North Branch Contoocook River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Branch Contoocook River |
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The North Branch at Loveren's Mill, Antrim, NH
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| Other name(s) | North Branch River |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| Counties | Cheshire, Hillsborough |
| Towns | Stoddard, Antrim, Hillsborough |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Robb Reservoir Stoddard 1,266 ft (386 m) 43°2′21″N 72°4′4″W / 43.03917°N 72.06778°W |
| River mouth | Contoocook River Hillsborough 585 ft (178 m) 43°6′27″N 71°54′35″W / 43.10750°N 71.90972°W |
| Length | 16.8 mi (27.0 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The North Branch of the Contoocook River is a river about 16.8 miles (27.0 km) long. It flows through southwestern New Hampshire in the United States. This river is also officially known as the North Branch River.
It is a smaller river that flows into a larger one, called the Contoocook River. The Contoocook River then flows into the Merrimack River. All these rivers are part of the same "watershed," which means all the land where water drains into these rivers.
Contents
Where the River Starts
The North Branch River begins in a high area of land in the town of Stoddard, New Hampshire. This area has many lakes, swamps, and small streams.
Robb Reservoir
The U.S. Geographic Names Information System says the North Branch starts at the end of Robb Reservoir. This reservoir is in the southeast part of Stoddard.
Joining Other Waters
Soon after it begins, the river gets more water from other places. Water from Highland Lake and Island Pond joins the North Branch from the north.
River's Journey
From its start to Franklin Pierce Lake, the North Branch River flows in a special way. It has calm, flat sections and wet, swampy areas. These are mixed with parts where the water flows fast, creating "whitewater."
Whitewater Fun
These whitewater sections are very popular for kayaking. Many people from New England enjoy paddling their kayaks here.
Flowing to the Contoocook
After Franklin Pierce Lake, the North Branch flows a short distance. It then reaches the Contoocook River in Hillsborough.
Other Streams Joining In
Just before the North Branch ends at the Contoocook River, another stream called Beards Brook flows into it in Hillsborough.
Following the River
New Hampshire Route 9 is a road that runs alongside the North Branch River. You can follow this road for most of the river's length.
