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Rocky River (Deep River tributary) facts for kids

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Rocky River
Map of Rocky River mouth location
Map of Rocky River mouth location
Map of Rocky River mouth location
Map of Rocky River mouth location
Location of Rocky River mouth
Other name(s) Tributary to Deep River
Country United States
State North Carolina
Counties Chatham, Randolph
City Liberty
Physical characteristics
Main source Pond on the divide of Sandy Creek and North Prong
Liberty, North Carolina
755 ft (230 m)
35°50′56″N 079°34′33″W / 35.84889°N 79.57583°W / 35.84889; -79.57583
River mouth Deep River
about 3 miles west of Moncure, North Carolina
198 ft (60 m)
35°37′02″N 079°09′01″W / 35.61722°N 79.15028°W / 35.61722; -79.15028
Length 42.5 mi (68.4 km)
Basin features
Progression generally southeast
River system Deep River
Basin size 243.42 square miles (630.5 km2)
Tributaries
Waterbodies Sizemore Lake
Bridges South Foster Street, W Kime Avenue, NC 49, Old US 421, Pike Farm Road, Cooper Road, Staley Snow Camp Road, Piney Grove Church Road, Ed Clapp Road, Siler City-Snow Camp Road, US 64, Rives Chapel Church Road, NC 902, Pittsboro-Goldston Road, Chatham Church Road, US 15-NC 87

The Rocky River is a river in North Carolina, United States. It flows for about 42.5 miles (68.4 km) and is an important branch of the Deep River. It runs through Chatham and Randolph counties.

Where Does the Rocky River Start and End?

The Rocky River begins in Liberty, North Carolina. It starts from a pond located on a high area that separates Sandy Creek and North Prong. From there, the river flows mostly southeast.

It eventually joins the Deep River. This meeting point is about 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Moncure, North Carolina.

Understanding the Rocky River's Watershed

A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common river, lake, or ocean. The Rocky River's watershed covers about 243.42 square miles (630.5 km²).

This area gets a lot of rain, about 47.6 inches (121 cm) each year. A large part of the watershed, about 55%, is covered by forests. This helps keep the river healthy by filtering water and preventing erosion.

Main Streams Joining the Rocky River

Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Rocky River. These streams add water to the river and are important parts of its ecosystem. Here are some of the main ones:

Bear Creek

Bear Creek is the largest tributary of the Rocky River. It flows into the river from the right side. This creek is about 24.49 miles (39.41 km) long. It starts near Bonlee, North Carolina and flows east to join the Rocky River about 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Tick Creek

Tick Creek is another important tributary, joining the Rocky River from the right side. It is about 12.20 miles (19.63 km) long. Tick Creek starts in a pond south of Siler City, North Carolina and flows south, then northeast, to meet the Rocky River about 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of Siler City.

Harlands Creek

Harlands Creek flows into the Rocky River from the left side. This creek is about 10.34 miles (16.64 km) long. It begins west of Gum Springs, North Carolina, and flows south to join the Rocky River about 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Landrum Creek

Landrum Creek is a left-bank tributary, about 8.64 miles (13.90 km) long. It starts near Hickory Mountain and flows southeast. It meets the Rocky River about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) southwest of Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Greenbrier Creek

Greenbrier Creek is a left-bank tributary that is about 7.74 miles (12.46 km) long. It starts in a pond northeast of Liberty, North Carolina and flows south. It joins the Rocky River about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Crutchfield Crossroads.

North Rocky River Prong

North Rocky River Prong is a left-bank tributary that is about 8.61 miles (13.86 km) long. It starts in Liberty, North Carolina and flows southeast. It meets the Rocky River about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Staley, North Carolina.

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