[2] It is a significant tributary of the much larger Sweetwater Creek, in turn part of the Chattahoochee River basin.
From its source area between Kennesaw and Marietta the stream flows generally south-southwesterly to just northwest of Austell.
The stream was named for Chief Noses, a native Cherokee who lived in the area in the early 19th century.
Olley Creek begins south of the Marietta central business district and also flows southwestward.
Immediately across the creek, Clarkdale Elementary School was submerged nearly up to its roof, with students evacuated in ankle-deep water earlier in the day.