Rockfish Creek (Cape Fear River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rockfish Creek |
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Location of Rockfish Creek mouth
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Other name(s) | Tributary to Cape Fear River |
Country | United States |
State | North Carolina |
County | Cumberland Hoke Moore |
City | Hope Mills Raeford Southern Pines |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Aberdeen Creek divide about 2 miles northeast of Aberdeen, North Carolina 440 ft (130 m) 35°08′41″N 079°22′46″W / 35.14472°N 79.37944°W |
River mouth | Cape Fear River about 3 miles southeast of Fayetteville, North Carolina 41 ft (12 m) 34°58′06″N 078°49′11″W / 34.96833°N 78.81972°W |
Length | 47.40 mi (76.28 km) |
Basin features | |
Progression | southeast and east |
River system | Cape Fear River |
Basin size | 309.41 square miles (801.4 km2) |
Tributaries |
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Waterbodies | Upchurches Pond |
Bridges | Fort Bragg Road, King Road, numerous unnamed roads in Fort Bragg, Plank Road, N Vass Road, US 401-Bypass, US 401-Business, Golf Course Road, Rockfish Road, NC 59, Calico Street, I-95, Research Drive, I-95, NC 87 |
Rockfish Creek is a cool stream that flows for about 47 miles (76 km) in North Carolina. It's like a smaller helper river, also known as a tributary, to the much larger Cape Fear River. This creek is an important part of the water system in Cumberland County, North Carolina.
Contents
Where Does Rockfish Creek Flow?
Rockfish Creek begins its journey in Moore County, North Carolina, starting about 2 miles (3.2 km) northeast of a town called Aberdeen, North Carolina.
The Creek's Path Through Counties
From its start, the creek flows towards the southeast. It travels through Hoke County, North Carolina and even passes through Fort Bragg, which is a large military base. After that, it turns and flows east.
Joining the Cape Fear River
Finally, Rockfish Creek enters Cumberland County, North Carolina. It then joins the Cape Fear River about 3 miles (4.8 km) southeast of the city of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is like a giant bowl or area of land where all the rain and snow that falls eventually drains into a specific river, lake, or ocean. Rockfish Creek has its own watershed.
The Rockfish Creek Watershed Area
The Rockfish Creek watershed covers a large area of about 309 square miles (800 square kilometers). This means all the water that falls on this land will eventually make its way into Rockfish Creek. About 30% of this area is covered by forests, which helps keep the water clean.
Other Streams and Branches
Many smaller streams and branches flow into Rockfish Creek, adding to its water. Some of these are on the left side as you go downstream, like Piney Bottom Creek and Juniper Creek. Others join from the right side, such as Wolf Creek and Mill Creek.