East Branch Missisquoi River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Branch Missisquoi River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Vermont |
| County | Lamoille County Orleans County, Vermont |
| Cities | Eden, Vermont, Lowell, Vermont |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mountain Brook Eden 810 m (2,660 ft) 44°44′23″N 72°26′57″W / 44.73962°N 72.44928°W |
| River mouth | Missisquoi River Lowell 247 m (810 ft) 44°48′22″N 72°27′34″W / 44.80610°N 72.45934°W |
| Length | 10.1 km (6.3 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Missisquoi River, Lake Champlain (via Missisquoi Bay), Richelieu River, Saint Lawrence River |
| Tributaries |
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The East Branch of the Missisquoi River is a smaller river that flows into the main Missisquoi River. It runs through two towns in Vermont, United States: Eden and Lowell, Vermont.
You can easily reach most of this river by using Vermont's Route 100. This road follows the river valley. The lower part of the river is near Route 58.
During winter, the river's surface usually freezes. This happens from mid-December to mid-March. However, areas with fast-moving water (rapids) might not freeze completely. If you want to walk on the ice, it's generally safest from late December to early March.
Contents
Where Does the East Branch Missisquoi River Start?
The East Branch of the Missisquoi River begins high up on a mountain. This spot is about 625 meters (2,051 feet) above sea level. It's on the side of the Lowell Mountains in the town of Eden. The top of the Lowell Mountains reaches about 775 meters (2,543 feet) high.
The river's starting point is:
- About 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) south of the center of Lowell, Vermont.
- About 35.0 kilometers (21.7 miles) east of Lake Champlain.
How Does the River Flow?
From its source, the East Branch of the Missisquoi River flows for about 10.1 kilometers (6.3 miles). As it flows, it drops about 580 meters (1,903 feet) in elevation.
Here's how the river flows:
- It first travels about 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) northwest. It makes two turns to the west before curving north. This part leads it to Vermont Route 100.
- Next, it flows about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) north. It mostly follows Vermont Route 100. Along this path, it crosses Cheney Road. Near the end of this section, it bends northeast and meets Ace Brook. Ace Brook flows in from the southeast.
- Then, it continues about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) north. It passes east of Leland Hill and crosses Lower Village Road. This section ends near Vermont Route 58 (Hazen Notch Road). This is on the west side of Lowell's village center.
- Finally, it flows about 0.9 kilometers (0.6 miles) northwest. It follows Vermont Route 58 until it reaches its mouth.
The East Branch of the Missisquoi River then empties into the main Missisquoi River. It joins the Missisquoi River at a bend on its southeast bank.
Where Does the River End?
The place where the East Branch Missisquoi River joins the main Missisquoi River is located:
- About 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) northwest of the center of Lowell, Vermont.
- About 14.7 kilometers (9.1 miles) south of the border between Canada and the United States.
- About 34.3 kilometers (21.3 miles) east of Lake Champlain.
What's in a Name?
The name "East Branch Missisquoi River" was officially recorded. It was registered on October 29, 1980. This was done by the USGS, which stands for the United States Geological Survey.
