Salmon Brook (Merrimack River tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Salmon Brook
Salmon Brook in Dunstable, Massachusetts
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Country	United States
States	Massachusetts, New Hampshire
Counties	Middlesex, MA, Hillsborough, NH
Communities	Dunstable, MA, Nashua, NH
Physical characteristics
Main source	Lower Massapoag Pond Groton, MA 154 ft (47 m) 42°40′7″N 71°29′39″W / 42.66861°N 71.49417°W / 42.66861; -71.49417
River mouth	Merrimack River Nashua, NH 95 ft (29 m) 42°44′55″N 71°26′30″W / 42.74861°N 71.44167°W / 42.74861; -71.44167
Length	9.3 mi (15.0 km)
Basin features
Basin size	36 square miles (93 km2)
Tributaries	Left: Hauk Brook, Joint Grass Brook, Hassells Brook Right: Black Brook, Old Maids Brook

Salmon Brook is an important waterway in the northeastern United States. It is one of six main streams that flow into the Merrimack River. This brook's watershed, which is the area of land that drains into it, covers about 31 square miles (80 km²). It is one of 14 smaller watersheds that make up the larger Merrimack River system. Salmon Brook flows through the towns of Dunstable, Massachusetts and Nashua, New Hampshire.

Where Does Salmon Brook Start and End?

Salmon Brook begins in Dunstable, Massachusetts. It flows out of a place called Lower Massapoag Pond. From there, the brook travels about 9.3 miles (15.0 km) towards the north-northeast. Its journey ends when it joins the Merrimack River.

The Journey of the Water

The water that forms Salmon Brook actually starts even further away. The highest point in its watershed is Martins Pond. This pond is located near the town of Groton, Massachusetts. Water from Martins Pond flows into Martins Pond Brook. This brook then runs southeast into a series of connected lakes.

A Chain of Lakes

The chain of lakes includes Lost Lake, Knops Pond, Whitney Pond, Cow Pond, and Upper and Lower Massapoag Ponds. All of these lakes have dams. These dams help control the water flow. After passing through these lakes, the water eventually forms Salmon Brook. Interestingly, Salmon Brook flows almost side-by-side with the Nashua River for its entire length.