New Ipswich Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Ipswich Mountain |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 1880+ ft (573+ m) NGVD 29 |
Prominence | 480 ft (150 m) |
Geography | |
Location | New Ipswich, New Hampshire |
Parent range | Wapack Range |
Topo map | USGS Ashburnham |
Geology | |
Age of rock | 400 million years |
Mountain type | metamorphic rock |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Wapack Trail |
New Ipswich Mountain is a mountain peak located in south-central New Hampshire, United States. It is part of the Wapack Range of mountains. The mountain is found within the town of New Ipswich. A popular hiking path, the 22-mile (35 km) Wapack Trail, crosses right over it.
If you look north along the Wapack ridgeline, you'll find Barrett Mountain. To the south, there's Stony Top, which is a smaller peak of Pratt Mountain. The very top of New Ipswich Mountain is mostly covered with trees. However, there are some rocky spots just below the summit. These spots offer amazing views of the countryside all around.
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About New Ipswich Mountain
New Ipswich Mountain is a notable peak in the Wapack Range. It stands tall at over 1,880 feet (573 meters) above sea level. This makes it a great spot for hikers and nature lovers. The mountain's name comes from the town it is located in, New Ipswich, New Hampshire.
What is the Wapack Range?
The Wapack Range is a small mountain range in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It is known for its beautiful scenery and popular hiking trails. The range is a favorite for people who enjoy outdoor activities.
- The Wapack Trail is a famous path that runs through the entire range. It offers many different views and challenges for hikers.
- The trail is one of the oldest inter-state trails in New England. It was created in the 1920s.
How the Mountain Was Formed
New Ipswich Mountain is made of a type of rock called metamorphic rock. This kind of rock forms when other rocks are changed by extreme heat and pressure. This process happens deep inside the Earth.
- Scientists believe the rocks of New Ipswich Mountain are about 400 million years old. This means they formed a very long time ago!
- Over millions of years, forces like erosion and plate tectonics shaped the land. This created the mountains we see today.
Water Flowing from the Mountain
Mountains play an important role in how water moves across the land. New Ipswich Mountain is a good example of this. Water that falls on the mountain flows in two different directions.
East Side Drainage
The water that falls on the east side of New Ipswich Mountain flows into the Souhegan River. The Souhegan River then joins the Merrimack River. Finally, the Merrimack River carries this water all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. This entire area is called the Souhegan River watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common river or lake.
West Side Drainage
On the west side of the mountain, the water flows into the Millers River. The Millers River then empties into the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River is a very long river that eventually flows into Long Island Sound. So, water from the west side of New Ipswich Mountain travels a long way to reach the ocean!
Exploring the Mountain
New Ipswich Mountain is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. The Wapack Trail is the easiest way to reach the summit.
- Hiking is a great way to experience the mountain's natural beauty.
- Even though the very top is wooded, there are several rocky ledges. These ledges provide fantastic views of the surrounding area. You can see forests, other mountains, and sometimes even towns in the distance.
- Always remember to hike safely. Bring water, wear appropriate shoes, and tell someone where you are going.