Paint Creek (Scioto River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paint Creek |
|
|---|---|
Paint Creek at Greenfield
|
|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 5 mi (8.0 km) southwest of London 1,100 ft (340 m) |
| River mouth | Scioto River near Chillicothe ~ 590 ft (180 m) |
| Length | 94.7 mi (152.4 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,143 sq mi (2,960 km2) |
Paint Creek is a river in south-central Ohio, United States. It is about 94.7 miles (152.4 km) long. This means it flows for almost 95 miles! Paint Creek is a tributary of the Scioto River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
Through the Scioto River and then the Ohio River, Paint Creek's water eventually joins the mighty Mississippi River. This whole area that drains into Paint Creek is called its watershed. The Paint Creek watershed covers a large area of 1,143 square miles (2,960 km2).
Where Does Paint Creek Flow?
Paint Creek starts in southwestern Madison County. From there, it flows mostly south-southeast. It travels through Fayette County. It also runs along the edges of Highland and Ross Counties.
The creek passes by towns like Washington Court House and Greenfield. After Greenfield, there is a dam built across the stream. This dam creates a large body of water called Paint Creek Lake. This lake is part of Paint Creek State Park, a popular place for outdoor activities.
Below the dam, Paint Creek turns and flows eastward through Ross County. It goes past Bainbridge. It also flows just south of Chillicothe. Finally, it meets and joins the Scioto River near Chillicothe.
What Are Paint Creek's Branches?
Rivers often have smaller streams or rivers that flow into them. These are also called tributaries. Paint Creek has a few important ones:
- Rattlesnake Creek flows into Paint Creek Lake.
- North Fork Paint Creek is another important branch. It is about 46.6 miles (75.0 km) long. This branch starts in southeastern Madison County. It generally flows southeast through Fayette and Ross Counties. The North Fork passes by the town of Frankfort. It then joins the main Paint Creek near Chillicothe. The North Fork drains its own area of 236 square miles (610 km2).
Other Names for Paint Creek
Over time, rivers can sometimes be known by different names. The Geographic Names Information System lists some historical names for Paint Creek:
- Alamoneetheepeece
- Chillicotha Creek
- Necunsia Skeintat (This name was found on an old map from 1755!)
- Olomon Sepung
- Olomoni Siipunk
- Pain Creek
- Paint River
- Pait Creek
