Toms Creek (Monocacy River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toms Creek (Monocacy River tributary) |
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Monocacy River watershed
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania, Maryland |
| Counties | Adams, Frederick |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Monocacy River 39°38′23″N 77°16′34″W / 39.6397°N 77.2762°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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| Namesakes | Toms Creek Hundred |
Toms Creek is a stream that flows for about 20.8 miles (33.5 kilometers) through parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland in the United States. It is a smaller stream that eventually joins the Monocacy River. From there, its water travels into the Potomac River, then into the Chesapeake Bay, and finally reaches the Atlantic Ocean. This means Toms Creek is part of a much larger water system!
Toms Creek: A Journey Through Two States
Toms Creek begins its journey high up on South Mountain. This mountain is located in the southwestern part of Adams County, Pennsylvania.
Where Does Toms Creek Start?
The creek starts as a small trickle on South Mountain. As it flows, it gathers more water and becomes a proper stream. It first heads south, then turns southeast. Along its path in Pennsylvania, it flows past small towns like Iron Springs and Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania.
Its Path to the Monocacy
As Toms Creek continues its journey, it crosses into Maryland. Here, it flows past the town of Emmitsburg, Maryland. Many smaller streams and branches join Toms Creek along the way, making it bigger. Some of these joining streams include Miney Branch, Friends Creek, and Turkey Creek on its right side, and Copper Run, Flat Run, and Middle Creek on its left side.
One interesting spot along the creek is where it passes a historic covered bridge. This type of bridge is very old and was built to protect the wooden structure from the weather.
Eventually, Toms Creek reaches its final destination. It flows into the Monocacy River. This meeting point is an important part of the larger Potomac River watershed. The water from Toms Creek then continues its long journey to the sea.
