Exeter River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Exeter River |
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The Exeter River in Exeter, NH (1907)
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Rockingham |
| Towns | Chester, Sandown, Danville, Raymond, Fremont, Brentwood, Exeter |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Chester 455 ft (139 m) 42°57′37″N 71°16′18″W / 42.96028°N 71.27167°W |
| River mouth | Squamscott River Exeter 0 ft (0 m) 42°58′55″N 70°56′43″W / 42.98194°N 70.94528°W |
| Length | 40.5 mi (65.2 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Exeter River is a 40.5-mile (65.2 km) long river. It flows through Rockingham County in southeastern New Hampshire, United States. This river is an important part of the local environment.
Contents
River's Journey
The Exeter River starts in the town of Chester. This is about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Manchester. From there, it takes a winding path. It flows generally east and then northeast.
Flowing Through Towns
As the river travels, it passes through several towns. These include Sandown, Danville, Raymond, Fremont, and Brentwood. Each town benefits from the river's presence.
Reaching Exeter
The river's journey ends in the town of Exeter. Here, the Exeter River changes its name. It becomes the Squamscott River. The Squamscott River is a tidal river. This means its water level changes with the ocean's tides. It flows north into Great Bay.
Dams and Water Flow
For many years, there were small dams along the Exeter River. One important dam was called the Great Dam. It was located where the river met the Squamscott River in Exeter. In the summer of 2016, this dam was removed. Removing the dam helped the river flow more naturally. It allowed fish to move more freely.
River Basin and Protection
A river's drainage basin is the area of land where all the rain and snowmelt drain into that river. The Exeter River's drainage basin is quite large. It covers an area of 126 square miles (326 square kilometers).
Protecting the River
Parts of the Exeter River are specially protected. The upper 33.3 miles (53.6 km) of the river are included in the NH Rivers Management and Protection Program. This program helps keep the river healthy. It was added to the program in August 1995. This protection helps preserve the river's natural beauty and wildlife.
