Pistol Creek facts for kids
Pistol Creek is a small stream, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) long, that flows entirely within Blount County, Tennessee. It's a "tributary," which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one. Pistol Creek eventually joins the Little River.
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Where Pistol Creek Flows
Pistol Creek starts from several natural springs in an area called Carpenter's Campground in Blount County. From there, it flows in different directions, first northeast and then northwest. It reaches Pearson Springs, which is inside the city of Maryville.
Parks and Pathways
Near Pearson Springs, you'll find the Maryville Alcoa Greenway. This is a popular path where people can walk, run, or bike right alongside Pistol Creek. The creek then continues its journey, flowing through two nice parks: Pearson Springs Park and Sandy Springs Park. These parks offer great places for people to enjoy nature.
Historical Spots
As Pistol Creek winds through Maryville, it passes by some interesting historical sites. On the south side of Maryville, you can see the old ruins of a dam and a "mill race" from the early 1900s. A mill race is a channel that used to carry water to power a mill. These ruins are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Further downstream, the creek flows past Fort Craig spring. This spring is a very special place because it's where the city of Maryville was first settled! The creek then curves around the downtown area of Maryville. It even helps form a small lake called Greenbelt lake on the north side of town, along with another stream called Brown Creek.
Joining the Little River
From Greenbelt lake, Pistol Creek flows north into the city of Alcoa. Finally, it meets and joins the Little River, about a mile south of Rockford.
Protecting Pistol Creek
Pistol Creek is a very important natural resource for the communities of Maryville and Alcoa. However, it has faced some challenges.
Environmental Concerns
The Tennessee Department of Natural Resources has called Pistol Creek an "impaired" stream. This means the water quality isn't as good as it should be. A big reason for this is "runoff" from the cities of Maryville and Alcoa. Runoff happens when rain washes pollutants like dirt, chemicals, and trash from streets and yards into the creek.
Cleanup Efforts
Even though the creek has faced challenges, the cities of Maryville and Alcoa are working hard to help. They have spent a lot of money, time, and effort to clean up Pistol Creek and make its watershed more beautiful. These efforts help protect the creek's health and ensure it remains a valuable part of the community for years to come.
