Gale River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gale River |
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The Gale River in Franconia, New Hampshire, December 2007. In the distance are Mount Garfield and Mount Lafayette of the White Mountains.
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Grafton |
| Towns | Bethelhem, Franconia, Sugar Hill, Lisbon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of North and South branches White Mountain National Forest 1,310 ft (400 m) 44°14′37″N 71°38′17″W / 44.24361°N 71.63806°W |
| River mouth | Ammonoosuc River Lisbon 645 ft (197 m) 44°15′23″N 71°49′53″W / 44.25639°N 71.83139°W |
| Length | 13.1 mi (21.1 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Gale River is a river in New Hampshire, United States. It is about 13.1 miles (21.1 km) long. The Gale River is a tributary of the Ammonoosuc River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
The Gale River is part of a larger watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common river, lake, or ocean. The Gale River's water eventually flows into the Connecticut River, which then travels all the way to Long Island Sound.
Contents
Where the Gale River Flows
The Gale River flows entirely within Grafton County. It begins in the White Mountains in a town called Franconia.
How the River Starts
The river actually starts as two smaller streams:
- The North Branch
- The South Branch
These two branches flow north for a short distance. They then meet up in the town of Bethlehem. Once they join, they form the main Gale River, which generally flows towards the west.
Its Journey to the Ammonoosuc
As the Gale River continues its journey, it flows back into Franconia. Here, another important stream, the Ham Branch, joins it. The Ham Branch is the biggest tributary of the Gale River.
After this, the river passes through the town of Sugar Hill. Finally, it reaches Lisbon, where it flows into the Ammonoosuc River.
History of the Name
Did you know that the Gale River was once called something different? On an old map from 1816, a state map of New Hampshire, the Gale River was named the "South Branch of the Ammonoosuck River". This shows how names of places can change over time!
