Elk River (Maryland)
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The Elk River is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay on the Delmarva Peninsula. It is about 15 miles (24 km) long, and as the most northeastern extension of the Chesapeake Bay estuary, serves as one entrance to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. It is located in Cecil County, Maryland, with its headwaters extending into New Castle County, Delaware and Chester County, Pennsylvania. Elkton, Maryland, the county seat of Cecil County is located at its head. Its total watershed area is 143 square miles (including the Bohemia River), with 21 square miles (54 km²) of open water, so its watershed is 15% open water. It is south and east of the North East River, and north of the Sassafras River.
The Elk River begins at Elkton, where its two major tributaries, Big Elk Creek and Little Elk Creek come together, and ends at the Chesapeake Bay in a wide mouth between Turkey Point on Elk Neck, and Grove Point on Grove Neck. Little Elk Creek rises near Oxford, Pennsylvania and the East Branch and West Branches of Big Elk Creek rise to the south of Cochranville, Pennsylvania. They descend through the Pennsylvania and Maryland piedmont, before reaching sea level at Elkton, the head of navigation.
There are several small creeks on the western shore, including Muddy Creek, Jones Creek, Bull Minnow Run, and Plum Creek. On the eastern shore major tributaries are Back Creek, much of which is now the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, and the Bohemia River. Small creeks include Pond Creek, Pearce Creek, Cabin John Creek, Herring Creek, and Perch Creek.
[edit] References
- United States Geological Survey. 7.5 minute series topographic quadrangles.
- Chesapeake Bay Program Watershed Profile: Elk River Lower
- Chesapeake Bay Program Watershed Profile: Upper Elk River
- Chesapeake Bay Program Watershed Profile: Bohemia River
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