New Meadows River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Meadows River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Maine |
The New Meadows River is a special kind of river in Maine, about 12 miles (19 km) long. It's called a tidal river because its water level changes with the ocean's tides, just like a bay. This river flows south and eventually connects to the northern part of Casco Bay.
The New Meadows River is also important because it forms a natural border. For its entire length, it separates two counties in Maine: Cumberland County and Sagadahoc County.
About the New Meadows River
The New Meadows River is a unique waterway that acts like a long, narrow arm of the ocean. It's not a typical river that flows from mountains to the sea. Instead, it's strongly influenced by the tides, meaning the water moves in and out with the ocean's rhythm.
Where the River Starts
The New Meadows River begins in a marshy area. This starting point is right on the border between two towns: Brunswick and Bath. It's also less than a mile south of a larger body of water called Merrymeeting Bay. From this marsh, the river starts its journey flowing south.
Its Journey South
As the New Meadows River flows south, it passes by several towns and landmarks.
- Soon after it begins, the town of West Bath appears on the eastern side of the river.
- In its first 2 miles (3.2 km), the river flows under three different bridges. These bridges help people travel across the river on roads like Old Bath Road, Old Brunswick Road, U.S. Route 1, and Bath Road/State Road.
- About 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south of the last bridge, a smaller waterway called Gurnet Strait branches off to the west. This strait separates Sebascodegan Island from the mainland.
- After Gurnet Strait, the island town of Harpswell is now on the western side of the river.
- Further south, about 3.7 miles (6 km) from Gurnet Strait, another branch called Winnegance Bay goes off to the northeast.
- At this point, the town of Phippsburg begins to line the eastern shore of the river.
- The river then passes Cundys Harbor, which is part of Harpswell, on its western side.
- Finally, the New Meadows River reaches Casco Bay. It enters the bay between East Cundy Point on the west and Bear Island on the east.
