Little Neshaminy Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Little Neshaminy Creek
Little Neshaminy Creek in Warwick Township
Little Neshaminy Creek
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Montgomery, Bucks
Township	Horsham Montgomery Warrington Warminster Warwick Northampton
Physical characteristics
Main source	450 feet (140 m) 40°13′48″N 75°14′49″W / 40.23000°N 75.24694°W / 40.23000; -75.24694
River mouth	125 feet (38 m) 40°15′21″N 75°1′59″W / 40.25583°N 75.03306°W / 40.25583; -75.03306
Length	15.5 miles (24.9 km)
Basin features
Progression	Little Neshaminy Creek → Neshaminy Creek → Delaware River → Delaware Bay
River system	Delaware River
Basin size	43 square miles (110 km2)
Landmarks	Windlestrae Park Nikesite Park Lower Nike Park Bradford Reservoir Kemper Park Barness Park
Tributaries	Right: Park Creek
Waterbodies	Bradford Reservoir
Slope	20.97 feet per mile (3.972 m/km)

The Little Neshaminy Creek is a stream in Pennsylvania. It's a branch, or tributary, of the larger Neshaminy Creek. This means its water eventually flows into the Delaware River and then out to the Delaware Bay.

The creek starts near Montgomeryville. It flows for about 15.5 miles (25 km) before joining the Neshaminy Creek.

A Look Back: History of the Little Neshaminy Creek

Long ago, people built many mills along the Little Neshaminy Creek. These mills used the creek's flowing water to power their machines, like grinding grain. Some famous mills included the Old Hartsville Mill and the Upper and Lower Mearns' Mills.

By 1942, there were ten bridges built across the creek. These bridges helped people and goods travel easily over the water.

Creek Facts: Statistics and Size

The area of land that drains water into the Little Neshaminy Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 43 square miles (111 square kilometers).

The creek flows through neighborhoods with homes and businesses. It also passes through four public parks. You can find these parks in Montgomery County and Bucks County.

The Creek's Journey: Its Course

The Little Neshaminy Creek begins in Montgomery Township. It flows generally east for about 3.5 miles (5.6 km). Along this path, it goes through Windlestrae Park.

• In Windlestrae Park, smaller streams join the creek.
• It then turns southeast for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
• During this part of its journey, it touches Nike Park and the Bradford Reservoir Recreation Area.
• At the reservoir, another small stream joins it.
• Below the reservoir, Park Creek also flows into the Little Neshaminy.

Finally, the creek continues generally east for about 6.25 miles (10.1 km). More small streams join it along the way. The Little Neshaminy Creek then meets the Neshaminy Creek.

Understanding the Land: Geology

The land around the Little Neshaminy Creek is part of a special area called the Piedmont Province. This area is known for its unique rock formations.

The entire creek flows over a type of rock called the Lockatong Formation. This formation is made up of different kinds of rock, including:

• Argillite: A fine-grained sedimentary rock.
• Shale: A soft, layered rock.
• Limestone: A rock made mostly of calcium carbonate.
• Calcareous shale: Shale that contains calcium carbonate.

Creek Branches: Named Tributaries

• Park Creek

Local Areas: Municipalities Along the Creek

The Little Neshaminy Creek flows through several towns and townships in two different counties:

Bucks County

• Northampton Township
• Warwick Township
• Warminster Township
• Warrington Township

Montgomery County

• Horsham Township
• Montgomery Township

Crossing the Creek: Bridges and Roads

Many roads and bridges cross over the Little Neshaminy Creek. Here are some of the main crossings: