Walnut Creek (Neuse River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Walnut Creek |
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Location of Walnut Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Neuse River |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Wake |
| Cities | Cary Raleigh |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | divide between Walnut Creek and Crabtree Creek Cary, North Carolina 485 ft (148 m) 35°47′22″N 078°45′17″W / 35.78944°N 78.75472°W |
| River mouth | Neuse River Raleigh, North Carolina 151 ft (46 m) 35°45′03″N 078°31′55″W / 35.75083°N 78.53194°W |
| Length | 17.93 mi (28.86 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | east |
| River system | Neuse River |
| Basin size | 45.98 square miles (119.1 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Lake Johnson Lake Raleigh |
Walnut Creek is a cool stream in Wake County, North Carolina. It's about 17.93 miles (28.85 km) long. This creek flows into the bigger Neuse River. It starts from a small pond near WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.
The creek then travels east through lakes like Lake Johnson and Lake Raleigh in Raleigh, North Carolina. It finally joins the Neuse River in East Raleigh. Walnut Creek often runs alongside Interstate 40.
About Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek has also been known by another name. Historically, people sometimes called it "Wall-nut Tree Creek."
The creek begins in a pond in Cary, North Carolina. From there, it flows eastward. It passes through both Cary and Raleigh. Eventually, it joins the Neuse River. Walnut Creek helps drain water from most of the southern parts of Raleigh.
Fun Things Along the Creek
The Walnut Creek Trail is a great place to explore. It's part of the Capital Area Greenway system. This trail follows the creek from Lake Johnson all the way to where it meets the Neuse River. It's the second longest trail in the Greenway System.
There's also a large wetland area near the creek. Wetlands are like swampy areas that are home to many plants and animals. The Walnut Creek Wetland Center helps protect these wetlands. It's run by Raleigh Parks and Recreation.
Near the wetland, you can find the Coastal Credit Union Music Park. Many people still call it the Walnut Creek Amphitheater. This is a big outdoor music venue where concerts are held.
Walnut Creek's Surroundings
Walnut Creek drains an area of about 45.98 square miles (119.1 km²). This means it collects water from a large part of the land around it. The land beneath the creek has different types of rock formations.
The area around the creek gets a good amount of rain each year. About 22% of the land in the creek's watershed is covered by forests.
