Ellis River (New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ellis River |
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Glen Ellis Falls on the Ellis River in Pinkham Notch
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| Counties | Coos, Carroll |
| Towns | Jackson, Bartlett |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Washington (Nelson Crag) Thompson & Meserves Purchase 4,783 ft (1,458 m) 44°16′52″N 71°16′38″W / 44.28111°N 71.27722°W |
| River mouth | Saco River Glen 516 ft (157 m) 44°6′13″N 71°10′18″W / 44.10361°N 71.17167°W |
| Length | 16.7 mi (26.9 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Ellis River is a beautiful river in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, United States. It flows for about 16.7 miles (26.9 km). This river is a smaller stream that feeds into the Saco River. The Saco River then travels all the way to the Atlantic Ocean in Maine.
Contents
Where the Ellis River Starts
The Ellis River begins high up on the eastern side of Mount Washington. This mountain is the tallest peak in the northeastern United States. As the river flows south, it quickly meets another stream called the Cutler River. The Cutler River flows out of two deep valleys, Tuckerman and Huntington ravines.
Crystal Cascade
After joining the Cutler River, the Ellis River passes over a lovely waterfall called Crystal Cascade. This waterfall is a beautiful sight as the river makes its way down the mountain.
Reaching Pinkham Notch
The river then reaches the flat area of Pinkham Notch. This notch is a mountain pass. It's a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers.
Amazing Waterfalls Along the River
The Ellis River is famous for its stunning waterfalls. These falls are a highlight for anyone visiting the area.
Glen Ellis Falls
One of the most famous spots is Glen Ellis Falls. Here, the river drops an impressive 64 feet (19.5 meters). You can easily visit these falls. They are just a short walk from Route 16, which is a main highway through the notch.
A special parking area is available for visitors. From there, a well-kept trail follows the river. It leads to a viewpoint right at the top of the falls. You can look almost straight down into the gorge! Then, stairs lead you steeply down to a deep pool at the bottom of the falls. It's a great place to see the power of the water.
Goodrich Falls
Further south, as the Ellis River leaves the small valley near Jackson, New Hampshire, it drops over another waterfall. This one is called Goodrich Falls. There's a hydroelectric dam here. This dam uses the river's power to make electricity.
The River's Journey South
After the waterfalls, the Ellis River continues its journey south. It flows into the town of Jackson, New Hampshire. The valley around the river slowly gets wider here. In Jackson, another stream called Wildcat Brook joins the Ellis River.
The Ellis River finally reaches the Saco River near the village of Glen. Glen is part of the town of Bartlett.
Route 16 Follows the River
If you drive on New Hampshire Route 16, you'll be following the Ellis River for a long stretch. The highway runs alongside the river from the highest point in Pinkham Notch all the way south to Glen. It's a scenic drive with beautiful views of the river.
Images for kids
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Stereoscopic image of Crystal Cascade by Bierstadt Brothers (early 1860s)
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The river in Jackson, New Hampshire
