Pine Creek (Allegheny River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pine Creek |
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Bridge in Shaler Township that carries Burchfield Road over Pine Creek
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 40°38′21″N 80°04′21″W / 40.6392337°N 80.0725582°W |
| River mouth | 712 ft (217 m) 40°29′21″N 79°57′04″W / 40.4892355°N 79.9511633°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Allegheny River |
Pine Creek is a stream that flows through Allegheny County in the state of Pennsylvania, United States. It's like a smaller river that eventually joins a much bigger one. Pine Creek is an important part of the local environment and water system.
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Pine Creek's Journey
Every river and stream has a path it follows, from where it starts to where it ends. This path is called its "course." Pine Creek begins its journey in the northern part of Allegheny County. It then flows generally southeast through different towns and natural areas.
Where Does Pine Creek Flow?
As Pine Creek travels, it passes through several communities. It winds its way through places like Pine Township, Richland Township, and Shaler Township. Its journey finally ends when it flows into the Allegheny River. This meeting point is near the town of Etna. The Allegheny River is a major river in Pennsylvania, and Pine Creek adds its water to this larger system.
What Are Tributaries?
A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river or lake. Think of it like branches on a tree, where the smaller branches (tributaries) feed into the main trunk (the larger river). Tributaries are very important because they collect water from a wider area. This water then flows into the main river, helping to keep it full and healthy. Pine Creek has several tributaries that join it along its course.
Streams Joining Pine Creek
Here are some of the smaller streams that flow into Pine Creek:
- Little Pine Creek (on the west side)
- Little Pine Creek (on the east side)
- Willow Run
- Montour Run
- North Fork Pine Creek
- Wexford Run
These smaller streams bring water from different parts of the land into Pine Creek. This network of streams and rivers is called a watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a single main river or stream.
