Perkiomen Creek facts for kids
Perkiomen Creek is a stream that flows for about 37.7 miles (60.7 kilometers) in Pennsylvania. It is a tributary of the Schuylkill River. This means it is a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. The creek runs through parts of Berks, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties. Long ago, on a map from 1687 by Thomas Holme, it was called "Perquaminck Creek."
The creek starts in Hereford Township in Berks County. It first flows east into Upper Milford Township in Lehigh County. Then, it turns south and goes back into Hereford Township before entering Montgomery County. The name "Perkiomen" comes from the Lenape term Pakihm Unk. This term means "cranberry place" in English.
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Green Lane Reservoir: A Big Pond on the Creek
A large dam on Perkiomen Creek creates the Green Lane Reservoir. This reservoir is located north of Green Lane. It holds back water, stretching north past Route 663. Reservoirs are important because they can store water for people to use or help control floods.
Where Perkiomen Creek Meets the Schuylkill River
Perkiomen Creek flows into the Schuylkill River about 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) downstream from a place called Audubon. This area is famous for the Mill Grove Farm, which was once the home of John James Audubon. He was a very famous artist and naturalist from the 1800s who studied birds. Today, Mill Grove Farm is a wildlife sanctuary run by the National Audubon Society. The biggest stream that flows into Perkiomen Creek is called East Branch Perkiomen Creek.
The Perkiomen Trail: A Path for Fun
The Perkiomen Trail was created in 2003. It's a special path that follows along the creek. This trail is a partnership between the Montgomery County Planning Commission and local towns. It's a great place for people to walk, jog, and bike. The trail starts at Green Lane Reservoir Park and goes south. It eventually meets the Schuylkill River Trail near the Schuylkill River.
Images for kids
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Perkiomen Creek in Rahns, Pennsylvania
