Nanticoke River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nanticoke River
The Nanticoke at Vienna, Maryland
Map of the rivers of the Eastern Shore of Maryland with the Nanticoke and its watershed highlighted.
Country	United States
States	Maryland Delaware
Region	South Atlantic States
Physical characteristics
Main source	Middleford, Delaware about 60 feet 38°52′55″N 075°33′36″W / 38.88194°N 75.56000°W / 38.88194; -75.56000
River mouth	Chesapeake Bay Waterview, Maryland sea level (0 ft.) 38°14′00″N 075°55′29″W / 38.23333°N 75.92472°W / 38.23333; -75.92472
Length	about 63 miles
Basin features
Progression	generally southwest
River system	Chesapeake Bay
Tributaries	Left: Kent-Sussex Line Branch, Glade Branch, Gum Branch, Gravelly Branch, Hurley Drain, Deep Creek, Morgan Branch, Gum Branch, Broad Creek, Beaverdam Branch, Cod Creek, Plum Creek, Reconow Creeek, Owens Creek, Grimes Creek, Barren Creek, Ingem Gut, Den Creek, Rewastico Creek, Quantico Creek, Wetipquin Creek, Dunn Creek, Windsor Creek Right: White Marsh Branch, Cart Branch, Polk Branch, Birdgeville Branch, Turkey Branch, Ake Ditch, Clear Brook, Chapel Branch, Turtle Branch, Wright Creek, Gales Creek, Dennis Creek, Mill Creek, Molly Horn Creek, Marshyhope Creek, Chicone Creek, Redfin Creek, Mill Creek, Peach Orchard Creek, Wapremander Creek, Jacks Creek, Langrells Creek, Cow Creek

The Nanticoke River is an important waterway on the Delmarva Peninsula. It's a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. In this case, it flows into the amazing Chesapeake Bay. This river starts in Delaware and then travels through Maryland.

The Nanticoke River: A Natural Wonder

The Nanticoke River is about 63 miles long. That's a pretty long journey for a river! It plays a big role in the environment and history of the area.

Where Does the River Flow?

The Nanticoke River begins its journey in southern Kent County, Delaware. From there, it flows through Sussex County, also in Delaware. As it continues, it forms a natural border between Dorchester County and Wicomico County in Maryland.

The river's path generally goes southwest. It eventually empties into the Tangier Sound, which is a part of the huge Chesapeake Bay.

What Feeds the Nanticoke?

Just like tiny streams feed a bigger river, the Nanticoke River has many smaller waterways that join it. These are called tributaries. On its west side, some of these include Cow Creek, Jack Creek, and Marshyhope Creek. On the east side, you'll find places like Gravelly Fork, Gum Branch, and Broad Creek.

Towns Along the River

Many towns and communities are located along the Nanticoke River. In Maryland, you'll find places like Nanticoke, Bivalve, Vienna, and Sharptown. Further north, in Delaware, you'll find the city of Seaford, Delaware. These towns have often grown because of their connection to the river.

A River of History

Long ago, a famous English explorer named John Smith explored the Nanticoke River. He even mapped it! People believe he visited with Native Americans who lived in a settlement where Vienna, Maryland, is today. Imagine what it was like to see the river for the first time through their eyes!

Exploring the Nanticoke: Water Trails

If you love nature and being outdoors, you'll be interested to know about the Nanticoke River's water trails. In 2011, officials in Delaware and the federal government created a 26-mile ecotourism water trail along the river. This trail connects to another 37-mile trail that goes through Maryland all the way to the Chesapeake Bay. These trails are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Keeping the River Flowing

Sometimes, rivers need a little help to stay easy to travel on, especially for boats. The Nanticoke River has been dredged a few times, in 1990 and 2013. Dredging means removing mud and sand from the bottom of the river. This helps make sure boats can travel smoothly along its course.