A turtle clings to a log in a shallow section of Worthington Creek. (Photo by Art Smith)

Worthington Creek, the quiet body of water that borders the eastern edge of Parkersburg, helps to drain an area three times the size of the city.

It gets its start near Waverly more than 15 miles upstream of its mouth at the Little Kanawha River near Corning Park. The creek is one of 25 tributaries of the Little Kanawha, and is the largest waterway, except for the Little Kanawha, to pass through Parkersburg.

Roadways run parallel along much of the waterway. Interstate 77, U.S. 50 and Seventh Street pass by sections of creek, meaning kayakers and critters using it will likely hear the buzz of traffic as much as they hear the chirps of birds.

When the creek passes Parkersburg, it is close to a lot of homes.

Nancy Taylor, who lives about 30 yards from the creek near the Worthington Golf Course, has lived near it for much of her 75 years.

Fallen leaves get a jump on autumn as they float down the river. (Photo by Art Smith)

“With a name like Worthington, you might think it’s highfalutin. It’s not. For me it means childhood and swimming holes. I’ve always associated the creek with good childhood memories,” Taylor said.

The origin of the name of the creek is as murky as the water. Some early maps of Parkersburg call the waterway Warthington Creek.

The waterway passes through Worthington Golf Course, making for some super-sized water hazards when the creek rises during heavy rains.

The golf course is one of many things along the eastern edge of town named for the creek.

Worthington Street is between the creek and Seventh Street.

A dragonfly clings to a stick along the bank of the creek near Corning Park. (Photo by Art Smith)

Worthington Healthcare Center is on 36th Street a short distance from the creek.

Worthington Elementary School once occupied a large tract of land on 36th Street. The location has since become the Children’s Home Society.

The Worthington Baseball Fields off 36th Street have provided generations of baseball players with a place to hone their skills.

The last few miles of the creek are navigable by kayak. Corning Park’s boat ramp provides easy access to the creek and to the nearby river.

Despite its proximity to roads and neighborhoods, the waterway is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including turtles, muskrats and great blue herons.

A fallen tree hangs over the creek. (Photo by Art Smith)

Small fish can be seen scurrying along the riverbanks, while dragonflies dart around late-blooming flowers along its banks. It is part of the Ohio River Water Trail. A brochure for the trail lists 11 locations from which people can start their paddle adventures.

“Worthington Creek plays a vital role in the Ohio River Water Trail, not only as an important ecological resource, but also as a connector that enhances recreation and access within our waterways, supports habitat, and provides opportunities for paddling and exploration,” said Mark Lewis, president and CEO of Visit Greater Parkersburg Conventions and Visitors Bureau.

A railroad bridge marks Worthington Creek’s confluence with the Little Kanawha River. (Photo by Art Smith)

A great blue heron walks in a shallow section of Worthington Creek. (Photo by Art Smith)