Roan Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roan Creek |
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Roan Creek near Maymead
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Johnson County, Tennessee |
| River mouth | Watauga River |
Roan Creek is a small river, also called a creek, located in the United States. It flows through the state of Tennessee and is an important part of the local environment. This creek eventually joins a larger river, the Watauga River.
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Where Does Roan Creek Start and End?
Roan Creek begins its journey high up near the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Its starting point, called the source, is on the slopes of a mountain known as Snake Mountain. This area is close to a small town called Trade in Johnson County, Tennessee.
The Creek's Path
From Snake Mountain, Roan Creek first flows north. Then, it makes a turn to the west, curving around the northern part of another mountain called Stone Mountain. After that, the creek heads south and west.
Journey Through the Forest
As it continues, Roan Creek flows through a beautiful area known as the Cherokee National Forest. It travels through a valley that lies between Stone Mountain and Doe Mountain. Finally, Roan Creek reaches its end, flowing into the Watauga River. It also enters Watauga Lake, which is a large reservoir created by the Watauga Dam.
From Creek to Ocean
The water from Roan Creek travels a very long way! After joining the Watauga River, its waters flow into the Holston River. From there, they move into the mighty Tennessee River. The Tennessee River then empties into the Ohio River, which eventually joins the massive Mississippi River. All these rivers carry Roan Creek's water all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Why is Roan Creek Important?
Roan Creek is important for the plants and animals that live in and around it. It also provides water to the larger river systems. Rivers and creeks are vital for healthy ecosystems.
Protecting Roan Creek
In 2005, Roan Creek was listed as one of the top ten most endangered rivers by an organization called American Rivers. This group is a non-profit organization that works to protect rivers across the country. Being "endangered" means that the river faced threats that could harm its health and the wildlife living there. This kind of recognition helps bring attention to rivers that need special care and protection.
