Umpachene River facts for kids
The Umpachene River is a small river in New Marlborough, Massachusetts. It flows for about 8.3 miles (13.4 km) and eventually joins the Housatonic River. The river starts from small ponds and wet areas on the east side of town. It then winds its way west through forests before flowing into the Konkapot River near the village of Southfield.
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Discovering the Umpachene River
The River's Name and Early People
The river's name comes from a Native American leader named Aaron Umpachene. He was a sachem, or chief, of the Mohican people. Aaron Umpachene lived from 1676 to 1751 in Massachusetts, near Great Barrington and Sheffield. Stories say he used to set up his summer camps in the grassy areas next to the river.
How People Used the River Long Ago
In the early 1800s, settlers in the area used the Umpachene River's water. They built waterwheel mills along its banks. These mills used the power of the flowing water to grind grain or saw wood. One writer in 1829 noted that there were as many as four mills working along the river.
Nature Around the Umpachene River
Land and Plants
The area around the Umpachene River is part of the Berkshire Plateau. This means it has rough hills and deep, narrow valleys called gorges. These areas are home to many different kinds of plants. You can find them growing in the forests and wet areas near the river.
What the Glaciers Left Behind
Along the river's path, you can find sand and gravel. These materials were left behind about 13,000 years ago. This happened when giant sheets of ice, called glaciers, melted and moved north. Most of the land in this region is not good for farming. However, there are some narrow strips of very good farm soil right next to the Umpachene River.
Fun Things to Do at Umpachene Falls
There is a small, six-acre town park at Umpachene Falls. This is a beautiful 40-foot waterfall on the Umpachene River. At the park, you can enjoy many outdoor activities. There are hiking trails to explore, picnic tables for eating, and places to swim. You can also go fishing in the river's holes.
