Tunkhannock Creek (Susquehanna River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tunkhannock Creek |
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Tunkhannock Creek looking upstream near Nicholson, Pennsylvania
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Jackson Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania |
| River mouth | Susquehanna River in Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania 41°32′09″N 75°56′48″W / 41.5357°N 75.9467°W |
| Length | 42.3 mi (68.1 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Tunkhannock Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 413 sq mi (1,070 km2) |
| Tributaries | |
Tunkhannock Creek is a stream about 42.3 miles (68.1 km) long. It is a tributary of the Susquehanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
The name Tunkhannock comes from the Lenni-Lenape people. Its meaning can be translated in a few ways. Some ideas include "meeting of the waters," "small stream," or "wooded stream." Many sources agree that the word hanna in names like Tunkhannock means "moving water."
Where Tunkhannock Creek Begins and Ends
Tunkhannock Creek starts near Cheraine Pond in Jackson Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. You can trace its path northeast along PA Highway 92.
The creek has two main branches that feed into it. An eastern branch begins in Herrick Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, near Elk Mountain. A southern branch starts near Montdale in Scott Township, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.
The creek flows until it reaches the Susquehanna River. It empties into the Susquehanna at Tunkhannock in Wyoming County.
Other Streams That Join Tunkhannock Creek
Many smaller streams flow into Tunkhannock Creek. These are called tributaries. Some of the main ones include:
- Nine Partners Creek
- East Branch Tunkhannock Creek
- Horton Creek
- Martins Creek
- Hop Bottom Creek
- South Branch Tunkhannock Creek
The South Branch Tunkhannock Creek joins the main creek about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) downstream from a community called East Lemon. This is about 6.3 miles (10.1 km) before the creek reaches the Susquehanna River.
The Tunkhannock Viaduct
A very famous bridge called the Tunkhannock Viaduct crosses over the creek. It is also known locally as the "Nicholson Bridge." This bridge is 2,400 feet (730 meters) long. It has many tall concrete arches. The viaduct was built for the Erie Lackawanna Railway and is located near Nicholson, Pennsylvania.
