Chocorua River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chocorua River |
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A small dam on the Chocorua River in the village of Chocorua
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Carroll |
| Towns | Albany, Tamworth, Ossipee |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Chocorua Albany 2,820 ft (860 m) 43°57′42″N 71°16′1″W / 43.96167°N 71.26694°W |
| River mouth | Bearcamp River West Ossipee 410 ft (120 m) 43°48′55″N 71°11′56″W / 43.81528°N 71.19889°W |
| Length | 15.2 mi (24.5 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Chocorua River is a beautiful river located in eastern New Hampshire, United States. It flows for about 15.2 miles (24.5 kilometers). This river is a tributary of the Bearcamp River. Its waters eventually join Ossipee Lake and the Saco River, finally reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
Contents
The Chocorua River's Journey
Where Does the River Begin?
The Chocorua River starts high up on the eastern slopes of Mount Chocorua. This mountain is a well-known rocky peak in the White Mountains. The river begins its journey in a town called Albany.
Flowing Through Lakes and Villages
From its source, the river flows south into the lowlands at the base of the mountain. It then reaches Chocorua Lake. This lake is famous for its amazing views of Mount Chocorua. Many people visit to see the beautiful scenery.
After the lake, the river continues south to the village of Chocorua. Here, you can see a charming old mill dam. The river then flows into the flat, sandy area around Ossipee Lake.
Where the River Ends
The Chocorua River finally meets the Bearcamp River in West Ossipee. The path of the Chocorua River is followed closely by New Hampshire Route 16 for most of its length.
A Look at Local History
The Old Mill Dam
In the early 1900s, there was a granite mill dam on the Chocorua River. It was located at the southern end of Moore's Pond in Chocorua village. Innkeepers bought this dam, hoping to use it for a new purpose.
A Plan for Power
Around 1912, the owners of the Chocorua Inn decided to turn the mill dam into a way to make electricity. This is called a hydroelectric operation. They hoped to provide power to parts of the town using the river's flow.
The Dam's End
However, about a year later, a big flood hit the area. The flood was so powerful that it destroyed the dam. It was never rebuilt after that. When the dam broke, two-thirds of the pond's water drained away in just a few hours. The water level dropped by about 15 feet (4.6 meters). This allowed former marshlands to grow and thrive again.
