Contoocook River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Contoocook River |
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Covered railroad bridge in village of Contoocook
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| Counties | Cheshire, Hillsborough, Merrimac |
| Towns | Jaffrey, Peterborough, Bennington, Antrim, Hillsborough, Henniker, West Hopkinton, Contoocook, Penacook |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Contoocook Lake Jaffrey 1,007 ft (307 m) 42°48′4″N 72°1′38″W / 42.80111°N 72.02722°W |
| River mouth | Merrimack River Penacook 242 ft (74 m) 43°17′11″N 71°35′23″W / 43.28639°N 71.58972°W |
| Length | 71 mi (114 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Contoocook River is a 71-mile-long (114 km) river in New Hampshire. It starts at Contoocook Lake near the towns of Jaffrey and Rindge. The river flows for about 71 miles (114 kilometers). It ends in Penacook, which is just north of Concord. There, it joins the Merrimack River.
The Contoocook River is special because it is one of the few rivers in New Hampshire that flows mostly north. You can find four covered bridges crossing this river. One is in Henniker, another is between Hancock and Greenfield. The other two are in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, one in the village of Contoocook and the other in West Hopkinton. Many people enjoy fishing and whitewater boating on the Contoocook River.
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What Does "Contoocook" Mean?
The name Contoocook comes from the Pennacook tribe of Native Americans. It might mean "place of the river near pines."
Other ideas for the name's meaning come from different Native American languages. The Abenaki people might have meant "nut trees river." In the Natick language, it could mean "small plantation at the river."
The river also gives its name to Contoocook, New Hampshire. This is a special area within the town of Hopkinton that is recognized by the government.
Rivers Joining the Contoocook
Many smaller rivers and streams flow into the Contoocook River. These are called tributaries. They add water to the main river as it flows along. Here are some of the main ones, listed from south to north:
Nubanusit Brook
The Nubanusit Brook starts at Nubanusit Lake in Nelson. It joins the Contoocook River in Peterborough.
North Branch Contoocook River
The North Branch of the Contoocook begins in Stoddard. It then meets the main Contoocook River in Hillsborough.
Warner River
The Warner River starts its journey in Bradford. It flows until it joins the Contoocook River in Hopkinton.
Blackwater River
The Blackwater River begins at Pleasant Lake in New London. It also joins the Contoocook River in Hopkinton.
