Grafton Pond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grafton Pond |
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Location | Grafton County, New Hampshire |
Coordinates | 43°34′42″N 72°2′15″W / 43.57833°N 72.03750°W |
Primary outflows | tributary of Bicknell Brook |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) |
Max. width | 0.7 mi (1.1 km) |
Surface area | 319 acres (1.3 km2) |
Average depth | 13 ft (4.0 m) |
Max. depth | 72 ft (22 m) |
Surface elevation | 1,224 ft (373 m) |
Islands | at least 29 |
Settlements | Grafton |
Grafton Pond is a lovely body of water found in Grafton County, in the western part of New Hampshire, United States. It covers about 319 acres, which is a really big area! The pond is located in the town of Grafton. It's a popular spot for outdoor fun and a home for many animals.
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Discovering Grafton Pond
Grafton Pond is a beautiful natural area. It is known for its clear waters and peaceful surroundings. The pond is a great place to enjoy nature and outdoor adventures. Many people visit it every year.
Where is Grafton Pond?
Grafton Pond is nestled in the town of Grafton. This town is part of Grafton County in New Hampshire. The pond is easy to find and a favorite local spot. It sits among hills and forests, making it very scenic.
Water's Journey: The Watershed
The water in Grafton Pond is part of a larger system. It belongs to the Mascoma River watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into one main river or lake. From Grafton Pond, water flows into Bicknell Brook. This brook then carries the water to Crystal Lake in Enfield. Finally, the water travels north to the Mascoma River. The Mascoma River eventually joins the Connecticut River.
Fun Activities and Nature Rules
Grafton Pond is a wonderful place for many activities. You can go swimming on a hot day. It is also a great spot for fishing. Boating is allowed, but only boats with electric engines can be used. This rule helps keep the pond quiet and clean.
The pond is part of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests' Grafton Pond Reservation. This means the area is protected. To keep it beautiful, there are some important rules:
- No camping is allowed around the pond.
- Campfires are not permitted on the islands or shore.
- It is a "carry in, carry out" area. This means you must take all your trash with you.
There is also a cement dam at the pond. This dam has a spillway that helps control the water flow into Bicknell Brook.
Wildlife at the Pond
Grafton Pond is home to many different animals. It is especially important for common loons. These beautiful birds use the pond as a nesting site. Loons are known for their unique calls and graceful swimming. Protecting their nesting areas helps them raise their young safely.
Fish You Might Catch
If you enjoy fishing, Grafton Pond is a great place to cast a line. The pond is known as a warmwater fishery. This means it has fish that prefer warmer water. Some of the fish you might find here include:
- Smallmouth bass
- Chain pickerel
- Yellow perch
- Sunfish (like bluegill)
- Brown bullhead
- Largemouth bass
These fish make Grafton Pond a fun and exciting place for anglers of all ages.