Little Piney Creek (Missouri) facts for kids
Little Piney Creek is a lovely stream located in the southern part of Missouri, a state in the United States. It flows through three different counties: Phelps, Texas, and Dent. This creek is an important part of the beautiful Ozarks region. A stream is like a small river, and Little Piney Creek is a "tributary" of a bigger river called the Gasconade River. This means it flows into and joins the Gasconade River.
Where Little Piney Creek Starts and Ends
Every stream has a beginning and an end! The very start of Little Piney Creek, called its source or headwaters, is in the northeastern part of Texas County. It begins about one mile southeast of a small community named Maples. The exact location of its source is 37°35′06″N 91°47′29″W / 37.58500°N 91.79139°W.
The creek's journey ends when it meets the Gasconade River. This meeting point is called a confluence. The confluence of Little Piney Creek and the Gasconade River is near the town of Jerome. You can find this spot at 37°55′13″N 91°58′31″W / 37.92028°N 91.97528°W.
The Creek's Journey
From its starting point near Maples, Little Piney Creek flows generally towards the northwest. It enters southeastern Phelps County and then turns north. For a while, it flows right next to U. S. Route 63, a major road. Along this path, it passes just east of small communities like Craddock and Edgar Springs.
The creek doesn't always stay in one county! It meanders, which means it twists and turns, crossing the border between Phelps and Dent County several times. Eventually, it turns northwest again and flows under U.S. 63 at a place called Yancy Mills.
As it continues its journey, the creek winds its way north through the Mark Twain National Forest. This is a large, protected forest area. The creek then turns west after another stream, Beaver Creek, joins it. Little Piney Creek keeps flowing west, passing by the town of Newburg and going under Interstate 44, a big highway. Finally, it reaches its confluence with the Gasconade River at Jerome.
Why the Name "Little Piney Creek"?
The name "Little Piney Creek" is quite simple to understand! It was given this name because there used to be, and still are, many pine trees growing close to its banks. The word "Little" probably helps distinguish it from other "Piney" creeks or rivers in the area.
