Big River (New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big River |
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The Big River in Center Barnstead, NH
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| Counties | Strafford, Belknap |
| Towns | New Durham, Strafford, Barnstead |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | unnamed pond New Durham 831 ft (253 m) 43°21′26″N 71°9′28″W / 43.35722°N 71.15778°W |
| River mouth | Suncook River Barnstead 490 ft (150 m) 43°20′11″N 71°15′39″W / 43.33639°N 71.26083°W |
| Length | 14.9 mi (24.0 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Big River is a river about 14.9 miles (24.0 km) long. It flows through central New Hampshire in the United States. This river is a branch, or tributary, of the Suncook River.
The Big River is part of a larger watershed or drainage basin. This means all the rain and snow that falls in the area around the Big River eventually flows into it. From there, the water joins the Suncook River, then the Merrimack River, and finally reaches the Gulf of Maine in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Where Does the Big River Start?
The Big River begins high up in the land. Its headwaters (the very start of a river) are found in the southern parts of Alton and New Durham, New Hampshire. It starts from an unnamed pond in New Durham.
This starting point is about 831 feet (253 meters) above sea level. Imagine standing on a tall building; that's how high up the river begins its journey!
The River's Journey
From its source, the Big River first flows towards the southeast. It travels into the town of Strafford.
Then, something interesting happens. The river runs into a natural barrier, the Blue Hills Range. This causes the river to change direction. It turns and flows west instead.
Where Does the Big River End?
The Big River continues its journey west into the town of Barnstead. Here, it meets up with the Suncook River. This meeting point is in the village of Center Barnstead.
At this point, the river is about 490 feet (149 meters) above sea level. This means it has flowed downhill quite a bit from where it started!
What is a Tributary?
A tributary is like a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river. The Big River is a tributary of the Suncook River. This means the Big River adds its water to the Suncook River.
The Big River also has its own tributary. The Little River flows into the Big River, adding more water to its flow.
