Schrader Creek facts for kids

Schrader Creek, sometimes called Schrader Branch or Schrader Run, is a stream in Pennsylvania. It flows into Towanda Creek. This creek runs through parts of Sullivan County and Bradford County. Schrader Creek is about 23.4 miles (37.7 kilometers) long. It passes through several townships like Fox, Leroy, Franklin, and Monroe.

Where Does Schrader Creek Flow?

Schrader Creek starts in the northwest part of Fox Township, Sullivan County. This is close to the border with Lycoming County. The creek first flows northeast for a short distance. It then goes under Pennsylvania Route 154. After a while, the creek leaves Sullivan County.

Journey Through Bradford County

Once it leaves Sullivan County, Schrader Creek enters Leroy Township, Bradford County. Here, the creek turns to the east-northeast. It picks up water from a smaller stream called Pine Swamp Run. Further along, it gets more water from Robinson Run and Wolf Run.

Next, the creek enters Franklin Township. It turns north for several miles. Then it turns northeast again, flowing near Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 36. Over the next few miles, it passes by mountains and gets more water from other small streams.

Finally, Schrader Creek leaves Franklin Township and enters Monroe Township. In Monroe Township, it turns east, then north. It also picks up water from Millstone Creek. A bit later, it joins Towanda Creek near a community called Powell. Schrader Creek meets Towanda Creek about 6.55 miles (10.54 kilometers) before Towanda Creek ends.

What Is Schrader Creek Like?

The valley around Schrader Creek looks a lot like a canyon. The creek cuts through a high, flat area called a plateau. This plateau is made of sandstone. In some places, you can see cliffs of gray sandstone.

Much of the creek has rapids. These parts have cobbles (round stones), ledges, and big boulders. There are not many fallen trees in the water.

Surroundings and Weather

Most of the Schrader Creek valley is covered in forest. The valley is wider closer to where the creek ends. Steep hills surround the valley. These hills have rounded tops because of glaciers that were there long ago.

A book from 1921 described the area as "rough and hilly." The creek's path is curvy, or sinuous. You can find rock formations made of shale and sandstone nearby. There is also a type of coal found in this area.

The amount of rain and snow in the Schrader Creek area is usually between 35 and 40 inches (89 and 102 centimeters) each year.

History and Activities Around the Creek

The area that drains into Schrader Creek, called its watershed, covers about 85.00 square miles (220.1 square kilometers). This watershed includes parts of Bradford County, Sullivan County, and Lycoming County. It is part of the larger Susquehanna River system.

You can find a few camps near Schrader Creek. The creek does not have a special measuring station to track its water levels.

Past Industries

In the early 1900s, the main jobs in the Schrader Creek watershed were coal mining and farming. During that time, a railroad called the Susquehanna and New York Railroad followed the creek. It ran between Wheelerville and the creek's mouth. The creek's water was also used by industries in the community of Powell.

Fun Things to Do at Schrader Creek

You can go canoeing on about 12.7 miles (20.4 kilometers) of Schrader Creek. The best times to canoe are when snow melts or a few days after heavy rain. The creek's difficulty for canoeing ranges from 2 to 4.

Edward Gertler, in his book Keystone Canoeing, says the views along the creek are "good to excellent." Even though it's beautiful, not many people know about it.