Baldhead River (Ontario) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baldhead River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Baldhead River in Ontario
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Northwestern Ontario |
| District | Algoma |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Baldhead Lake 415 m (1,362 ft) 47°42′40″N 84°44′43″W / 47.71111°N 84.74528°W |
| River mouth | Lake Superior 180 m (590 ft) 47°29′06″N 84°50′16″W / 47.48500°N 84.83778°W |
| Length | 30 km (19 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Lake Superior drainage basin |
| Tributaries |
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The Baldhead River is a cool river in Ontario, Canada. It's found in the Algoma District in the northwestern part of the province. This river is special because all its water eventually flows into Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. What makes the Baldhead River even more unique is that it's entirely located inside Lake Superior Provincial Park, a beautiful natural area.
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About the Baldhead River
The Baldhead River is about 30 km (19 mi) long. It's a relatively small river, but it plays an important role in the local environment. Rivers like the Baldhead are vital for moving water from higher places down to larger lakes or oceans.
Where the River Flows
The journey of the Baldhead River starts at a place called Baldhead Lake. This lake is right next to the Mijinemungshing Lake parking area. From there, the river flows west, then turns southwest. It follows along the Mijinemungshing Road for a bit.
The river then goes under the road and turns south. It flows roughly parallel to Ontario Highway 17, which is a major road in the area. Along its path, it picks up water from a smaller stream called the East Branch Baldhead River. Finally, the Baldhead River reaches its end, or "mouth," near a piece of land called Bald Head, where it empties into Lake Superior. A hiking path, the Orphan Lake Trail, goes right by where the river meets the lake.
Its Home: Lake Superior Provincial Park
Since the Baldhead River is completely inside Lake Superior Provincial Park, it's part of a protected natural space. This park is known for its stunning scenery, including:
- Rugged coastlines along Lake Superior
- Dense forests
- Beautiful waterfalls
- Ancient rock formations
The park is a great place for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and canoeing. Protecting rivers like the Baldhead within parks helps keep their waters clean and safe for the plants and animals that live there.
Why Rivers are Important
Rivers like the Baldhead River are super important for many reasons:
- Water Source: They provide fresh water for plants, animals, and sometimes even people.
- Habitats: Rivers are home to many different kinds of fish, insects, birds, and other wildlife.
- Ecosystems: They connect different parts of the land, helping to create healthy ecosystems.
- Recreation: People enjoy rivers for activities like fishing, kayaking, and simply enjoying nature.
- Drainage: They help drain water from the land, preventing floods and shaping the landscape over time.
The Baldhead River, though not huge, is a perfect example of how a river contributes to the natural beauty and health of its surroundings, especially within a protected area like Lake Superior Provincial Park.
