Elk Creek (West Virginia)

Elk Creek in Clarksburg (2006)

The Elk Creek ( Elk = elk ) is a right tributary to the West Fork River in north-central West Virginia in the United States.

About West Fork River, Monongahela River and Ohio River it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River. The river drains an area of 316 km ² of non- glacially -formed area of ​​the Allegheny Plateau. It is assumed that the water got its name by a trapper and hunter of the 18th century, who had observed along the watercourse herds of elk.

The Elk Creek originates about 10 km southwest of Philippi in the western part of Barbour County and flows in a generally west- north-westerly direction to Harrison County, where it passes through the settlements Stonewood and Nutter Fort; he then opens into the city Clarksburg in the West Fork River.

According to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection data about 70 % of the catchment area of Elk Creek are forested, deciduous, for the most part. Approximately 22 % are used for agriculture and grazing and about 3% are built urban.