Yellow Breeches Creek facts for kids
The Yellow Breeches Creek is a stream in central Pennsylvania, USA. It is about 56 miles (90 kilometers) long. This creek flows into the Susquehanna River.
People also call it Callapatscink Creek or Callapatschink Creek. These names come from the Lenape language and mean "where it returns." Another name for it is Shawnee Creek. No one is quite sure why it's called Yellow Breeches Creek. This name was first seen in old land records from 1736.
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About the Yellow Breeches Creek
In 1718, a man named Peter Chartier and his father, Martin, set up a trading post. This post was about a mile north of the Yellow Breeches Creek. It was located near the Susquehanna River, close to where 15th and 16th Streets are now in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.
Where the Creek Flows
The Yellow Breeches Creek starts on the side of South Mountain. This area is part of the Michaux State Forest. It gathers water from several small valleys along the mountain.
The creek first flows north through Walnut Bottom. Then it turns east and runs through the Cumberland Valley. An old railroad line runs next to it. The creek passes through Huntsdale, where the Huntsdale State Fish Hatchery is located.
The creek starts to wind and curve, going around the north side of Mount Holly Springs. A stream called Mountain Creek joins it there. Just before the creek passes Boiling Springs, Old Town Run flows into it. The spring-fed lake in Boiling Springs also has a small stream that joins the Yellow Breeches. This clear water is a favorite spot for trout fishing.
The creek continues through Williams Grove. Below Williams Grove, it becomes the border between Cumberland and York counties. It flows through the campus of Messiah College. Then, Stony Run joins it. The creek makes many sharp turns as it goes east to Lisburn.
At Lisburn, it turns sharply to flow northwest. It then turns north and makes more winding paths. It cuts through the towns near New Cumberland. Cedar Run joins it there. Finally, the Yellow Breeches Creek flows into the Susquehanna River.
A Great Place for Fishing
The Yellow Breeches Creek is famous for its excellent fishing. Many people who enjoy fly fishing come to a special mile-long section near Boiling Springs. In this area, you must catch and then release the fish.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission helps stock the creek with fish. Local fishing shops, like Yellow Breeches Outfitters, also help. The Yellow Breeches is one of Pennsylvania's special Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers.
Special Animals and Plants
Several protected animals live in the area around the Yellow Breeches Creek. These species are considered special by the state of Pennsylvania.
The Bog turtle and the Eastern Mud Salamander are listed as threatened species in Pennsylvania. This means their populations are at risk. The Sedge wren is listed as an endangered species in Pennsylvania, meaning it is in even greater danger.
Bridges Over the Creek
Several bridges cross the Yellow Breeches Creek. The Etters Bridge connects Fairview Township and Lower Allen Township. The Gilbert Bridge crosses the creek in Monaghan Township and Upper Allen Township, Pennsylvania.
Streams That Join the Creek
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Yellow Breeches Creek. Here are some of them:
- Cedar Run
- Pippins Run
- Stony Run
- Dogwood Run
- Old Town Run
- Mountain Creek
- Boiling Springs Lake Run
