Profile Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Profile Lake |
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 Profile Lake
Location in New Hampshire
Profile Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia, Grafton County, New Hampshire |
| Coordinates | 44°9′49″N 71°40′41″W / 44.16361°N 71.67806°W |
| Primary outflows | Pemigewasset River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.3 mi (0.48 km) |
| Max. width | 0.1 mi (0.16 km) |
| Surface area | 13 acres (53,000 m2) |
| Average depth | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Max. depth | 15 ft (4.6 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,930 ft (590 m) |
Profile Lake is a beautiful, small lake located in the amazing Franconia Notch area. This special spot is found within the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It sits right at the base of Cannon Mountain, which is a very tall peak. The lake covers about 13-acre (53,000 m2) of water.
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Where is Profile Lake?
Profile Lake is nestled in a famous mountain pass called Franconia Notch. This notch is a narrow valley between two mountain ranges. It's part of Franconia Notch State Park, a popular place for outdoor adventures. The lake is in Grafton County, New Hampshire, a county in the central part of the state.
Cannon Mountain's Shadow
The lake gets its peaceful setting from being at the foot of Cannon Mountain. This mountain is well-known for its ski slopes and a tramway that takes visitors to the top. Imagine a calm lake with a huge mountain rising behind it!
The Story Behind the Name
Profile Lake got its name because of something truly unique that used to be there. It was located directly below the famous Old Man of the Mountain. This was a natural rock formation that looked exactly like the face of an old man. It was a symbol of New Hampshire for many years.
The Old Man of the Mountain
For centuries, the Old Man of the Mountain watched over Franconia Notch. It was made of five granite ledges that, when seen from the side, formed a clear profile of a face. Sadly, this amazing rock formation collapsed in 2003. Even though the Old Man is gone, the lake still carries its memory in its name.
Journey of the Water
Profile Lake is an important part of a larger water system. It's located near a "height of land" in Franconia Notch. This means it's on a high point where water starts to flow in different directions.
The Pemigewasset River
The water from Profile Lake flows out into the Pemigewasset River. This river starts its journey here and flows south. It travels through New Hampshire, collecting water from many other streams along the way.
Flowing to the Ocean
The Pemigewasset River eventually joins another large river called the Merrimack River. The Merrimack River then continues its path all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. It empties into the ocean at a place called Newburyport, Massachusetts, in the Gulf of Maine. So, a drop of water from Profile Lake could end up in the vast ocean!
Fish and Wildlife
Profile Lake is known as a "coldwater fishery." This means its waters are cold enough to support certain types of fish that need cool temperatures to live and thrive.
Meet the Brook Trout
One of the main types of fish found in Profile Lake is the brook trout. These fish are beautiful, with colorful spots and patterns. They are a popular catch for anglers who enjoy fishing in cold, clear waters. The lake's cool temperatures and clean environment make it a perfect home for them.
