Little River (Cape Fear River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little River |
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Location of Little River mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Cape Fear River |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Moore Hoke Cumberland Harnett |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Jackson Creek divide pond about 0.25 miles north of West End, North Carolina 535 ft (163 m) 35°14′40″N 079°33′53″W / 35.24444°N 79.56472°W |
| River mouth | Cape Fear River about 2 miles east of Linden, North Carolina 56 ft (17 m) 35°15′25″N 078°42′12″W / 35.25694°N 78.70333°W |
| Length | 71.14 mi (114.49 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | generally east |
| River system | Cape Fear River |
| Basin size | 4,248.05 square miles (11,002.4 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Thagards Lake |
| Bridges | Carthage Road, McKenzies Mill Road, Beulah Hill Church Road, Murdocksville Road, US 15-501, NC 22, McCaskill Road, Rays Bridge Road, Country Club Blvd., Niagara-Carthage Road, Holly Street, US 1, Long Point Road, Lakebay Road, Morrison Bridge Road, NC 24, E Manchester Road, NC 210, McCormick Bridge Road, W Reeves Bridge Road, US 401, NC 217 |
The Little River is a cool river in North Carolina. It's about 71 miles (114 kilometers) long. This river flows into the Cape Fear River, which is a much bigger river. The Little River also helps mark the borders between some counties, like Moore and Hoke, and Harnett and Cumberland.
Where the River Flows
The Little River starts in a pond near West End. This town is in Moore County, North Carolina. The river's starting point is about 535 feet (163 meters) above sea level.
From there, the river flows mostly towards the east. It travels through different areas before it reaches its end. The Little River finally joins the Cape Fear River about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) east of Linden. This meeting point is much lower, at about 56 feet (17 meters) above sea level.
The River's Area
The Little River collects water from a huge area called a watershed. This watershed covers about 4,248 square miles (10,997 square kilometers). Think of it like a giant bowl where all the rain and smaller streams eventually flow into the Little River.
About 47 inches (119 centimeters) of rain fall in this area each year. A big part of the watershed, about 47%, is covered by forests. These forests help keep the river clean and healthy.
Tributaries and Bridges
Many smaller streams and creeks flow into the Little River. These are called tributaries. Some of the creeks that join the Little River from the left side include Wads Creek, Crane Creek, and Anderson Creek. On the right side, you'll find Nicks Creek, Mill Creek, and Deep Creek.
Many roads and bridges cross over the Little River. These include major roads like US 15-501, US 1, and US 401, helping people travel across the region.
