East Branch Pemigewasset River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Branch Pemigewasset River |
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East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, near the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Grafton |
| Towns | Lincoln, Woodstock |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Stillwater Lincoln 2,039 ft (621 m) 44°7′8″N 71°28′12″W / 44.11889°N 71.47000°W |
| River mouth | Pemigewasset River North Woodstock 715 ft (218 m) 44°1′37″N 71°40′59″W / 44.02694°N 71.68306°W |
| Length | 15.8 mi (25.4 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The East Branch of the Pemigewasset River is a beautiful river located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, United States. It flows for about 15.8 miles (25.4 km) and is an important part of the Merrimack River system. This river eventually joins the larger Pemigewasset River.
Contents
Discovering the East Branch Pemigewasset River
Why is it a "Branch"?
You might wonder why this river is called a "branch" when it's actually longer and carries more water than the main Pemigawasset River it flows into! The reason is that the East Branch starts deep inside the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The main Pemigewasset River, however, begins directly from Franconia Notch. Franconia Notch is a major mountain pass through the White Mountains.
Where the River Begins
The East Branch starts in a place called Stillwater. This area is a wide valley found north of Mount Carrigain and Mount Hancock. Several large brooks come together here to form the beginning of the river.
Journey Through the Wilderness
From its start, the river flows west and then southwest. It travels right through the heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. As it moves, other smaller rivers, called tributaries, join it. Some of these include the North Fork and the Franconia Branch.
The river continues its journey until it reaches the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. Here, it meets the Kancamagus Highway, which is part of New Hampshire Route 112.
Flowing Through Towns
After leaving the wilderness, the East Branch enters more developed areas. It meets another tributary called the Hancock Branch, which flows in from the southeast. The river then passes by the Loon Mountain ski area.
Finally, the East Branch flows past the village of Lincoln, New Hampshire. It then crosses into Woodstock. The river's journey ends when it joins the main Pemigewasset River. This meeting point is just downstream from the Interstate 93 highway bridges.
