Moshannon Creek facts for kids

Moshannon Creek is known as the Red Moshannon for its red coloring.

Moshannon Creek is a stream in Pennsylvania, United States. It is about 57.4 miles (92.4 km) long. The creek flows into the West Branch Susquehanna River. For its entire length, Moshannon Creek forms the border between Centre County and Clearfield County.

What's in a Name?

The name Moshannon comes from a Native American word. Some people thought it meant "moose stream." However, it's more likely that the name means "elk stream." This comes from the Lenape word "Mos'hanna'unk," which means "elk river place."

Why is it Called the Red Mo?

Moshannon Creek is often called the Red Moshannon or Red Mo. This is because its rocks, banks, and water have a reddish-orange color. This color comes from an iron compound. This compound appears in the water because of acidic water that seeps in from old coal and clay mines nearby.

The water's acidity is not good for most fish. However, wild cranberries seem to grow very well in this environment.

The name Red Mo also helps tell it apart from a smaller stream called Black Moshannon Creek. Black Moshannon Creek joins the Red Moshannon where PA Route 53 crosses the creek.

Fun on the Water: The Red Moshannon Race

Brad Nelson set a race record in 1993.

The Red Moshannon is famous for its yearly canoe and kayak race. It's called the Red Moshannon Downriver Race. This race has been held every year since 1967, on the last Saturday in March.

The race course is about 7 miles (11 km) long. It starts near the town of Grassflat and ends at the Route 53 bridge. The course includes parts with exciting whitewater, which are called Class 1 and Class 2 sections. The fastest time ever recorded in the race was 39 minutes and 29 seconds. This record was set in 1993 by Brad Nelson.

Where Does it Go?

Moshannon Creek eventually flows into the West Branch Susquehanna River. This meeting point is about 3.4 miles (5.5 km) upstream from a town called Karthaus.

Streams that Join Moshannon Creek

Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into Moshannon Creek. Here are some of them:

• Ames Run
• Sevenmile Run
• Black Moshannon Creek
• Crawford Run
• Weber Run
• Browns Run
• Laurel Run
• Potter Run
• Tark Hill Run
• Sixmile Run
• Black Bear Run
• Sulphur Run
• Hawk Run
• Onemile Run
• Emigh Run
• Cold Stream
• Laurel Run
• Big Run
• Shimel Run
• Beaver Run
• Bear Run
• Mountain Branch
• Whiteside Run
• Roup Run
• Wilson Run

See also

In Spanish: Arroyo Moshannon para niños