Willis Creek (Cape Fear River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willis Creek |
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Location of Willis Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Cape Fear River |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Cumberland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | confluence of Swans Creek and Kirks Mill Creek about 5 miles northeast of Tobermory, North Carolina 80 ft (24 m) 34°51′31″N 078°51′03″W / 34.85861°N 78.85083°W |
| River mouth | Cape Fear River about 1.5 miles southwest of Elease, North Carolina 33 ft (10 m) 34°51′05″N 078°49′38″W / 34.85139°N 78.82722°W |
| Length | 1.90 mi (3.06 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | southeast |
| River system | Cape Fear River |
| Basin size | 13.53 square miles (35.0 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Bridges | Crittercreek Road |
Willis Creek is a small but important waterway in North Carolina, United States. It flows for about 1.9 miles (3.1 kilometers) and is a "second-order" tributary. This means it's a stream that forms when two smaller streams join together. Willis Creek eventually flows into the much larger Cape Fear River. You can find it in Cumberland County.
Contents
Where Does Willis Creek Flow?
Willis Creek begins its journey on the west side of Fayetteville, North Carolina. It starts in an area known as Fort Bragg. The creek then flows generally towards the southeast. It travels through parts of Fayetteville itself. Finally, Willis Creek joins the Cape Fear River on the east side of Fayetteville.
How Willis Creek Starts
The very beginning of Willis Creek is where two smaller streams meet. These two streams are called Swans Creek and Kirks Mill Creek. This meeting point is about 5 miles northeast of a place called Tobermory, North Carolina.
Where Willis Creek Ends
Willis Creek finishes its path by flowing into the Cape Fear River. This happens about 1.5 miles southwest of Elease, North Carolina. The water from Willis Creek then becomes part of the larger Cape Fear River system.
What is a Watershed?
Every stream and river has a special area of land that drains water into it. This area is called a watershed. Think of it like a big bowl where all the rain and melted snow eventually flow into one main stream or river.
Willis Creek's Watershed
The watershed for Willis Creek covers about 13.53 square miles (35 square kilometers). This area gets a good amount of rain each year, about 48.7 inches (124 centimeters). A large part of this watershed, about 19%, is covered by forests. These forests are important because they help keep the water clean.
