Town Creek (Potomac River tributary) facts for kids
Town Creek is a cool stream that flows for about 41.6 miles (67 kilometers). It's a tributary of the big Potomac River, which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one. You can find Town Creek in both Maryland and Pennsylvania, two states in the United States.
Where Town Creek Begins
Town Creek starts when two smaller streams, Sweet Root Creek and Elk Lick Creek, join together. This meeting point, called a confluence, is about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) south of the Buchanan State Forest in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Imagine two tiny rivers becoming one!
Town Creek's Journey
After it forms, Town Creek flows south. It travels along the bottom of a mountain called Warrior Mountain. As it continues its journey, it crosses into Allegany County, Maryland.
Crossing the C&O Canal
One interesting spot on Town Creek is where it meets the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The canal crosses over the creek using a special bridge called the Town Creek Aqueduct. An aqueduct is like a water bridge that carries a canal or river over another obstacle, like a valley or another stream. It's a clever way to keep the water flowing!
Where Town Creek Ends
Finally, after its long trip, Town Creek empties into the Potomac River. This happens about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) east of a town called Oldtown, Maryland. So, Town Creek's water eventually becomes part of the Potomac River's journey to the ocean.
