoy walking. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy nature and get some exercise.

Streams That Join the Little Lehigh Creek

Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Little Lehigh Creek. Think of them as smaller branches joining a bigger river. Here are some of the main ones:

• Cedar Creek
• Jordan Creek
  • Switzer Creek
  • Mill Creek (Jordan Creek)
  • Hegel's Run
    • Schantz Valley Creek
  • Elk Ridge Run
  • Macintosh Run
  • Thicket Run
  • Haasadahl Creek
• Leibert Creek
• Spring Creek
• Swabia Creek (also known as Swope Creek)

Images for kids

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  The Albertus L. Meyers Bridge crossing the Little Lehigh Creek in Allentown, May 2007.

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  The Little Lehigh Creek at Little Lehigh Park in Allentown, January 2013.