Red Creek (Mississippi) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Creek |
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Red Creek, as viewed looking east from MS Highway 15 bridge
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Red Creek meanders through six counties in south Mississippi
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| Country | United States |
| State | Mississippi |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lamar County, Mississippi, United States 370 ft (110 m) 31°03′42″N 89°31′38″W / 31.06167°N 89.52722°W |
| River mouth | Black Creek, Jackson County, Mississippi, United States 12 ft (3.7 m) 30°41′46″N 88°40′05″W / 30.69611°N 88.66806°W |
| Length | 80 mi (130 km) |
Red Creek is a stream in Mississippi, United States. It flows into the Pascagoula River. The creek gets its name from natural substances called tannins. These tannins come from plants and make the water look reddish. This happens as the water flows over the white sand at the bottom of the creek. A part of Red Creek has been officially named a State Scenic Stream by the government of Mississippi. This means it is a special place to protect and enjoy.
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Where Does Red Creek Flow?
Red Creek starts in Lamar County. From there, it flows southeast through several other counties. These include Pearl River, Forrest, Stone, George, and Jackson counties.
Red Creek's Journey to the Pascagoula River
In Jackson County, Red Creek joins another stream called Black Creek. After they meet, they both flow into the larger Pascagoula River. The total length of Red Creek is about 80 miles (129 km).
Special Protection for Red Creek
A specific part of Red Creek is a public waterway. This section runs from Mississippi Highway 26 near Wiggins to where it meets Black Creek. This area is also a designated scenic stream. It has a wide, heavily wooded area along its banks. This area is called a riparian zone and is about 100 feet (30 meters) wide.
Red Creek and the National Forest
Red Creek flows through parts of the De Soto National Forest. You can find it in the southwest of Forrest County and the northeast of Pearl River County. It also runs along the eastern edge of Stone County and the southwest of George County. Most other areas along the creek are private land.
Fun Things to Do at Red Creek
Red Creek is a great place for outdoor activities. It has a special path for boats and canoes called a blueway. There are four different sections in Stone County that are perfect for float trips.
Explore the Blueway Sections
- Clay Shelves Segment: This section is about 9.7 miles (15.6 km) long. It runs between Mississippi Highway 26 and U.S. Route 49.
- Railroad Trestle Segment: This float trip is about 6.2 miles (10.0 km) long. It goes from U.S. Route 49 to City Bridge.
- Red Bluff Segment: The creek winds for about 9.6 miles (15.4 km) in this section. It stretches between City Bridge and Cable Bridge.
- Natural Springs Segment: This is the shortest section, about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) long. It goes from Cable Bridge to Mississippi Highway 15.
Relaxing on Sandbars
Along Red Creek, you will find many white sandbars. These are perfect spots to take a break, have a picnic, or even camp overnight.
What Animals Live in Red Creek?
Many different kinds of fish live in Red Creek. Scientists have found 61 species of fish here. Some of these fish are popular for sport fishing.
Wildlife Around Red Creek
The area around Red Creek is mostly covered by forests. In 2004, about 66% of the land was forested. This area is about 400 square miles (1,036 km²). You can find many animals here. Hunting is allowed in certain areas like the De Soto National Forest and the Red Creek Wildlife Management Area. Animals you might see include whitetail deer, squirrels, raccoons, wild turkeys, rabbits, and bobwhite quail.
