Winters Run facts for kids
Winters Run is a river in Harford County, Maryland. It's about 14.6-mile-long (23.5 km), which is like a long journey for water! The river starts near a place called Fallston. Here, two smaller streams, the West and East Branches, join together to form Winters Run.
The river then flows southeast for about 11 miles (18 km) until it reaches the Atkisson Dam in Edgewood. This dam and the lake behind it (called a reservoir) were built by the U.S. Army in 1942. They needed a way to get fresh water for a nearby place called Edgewood Arsenal.
As Winters Run gets closer to the Chesapeake Bay, it changes its name! Once it reaches the tidal line (where the ocean's tides affect the river), it becomes Otter Point Creek. This creek then flows into the Bush River, and finally, all that water ends up in the big Chesapeake Bay. The area of land that drains water into Winters Run is called its watershed, and it's about 56 square miles (150 km2).
Exploring Winters Run
Winters Run is a great place to learn about nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
Harford Glen: A Place to Learn
North of the Atkisson Dam, you'll find Harford Glen. This special area is owned by the Harford County Public Schools. It's used as an environmental study area. Students from all over Harford County come here to learn about the environment, wildlife, and how rivers work. It's like an outdoor classroom!
Fun Activities on the River
Winters Run offers some exciting ways to have fun:
- Whitewater Adventures: If you like kayaking or canoeing, parts of Winters Run have what's called whitewater. This means the water moves quickly over rocks, creating small rapids. These sections are rated as Class I and II, which are good for beginners or those looking for a bit of a thrill.
- Fishing Fun: The river is also a popular spot for fishing. Many different types of fish live in Winters Run, making it a great place to cast a line and try to catch something!
