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Rockfish Creek (Cape Fear River tributary) facts for kids

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Rockfish Creek
Map of Rockfish Creek mouth location
Map of Rockfish Creek mouth location
Map of Rockfish Creek mouth location
Map of Rockfish Creek mouth location
Location of Rockfish Creek mouth
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 / 35.14472; -79.37944
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 / 34.96833; -78.81972
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
  • Left:
    Piney Bottom Creek
    Calf Branch
    Juniper Creek
    Nicholson Creek
    Beaver Creek
    Gully Branch
    Stewarts Branch
    Little Rockfish Creek
    Big Sandy Run
  • Right:
    Wolf Creek
    Gum Branch
    Field Branch
    Cabin Branch
    Mill Creek
    Peddlers Branch
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.

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.

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