Raccoon Creek (Ohio) facts for kids
Raccoon Creek is a stream in Ohio, United States, about 114 miles (183 km) long. It flows through five different counties in Ohio. The creek starts in Hocking County, Ohio and then travels through Vinton County, Gallia County, and a small part of Meigs County.
Raccoon Creek has several smaller streams that flow into it, called tributaries. The biggest one is Little Raccoon Creek, which starts in Jackson County. Another important tributary is Hewett Fork, which drains part of Athens County. Other tributaries include Elk Fork, found entirely in Vinton County, and Brushy Fork, mostly in Vinton County.
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Where is Raccoon Creek Located?
Raccoon Creek is found in the southeastern part of Ohio. It begins where two smaller streams, the East and West Branches of Raccoon Creek, meet near New Plymouth, Ohio in Vinton County. The creek then flows until it joins the much larger Ohio River in Gallia County. This meeting point is called a confluence.
How Much Water Flows in Raccoon Creek?
Scientists measure how much water flows in rivers and streams. The USGS is an organization that does this. They have special equipment called stream gauges.
Water Flow at Adamsville
A stream gauge on Raccoon Creek near Adamsville, Ohio has measured the water flow for many years. From 1916 to 2019, the average amount of water flowing past this point was about 651 cubic feet (18.4 cubic meters) per second. That's like filling a small swimming pool every second!
Water Flow in Little Raccoon Creek
Another gauge on Little Raccoon Creek near Ewington, Ohio also measures water flow. From 1999 to 2019, the average flow there was about 120 cubic feet (3.4 cubic meters) per second. This shows how much water these important waterways carry.
Who Helps Raccoon Creek?
The Raccoon Creek Partnership is a group dedicated to protecting and improving Raccoon Creek. They work on environmental issues, like keeping the water clean, and also help with recreational activities, such as fishing or boating, that people enjoy on the creek. Their goal is to make sure Raccoon Creek stays healthy for everyone.
