Red Brook (Stony Brook tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Brook |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Coalbed Swamp in Forkston Township, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania 2,210 feet (670 m) |
| River mouth | Stony Brook in Forkston Township, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania near Kasson Brook 1,568 feet (478 m) 41°28′35″N 76°11′06″W / 41.4764°N 76.1851°W |
| Length | 1.7 miles (2.7 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Stony Brook → Mehoopany Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 1.86 square miles (4.8 km2) |
Red Brook is a small stream, also called a tributary, located in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It flows into another stream called Stony Brook. Red Brook is about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long and runs through Forkston Township.
The area of land that drains water into Red Brook, called its watershed, covers about 1.86 square miles (4.8 km2). People love to hike along Red Brook because it has beautiful waterfalls, rocky areas called cascades, tall cliffs, and large boulders. The stream starts in a special wet area known as Coalbed Swamp, which is a mix of evergreen trees and bushes.
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Where Red Brook Flows
Red Brook begins its journey on Dutch Mountain, right inside Coalbed Swamp in Forkston Township. At first, it flows towards the northeast for a short distance. Then, it changes direction, heading east-southeast and moving into a valley.
After flowing for a bit, the stream turns again, this time going east-northeast. Finally, it meets up with Stony Brook. This meeting point is about 1.86 miles (2.99 km) upstream from where Stony Brook itself ends.
Land and Rocks Around Red Brook
The land around where Red Brook meets Stony Brook is about 1,568 feet (478 m) above sea level. Up at the stream's starting point, its source, the elevation is higher, around 2,210 feet (670 m) above sea level.
Along Red Brook, you can see some cool natural features. There are two big waterfalls and many smaller cascades, which are like mini-waterfalls over rocks. You'll also find huge boulders, some covered in soft green moss, and impressive cliffs. The stream's source is in Coalbed Swamp, which is part of a larger group of wetlands at the very top of Dutch Mountain.
Water and Its Path
The watershed of Red Brook, which is the entire area of land that collects water for the stream, covers about 1.94 square miles (5.0 km2). The stream is completely within an area mapped by the United States Geological Survey called the Dutch Mountain quadrangle. The end of Red Brook is close to Kasson Brook. The stream is important for supporting aquatic life, meaning it's a good home for fish and other water creatures.
Red Brook is considered a healthy stream and is not listed as having water quality problems.
History and Fun Activities
Red Brook was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System, a list of place names, on August 2, 1979.
Near Red Brook, you can find signs of the past, like an old railroad grade (where train tracks used to be) and the remains of an old camp. Many people consider Red Brook one of the top ten places for hiking in Wyoming County. Jeff Mitchell, who knows the area well, has called it "A special place in Wyoming County." In the 1890s, people likely cut down trees in the Coalbed Swamp area near the stream. However, the area is now in good condition.
Animals and Plants of Red Brook
Coalbed Swamp, which is part of the Red Brook watershed, is listed in the Wyoming County Natural Areas Inventory. This means it's a special place for nature. The swamp is home to the largest group of yellow-bellied flycatchers in Pennsylvania.
The swamp covers about 140 acres (57 ha). About half of this area is a "boreal conifer swamp," which means it's filled with evergreen trees like red spruce. The other half is a "shrub swamp" where you'll find lots of blueberry bushes, leatherleaf, and different kinds of sedges (grass-like plants).
