Black Creek is a tributary of the St. Johns River. It is located in Clay County, Florida. Black Creek has two major tributaries; North Fork Black Creek and South Fork Black Creek. North Fork originates as an outflow from Kingsley Lake and flows north and then east through Camp Blanding and Jennings State Forest, meeting South Fork in Middleburg, Florida. North Fork Black Creek has Yellow Water Creek and Big Branch as its main tributaries. South Fork Black Creek is fed by areas of wetlands and numerous small streams. The confluence of North Fork Black Creek and South Fork Black Creek near Middleburg form the main channel of Black Creek. Much of the main creek channel is navigable by boats and other watercraft. The upper part reaches of the two forks must generally be traveled by canoe or kayak with portaging necessary in shallow areas. After Middleburg, Black Creek passes near the communities of Asbury Lake, Hibernia, and Green Cove Springs. It flows into the St. Johns River just north of Green Cove Springs.
Features
The creek is named for the water coloration, caused by the presence of tannin from decaying leaves and vegetation. It is considered to be one of the cleanest creeks in the state. In shallow areas, the creek water is stained red, and in deeper waters, the water appears black. Sections of the creek have eroded surrounding terrain and have formed deep ravines. The lower creek basin is affected by the tidal influences of the St. Johns River.
Location
It forms the southern peninsula of Fleming Island between the St. Johns River and Doctors Inlet. Two major highways cross Black Creek: State Road 21 crosses North Fork Black Creek at Middleburg and U.S. Route 17 near the mouth of Black Creek at the St. Johns River. County Road 218 also crosses South Fork Black Creek at Middleburg just east of State Road 21 or as it is more commonly known Blanding Blvd. and again crosses North Fork Black Creek 8.2 mileswest of Blanding Blvd., northwest of the south entrance to Jennings State Forest.
