Cold River (Maine–New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cold River |
|
|---|---|
The Cold River in Evans Notch
|
|
 
|
|
| Country | United States |
| States | Maine, New Hampshire |
| Counties | Oxford County, ME, Carroll County, NH |
| Towns | Stow, ME, Chatham, NH, Fryeburg, ME |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Evans Notch 2,160 ft (660 m) 44°18′18″N 70°59′55″W / 44.30500°N 70.99861°W |
| River mouth | Charles Pond Fryeburg, ME 376 ft (115 m) 44°8′10″N 70°58′0″W / 44.13611°N 70.96667°W |
| Length | 16.7 mi (26.9 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
|
The Cold River is a cool river in western Maine, United States. It's about 16.7 miles (26.9 kilometers) long. This river also briefly flows into New Hampshire. It is part of the larger Saco River system. This means all the water from the Cold River eventually flows into the Saco River.
Contents
Where the Cold River Starts
The Cold River begins high up in a place called Evans Notch. This is a special mountain pass in the eastern White Mountains. A mountain pass is like a natural path through mountains.
Following the River's Path
Maine Highway 113 is a narrow road that goes through Evans Notch. This road follows the Cold River on one side. On the other side, it follows Evans Brook. Evans Brook is a smaller stream that flows into the Androscoggin River.
As the Cold River flows south, it meets other streams. One of these is the Mad River. The Mad River is a short stream known for its waterfalls. These waterfalls flow down from the southern parts of East Royce and West Royce mountains.
Cold River Campground
The Cold River then reaches the southern end of Evans Notch. Here, it meets Basin Brook. Basin Brook comes from a large bowl-shaped valley called a glacial cirque. A cirque is formed by glaciers. This is also where the Cold River Campground is located. It is part of the White Mountain National Forest.
Journey Through States
After leaving Basin Brook, the Cold River briefly crosses into New Hampshire. It flows near a village called North Chatham. But it doesn't stay long in New Hampshire.
Back to Maine
Soon, the river turns back into Maine. It flows south-southeast through the town of Stow. As it flows, the valley around it gets wider and wider. Another stream, the Little Cold River, joins it from the west near Stow village.
Where the River Ends
The Cold River's journey ends at Charles Pond. This pond is in the northern part of Fryeburg. Water from Charles Pond then flows through a short stream called the Charles River. This water eventually joins the Old Course of the Saco River. Finally, it flows into the main Saco River, south of Kezar Pond.
