Little Southwest Branch Saint John River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Southwest Branch Saint John River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Somerset County, Maine |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mountain brook, Somerset County, Maine, Maine 495 m (1,624 ft) 46°07′34″N 70°11′37″W / 46.12611°N 70.19361°W |
| River mouth | Southwest Branch Saint John River 363 m (1,191 ft) 46°07′34″N 70°11′37″W / 46.12611°N 70.19361°W |
| Length | 46.5 km (28.9 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Little Southwest Branch Saint John River is a cool river located in Somerset County, Maine, in the North Maine Woods area of Maine, United States. It's a smaller river that flows into the larger Southwest Branch Saint John River. This river is about 46.5 kilometers (which is around 29 miles) long.
It starts in a deep valley surrounded by forests. This area is only a few miles east of the border between Canada and the United States. The river then flows north until it reaches the Southwest Branch Saint John River.
About the River's Journey
The Little Southwest Branch Saint John River begins its journey in a place called the Big SIX region. This is in northern Somerset County, Maine. The very top part of this river is actually connected to the valley of another stream called "Middle Branch Norris Brook." That brook eventually flows into the Penobscot River.
Where Does It Start?
The source, or starting point, of the Little Southwest Branch Saint John River is found in a very specific spot:
- It's about 0.3 kilometers (a little less than a quarter mile) north of a special border between two land sections.
- It's also about 3.4 kilometers (around 2 miles) east of the border between Canada and the United States.
- The source is about 30.1 kilometers (nearly 19 miles) south of where the river finally joins the Southwest Branch Saint John River.
Its Journey North
From its source, the Little Southwest Branch Saint John River travels for about 46.5 kilometers (29 miles). Along its path, it goes through several interesting sections:
- For the first 8.2 kilometers (about 5 miles), it flows north through a valley. Here, it collects water from four small mountain streams. It also meets a stream called Black Creek coming from the west.
- Next, for 7.9 kilometers (about 4.9 miles), it continues north. It even passes under a bridge used by forest roads.
- Then, for 11.0 kilometers (about 6.8 miles), the river winds and turns through a flat area, like a wide-open plain.
- After that, it flows northeast for 4.7 kilometers (about 2.9 miles). It passes under another forest road bridge near the end of this part.
- For the next 10.5 kilometers (about 6.5 miles), it keeps heading northeast.
- Finally, for the last 4.2 kilometers (about 2.6 miles), the river meanders through a marshy area. This is where it eventually joins the larger Southwest Branch Saint John River.
The Little Southwest Branch Saint John River flows into the south side of the Southwest Branch Saint John River. The Southwest Branch Saint John River is important because it forms part of the border between Canada (specifically Quebec) and the United States (Maine) in that area.
Why Is It Called That?
The name "Little Southwest Branch Saint John River" comes from the name of the main river it flows into, which is the Southwest Branch Saint John River. It's like calling a smaller road a "branch" off a bigger highway!
