West Branch Little Magalloway River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Branch Little Magalloway River |
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Country | United States |
States | New Hampshire, Maine |
Counties | Coos, NH; Oxford, ME |
Townships | Pittsburg, NH; North Oxford, ME |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Stub Hill Pittsburg, NH 2,380 ft (730 m) 45°7′48″N 71°5′31″W / 45.13000°N 71.09194°W |
River mouth | Middle Branch Little Magalloway River North Oxford, ME 1,620 ft (490 m) 45°7′57″N 71°1′47″W / 45.13250°N 71.02972°W |
Length | 5.3 mi (8.5 km) |
The West Branch of the Little Magalloway River is a small, 5.3-mile-long (8.5 km) river that flows through the beautiful northern parts of New Hampshire and northwestern Maine in the United States. It's like a smaller helper river, also known as a tributary, that joins the Middle Branch Little Magalloway River. This whole area is part of a bigger water system called the Androscoggin River watershed. A watershed is like a giant bowl where all the rain and snowmelt collect and flow into one main river.
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Discover the West Branch Little Magalloway River
This interesting river plays a small but important role in the natural landscape. It helps carry water from the mountains down to larger rivers and lakes. Even though it's not very long, it's a vital part of the local environment.
Where Does It Begin?
The journey of the West Branch Little Magalloway River starts high up in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. It begins north of a tall place called Stub Hill, which is the highest point in Pittsburg, standing at about 3,627-foot (1,106 m). Imagine a tiny stream, barely more than a brook, forming from melting snow or rain on the mountainside. This is where the river's adventure begins!
Its Journey Through Nature
From its high starting point, the river begins to flow east. It travels from New Hampshire and crosses into Maine. As it moves, the river drops quite a bit, losing about 700 feet (213 meters) in elevation. This drop makes the water flow faster, creating a lively stream as it winds through the forests and natural areas.
Joining Other Waters
After its short but active journey, the West Branch Little Magalloway River meets up with the Middle Branch of the Little Magalloway River. This meeting point is not far from a larger body of water called Aziscohos Lake. All these rivers and streams eventually contribute their water to the larger Androscoggin River, which then flows out to the ocean. It's a great example of how all water systems are connected, from the smallest brook to the biggest river!