Black River (Lake Memphremagog) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black River |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Vermont |
| Region | Northeast Kingdom |
| City | Newport, Vermont |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake Elligo Craftsbury, Vermont, Orleans County, Vermont, United States 872 ft (266 m) 44°36′3″N 72°21′22″W / 44.60083°N 72.35611°W |
| River mouth | Lake Memphremagog Newport (city), Vermont, Orleans County, Vermont, United States 682 ft (208 m) 44°56′39″N 72°12′16″W / 44.94417°N 72.20444°W |
| Length | 30 mi (48 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 134 sq mi (350 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The Black River is a cool river in northern Vermont, United States. It flows for over 30 miles (48 km) before joining Lake Memphremagog. It's one of the four main rivers in Orleans County. Even though it's the longest river completely within the county, its current is quite slow. You won't find any dams on this river anymore.
Much of the river runs alongside Vermont Route 14. This road follows the natural shape of the Black River Valley.
Contents
The Black River: A Vermont Journey
The Black River is about 26 miles (42 km) long. It starts east of Great Hosmer Pond. Its headwaters flow from Ames Hill in Albany. The river drains a large area of land, about 134 square miles (347 km2).
This river has a gentle slope, dropping only about 8 feet (2.4 m) for every 1 mile (1.6 km). The Black River area includes over 600 acres (243 ha) of lakes and ponds. The biggest ones are Elligo Pond, Little Hosmer Pond, and Great Hosmer Pond.
The river's flow is slow and calm. From where it starts to where it meets Lake Memphremagog, it drops about 190 feet (58 m). This drop includes small waterfalls in Irasburg and Coventry.
Traveling Through Towns
The Black River winds its way through several towns in Vermont. Let's follow its path from start to finish.
Albany: The Beginning
The Black River begins in the southern part of Albany. It flows south through a narrow valley. It then continues its journey into the next town.
Craftsbury: Twists and Turns
In Craftsbury, the river enters a wider valley. Smaller streams, like Whitney Brook, join it here. The river twists and turns a lot in Craftsbury. It even flows north for a bit after turning around south of Craftsbury village.
Lake Elligo also drains into the Black River here. Native people used to call the river "Elligo-sigo." The river flows through the entire length of Craftsbury.
Irasburg: A Principal Waterway
The Black River is the main river in Irasburg. It flows north through the town. Many small streams join it along the way. The current stays mostly slow.
Near Irasburg village, a curvy stream called Lords Creek joins the river. Lords Creek is about 10 miles (16 km) long. After Irasburg, the Black River continues north in a narrower valley.
Coventry: Nearing the End
The Black River flows through the middle of Coventry. It then heads towards the South Bay of Lake Memphremagog in Newport. For its last 4.7 miles (7.6 km), the river is part of the state's South Bay Wildlife Management Area. This area helps protect local wildlife.
In Coventry, you'll find some small waterfalls. These falls drop about 25 feet (8 m) in two steps.
Newport City: Reaching the Lake
Finally, the Black River enters Lake Memphremagog. It flows into the lake's South Bay, near the city of Newport. This is where its long journey ends.
Fun Facts About the Black River
- The Black River is known for its slow current.
- It's a great place to see different types of wetlands.
- In the past, there were sawmills and grist mills along the river in Irasburg.
Towns Along the River
Here are the towns the Black River flows through, listed from its mouth (where it ends) to its source (where it begins):
