Raccoon Creek (Beaver County, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Raccoon Creek |
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Raccoon Creek near its mouth
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 Location of Raccoon Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Ohio River |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Counties | Beaver Washington |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | divide between Raccoon Creek and Chartiers Creek Hickory, Pennsylvania 1,200 ft (370 m) 40°18′15″N 080°19′21″W / 40.30417°N 80.32250°W |
| River mouth | Ohio River Ohioview, Pennsylvania 700 ft (210 m) 40°39′46″N 080°21′04″W / 40.66278°N 80.35111°W |
| Length | 47.7 mi (76.8 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | north |
| River system | Ohio River |
| Basin size | 477.21 square kilometres (184.25 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Cherry Valley Reservoir |
Raccoon Creek is a stream that flows into the Ohio River. It is located in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. A stream that flows into a larger river is called a tributary.
Raccoon Creek is an important waterway in western Pennsylvania. It helps carry water from a large area into the Ohio River. This river system eventually flows into the Mississippi River.
Contents
Where is Raccoon Creek Located?
Raccoon Creek starts in Washington County. Its source is near Hickory, Pennsylvania. The source is the highest point where the creek begins. It is about 1,200 feet (366 meters) above sea level.
The creek then flows mostly north. It passes through parts of Washington and Beaver Counties. Finally, it joins the Ohio River in Potter Township. This meeting point is near Ohioview, Pennsylvania. Here, the elevation is about 700 feet (213 meters).
How Long is Raccoon Creek?
Raccoon Creek is about 47.7 miles (76.8 kilometers) long. This makes it a medium-sized stream. It collects water from a large area around it. This area is called its drainage basin.
The drainage basin of Raccoon Creek covers about 477.21 square kilometers (184.25 square miles). All the rain and melted snow that falls in this area eventually flows into Raccoon Creek.
Water Flow and Tributaries
The amount of water flowing in Raccoon Creek changes. On average, about 204 cubic feet (5.78 cubic meters) of water flow out of it every second. This measurement is taken where it meets the Ohio River.
Many smaller streams and runs flow into Raccoon Creek. These are its tributaries. They add more water to the main creek. Some of the streams that join Raccoon Creek from its left side include:
- Burgetts Fork
- Brush Run
- Wingfield Run
- Traverse Creek
- Little Traverse Creek
- Frames Run
- Gum Run
- Fishpot Run
Streams that join from its right side include:
- Cherry Run
- Little Raccoon Run
- Chamberlain Run
- Potato Garden Run
- Rareden Run
One notable body of water in its basin is the Cherry Valley Reservoir. This reservoir holds water for various uses.
Raccoon Creek State Park Connection
Only a small part of Raccoon Creek itself is located within Raccoon Creek State Park. The main stream that flows through the park is actually Little Traverse Creek. Little Traverse Creek is one of the tributaries that eventually flows into Raccoon Creek.
The park offers many outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping. The park's natural beauty makes it a popular spot.
