The North Branch of the Contoocook River (officially the North Branch River[1]) is a 16.8-mile-long (27.0 km)[2] river in southwestern New Hampshire in the United States. It is a tributary of the Contoocook River, part of the Merrimack River watershed.

North Branch Contoocook River North Branch River
The North Branch at Loveren's Mill, Antrim, NH
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Location
Country	United States
State	New Hampshire
Counties	Cheshire, Hillsborough
Towns	Stoddard, Antrim, Hillsborough
Physical characteristics
Source	Robb Reservoir
• location	Stoddard
• coordinates	43°2′21″N 72°4′4″W
• elevation	1,266 ft (386 m)
Mouth	Contoocook River
• location	Hillsborough
• coordinates	43°6′27″N 71°54′35″W
• elevation	585 ft (178 m)
Length	16.8 mi (27.0 km)
Basin features
Tributaries
• left	Morse Brook, Beards Brook
• right	Salmon Brook

The North Branch begins in a highland region of lakes, swamps, and intricate stream networks in the town of Stoddard, New Hampshire. The U.S. Geographic Names Information System places the beginning of the North Branch at the outlet of Robb Reservoir in the southeast corner of Stoddard.[1] Additional significant flow quickly arrives when the outlet of Highland Lake and Island Pond joins from the north. From here to Franklin Pierce Lake, the North Branch consists of a stairstep-like series of flatwater and wetland sections interspersed with sections of whitewater that are popular among New England kayakers. Below Franklin Pierce Lake it is a short distance to the Contoocook River in Hillsborough. Beards Brook enters the North Branch in Hillsborough just upstream of the river's end at the Contoocook.

New Hampshire Route 9 follows the North Branch for most of the river's length.

See also

• List of rivers of New Hampshire

References