Sleepy Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sleepy Creek
Show map of West Virginia Show map of the United States Location of the mouth of Sleepy Creek in West Virginia
Country	United States
State	Virginia, West Virginia
Counties	Frederick, Morgan
Physical characteristics
Main source	Near Whitacre, Frederick County, Virginia 39°21′17″N 78°20′39″W / 39.35472°N 78.34417°W / 39.35472; -78.34417
River mouth	Potomac River Sleepy Creek, Morgan County, West Virginia 39°40′14″N 78°05′04″W / 39.67056°N 78.08444°W / 39.67056; -78.08444
Length	44 mi (71 km)

Sleepy Creek is a river in the United States. It is about 44 miles (71 kilometers) long. This creek flows into the Potomac River. The Potomac River then flows into the Chesapeake Bay. So, Sleepy Creek is part of the Chesapeake Bay's water system.

The creek starts in Frederick County, Virginia. It then travels through Morgan County, West Virginia. Finally, it meets the Potomac River. This happens near a town also called Sleepy Creek.

You might hear about Sleepy Creek Lake. This lake is connected to the Sleepy Creek area. But the lake is actually on a smaller stream called Meadow Branch. Meadow Branch is a stream that flows into Sleepy Creek.

Where Sleepy Creek Flows

Sleepy Creek begins in Frederick County, Virginia. Its starting point is north of State Route 127. This area is close to the border of Hampshire County, West Virginia. The exact spot is near a place called Good.

From Frederick County, Sleepy Creek flows north. It goes through Morgan County, West Virginia. The creek then empties into the Potomac River. This meeting point is at the community of Sleepy Creek. This area is also near the old Baltimore & Ohio Railroad line.

Smaller Streams Joining Sleepy Creek

Many smaller streams flow into Sleepy Creek. These are called tributaries. They add water to the main creek. Here are some of them, listed from where Sleepy Creek starts (south) to where it ends (north):

• Bear Garden Run
• Hands Run
• Breakneck Run
• Indian Run
  • South Fork Indian Run
  • Middle Fork Indian Run
  • North Fork Indian Run
• Rock Gap Run
• Middle Fork Sleepy Creek
  • Iden Run
• South Fork Sleepy Creek
  • Merchant Run
• Mountain Run
• Yellow Spring Run
• Meadow Branch

Bridges Over Sleepy Creek

Many bridges cross Sleepy Creek. These bridges help people and vehicles get from one side to the other. Here is a list of some important bridges:

Towns Along Sleepy Creek

Several towns and communities are located along the banks of Sleepy Creek. These places are often named after nearby natural features.