Martins Creek (Delaware River tributary) facts for kids
Martins Creek is a stream, also called a tributary, that flows for about 10.4-mile-long (16.7 km) in eastern Pennsylvania, United States. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one. Martins Creek eventually joins the much larger Delaware River.
The creek gets its name from James Martin. He was an early settler in the area and later became a colonel during the American Revolutionary War. The town of Martins Creek is also named after him.
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Where Martins Creek Begins
Martins Creek actually starts from two smaller streams, like two arms reaching out. These are called the East Fork and the West Fork. They come together to form the main stream.
East Fork of Martins Creek
The East Fork begins in Upper Mount Bethel Township, which is in Northampton County. It starts south of a mountain range called Kittatinny Mountain.
This fork is held back by a dam to create Minsi Lake. This lake is a popular county park. In 1991, the biggest white perch ever caught in Pennsylvania was found here! After the lake, the East Fork flows through a swampy area. It then meets the West Fork near North Bangor.
West Fork of Martins Creek
The West Fork starts in Hamilton Township, Monroe County. This area is where two mountain ridges, Blue Mountain and Kittatinny Mountain, meet.
The West Fork flows northeast at first. Then, it curves east around the end of Blue Mountain. It joins the East Fork just below North Bangor.
The Main Stream of Martins Creek
Once the East and West Forks meet, they form the main Martins Creek. This main stream flows south through towns like Roseto and Bangor. This area is famous for its many slate quarries. Slate is a type of rock used for roofing and other building materials.
A former train track, once part of the DL&W line, now follows the creek south from Bangor. This track is now used by Norfolk Southern. The creek then passes through Flicksville.
It meets another small stream called Greenwalk Creek near Martins Creek Jct.. From here, the creek valley becomes wide but also very steep. It gets narrower and twistier as it flows further south. It then meets Little Martins Creek.
At the town of Martins Creek, the old train line connects to another track. PA Route 611, a main road, crosses the creek here. It then runs alongside the creek before continuing south along the Delaware River.
The creek flows past an old cement factory, which used to be a major industry in the town. Finally, Martins Creek empties into the Delaware River.
Other Streams Joining Martins Creek
Martins Creek has a few smaller streams that flow into it. These are called tributaries.
- Little Martins Creek
- Greenwalk Creek
