Pokeberry Creek (Haw River tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pokeberry Creek
Show map of North Carolina Show map of the United States Location of Pokeberry Creek mouth
Other name(s)	Tributary to Haw River
Country	United States
State	North Carolina
County	Chatham
Physical characteristics
Main source	divide between Pokeberry Creek and Morgan Creek about 5 miles southwest of Chapel Hill, North Carolina 552 ft (168 m) 35°50′28″N 079°07′26″W / 35.84111°N 79.12389°W / 35.84111; -79.12389
River mouth	Haw River about 1 mile southeast of Bynum, North Carolina 290 ft (88 m) 35°45′48″N 079°07′52″W / 35.76333°N 79.13111°W / 35.76333; -79.13111
Length	7.82 mi (12.59 km)
Basin features
Progression	southwest
River system	Haw River
Basin size	12.81 square miles (33.2 km2)
Tributaries	Left: Ward Branch Right: unnamed tributaries
Bridges	Great Ridge Parkway, Catulio Run, Andrews Store Road, Morris Road, US 15, Bynum Ridge Road

Pokeberry Creek is a small stream, about 7.82 mi (12.59 km) long, located in Chatham County, North Carolina. It's a "3rd order tributary," which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one, the Haw River. This creek is one of only two streams in the United States with the name Pokeberry Creek. The other one is found in Indiana.

Journey of Pokeberry Creek

Pokeberry Creek begins its journey about 5 miles southwest of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This starting point is in Chatham County.

Where the Creek Flows

From its source, the creek flows generally towards the southwest. It continues its path until it reaches the Haw River. This meeting point is just a short distance downstream from the town of Bynum.

Understanding the Creek's Watershed

A watershed is like a big bowl that collects all the rain and snowmelt. All the water in this "bowl" eventually drains into a single stream, river, or lake.

Size and Features of the Watershed

The Pokeberry Creek watershed covers an area of about 12.81 square miles (33.2 km²). This means all the land within this area drains into Pokeberry Creek. The area gets about 47.4 inches of rain each year. A large part of the watershed, about 71%, is covered by forests. These forests help keep the water clean and healthy.

Images for kids

This map shows the path of Pokeberry Creek in Chatham County, North Carolina.

This map highlights the entire watershed area that drains into Pokeberry Creek.