West Branch Piscataquis River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Branch Piscataquis River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Maine 1,350 feet (410 m) |
| River mouth | Piscataquis River 590 feet (180 m) 45°16′58″N 69°35′33″W / 45.2827°N 69.5925°W |
| Length | about 16 miles (30 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Piscataquis River – Penobscot River |
The West Branch Piscataquis River is a river in Maine, USA. It is about 22 miles (35 kilometers) long. This river is a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The West Branch flows into the Piscataquis River. You can find it in Piscataquis County and Somerset County.
Contents
Where the River Starts and Ends
The West Branch Piscataquis River begins in a place called East Moxie. This area is in Somerset County, Maine. The exact spot where it starts is high up, about 1,350 feet (411 meters) above sea level.
How the River Flows
From its start, the river flows for about 6 miles (10 kilometers) towards the east. After that, it turns and flows south for about 11 miles (18 kilometers). Finally, it flows east again for about 5 miles (8 kilometers).
Joining Other Rivers
The West Branch Piscataquis River meets another river called the East Branch Piscataquis River. This meeting point is in a town called Blanchard. When these two branches join, they form the main Piscataquis River. The elevation at this point is about 590 feet (180 meters) above sea level.
The Appalachian Trail and the River
The famous Appalachian Trail crosses the West Branch Piscataquis River. This happens just below a smaller stream called Bald Mountain Stream. For about 4 miles (6 kilometers), the Appalachian Trail runs right along the north side of the river. This part of the trail is also in Blanchard, leading up to where the West Branch meets the East Branch.
