Shawneehaw Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shawneehaw Creek |
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Shawneehaw Creek
from Shawneehaw Ave. in Banner Elk |
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| Counties | Watauga, Avery |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Watauga County, NC 36°11′11″N 81°50′43″W / 36.18639°N 81.84528°W |
| River mouth | Elk River Avery County, NC 3,638 ft (1,109 m) 36°09′28″N 81°52′15″W / 36.15778°N 81.87083°W |
| Length | 2.99 mi (4.81 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Watauga River |
| Tributaries |
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The Shawneehaw Creek is a small stream located in the beautiful High Country region of North Carolina. It gets its name from a Cherokee word. This word describes a special tree called a Serviceberry, or sarvisberry, which blooms early in the spring. You can find this creek in the town of Banner Elk.
The creek starts high up on the southeastern slopes of Beech Mountain in Watauga County, North Carolina. It then flows downhill and eventually joins the Elk River in Avery County, North Carolina.
Contents
Where Does Shawneehaw Creek Flow?
The journey of Shawneehaw Creek begins on the southeastern side of Beech Mountain. This area is near Shawnee Road (also known as SR 1127). From there, the creek flows towards NC 194, which is also called Balm Highway or Main Street.
How the Creek Changes Direction
After reaching NC 194, the creek changes its path. It starts flowing southwest and meets another stream called Shoemaker Creek. This meeting happens as Shawneehaw Creek enters the town of Banner Elk. The creek then runs alongside NC 194 for a bit.
Reaching the Elk River
The creek then makes a left turn and flows through the park area in Banner Elk. It passes by NC 184, also known as Tynecastle Highway or Shawneehaw Avenue. Finally, Shawneehaw Creek flows into a spot called the Mill Pond. Here, it joins the larger Elk River.
The Creek's Long Journey to the Ocean
The water from Shawneehaw Creek doesn't stop at the Elk River. It continues on a very long journey!
- First, it flows into the Elk River.
- Then, it joins the Watauga River.
- After that, it flows into the Holston River.
- Next, it becomes part of the Tennessee River.
- The water then reaches the Ohio River.
- Finally, it flows into the mighty Mississippi River.
- From the Mississippi River, the water travels all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Helping Shawneehaw Creek Stay Healthy
Since the year 2000, people have been working to make Shawneehaw Creek healthier. This effort is called stream restoration, enhancement, and stabilization. It means they are trying to bring the creek back to a more natural and healthy state.
What is Stream Restoration?
This project uses money from a special fund called the Clear Water Management Trust Fund. The main goal is to plant lots of plants along the creek banks. These plants create something called a "vegetated riparian buffer." This buffer helps improve the water quality in the creek. It also helps the creek look and act more like it would naturally.
Who is Helping the Creek?
Many groups are working together on this important project. The North Carolina State University extension office is involved. The town of Banner Elk is also a big part of the effort. And local property owners who live near the creek are helping too. Their teamwork is making a big difference for Shawneehaw Creek.
Photo gallery
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Mill Pond, where the Shawneehaw Creek and Elk River merge.
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Bridge built as a ford of Shawneehaw Creek at Banner Elk
