South Branch Dead River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Branch Dead River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Maine 1,750 feet (530 m) |
| River mouth | Flagstaff Lake 1,145 feet (350 m) 45°09′06″N 70°26′38″W / 45.1517°N 70.4440°W |
| Length | 26 miles (42 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Flagstaff Lake – Dead River – Kennebec River |
The South Branch Dead River is a river in Maine, United States. It's about 26 miles (42 kilometers) long. This river is like a smaller arm of the Dead River. It flows through Franklin County.
Where the River Flows
The South Branch Dead River starts in a cool spot. It begins at the end of Saddleback Lake. This lake is found below Saddleback Mountain.
From there, the river flows towards the northeast. It goes all the way to a town called Eustis. In Eustis, it used to meet up with the North Branch of the Dead River. But in 1950, a big lake was made. This lake is called Flagstaff Lake. The lake covered the spot where the two rivers met.
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail
The South Branch Dead River is part of a super long trail. It's called the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT). This trail is about 740 miles (1,191 kilometers) long. It's a special path for canoeing.
The trail starts in Old Forge, New York. It ends all the way in Fort Kent, Maine.
To get to the South Branch, paddlers use a four-mile portage. A portage is when you carry your canoe. This portage connects Rangeley on Rangeley Lake to Dallas Plantation.
From Dallas Plantation, the trail follows the South Branch. It goes for about 35 miles (56 kilometers). It then continues through Flagstaff Lake. Finally, it goes down the Dead River. The trail ends near Spencer Stream, below Grand Falls.
