Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
South Bay — Bays 43.0 Miles ESE of Chapman Inn
Kennebec County, Maine · USGS Purgatory Quadrangle · GNIS 575750
Within Kennebec County, Maine, on the USGS Purgatory quadrangle, the bay known as South Bay sits 43.0 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn.
Wikidata short description: “bay of Cobbosseecontee Lake in Maine”
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Kennebec County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists South Bay as a bay on the Purgatory topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/011), under Feature ID 575750. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
South Bay sits at 44.24868° N, 69.94644° W (DMS 44°14′55″ N, 69°56′47″ W).
Other bays in Kennebec County, Maine
Kennebec County, ME contains 7 bays catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting South Bay itself. The ones closest to South Bay:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Pinkham Sound | Purgatory | 1 mi |
| True Cove | Purgatory | 1.3 mi |
| Ballard Bay | Purgatory | 1.3 mi |
| Undine Bay | Purgatory | 1.3 mi |
| Hatch Cove | Rome | 20.1 mi |
| North Bay | Rome | 22.9 mi |
Features on the USGS Purgatory Quadrangle
The Purgatory 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 45 catalogued natural features alongside South Bay. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobbosseecontee Lake | Reservoirs | Kennebec County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Grape Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Goodwin Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.7 mi |
| Pinkham Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.8 mi |
| Lovers Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.8 mi |
| LeClair Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| Long Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| Norris Point | Capes | Kennebec County, ME | 1 mi |
| Pinkham Sound | Bays | Kennebec County, ME | 1 mi |
| Pine Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 1.3 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing ESE out of Bethel for 43.0 miles (east-southeast) and you reach South Bay; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 74 minutes.
Best time to visit
June through September for paddling and swimming; January through March for ice fishing. At this latitude (44.249°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 43.0 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at South Bay track the nearby Cobbosseecontee Lake reservoir (0.5 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to South Bay
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobbosseecontee Lake | Reservoirs | Kennebec County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Grape Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Goodwin Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.7 mi |
| Richards Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.7 mi |
| Pinkham Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.8 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Bay located?
South Bay is in Kennebec County, Maine, approximately 43.0 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Purgatory topographic quadrangle.
How far is South Bay from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 74 minutes, 43.0 miles east-southeast (bearing ESE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is South Bay?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies South Bay as a bay, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 575750 on the Purgatory quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit South Bay?
June through September for paddling and swimming; January through March for ice fishing.
How many other bays are in Kennebec County, Maine?
GNIS lists 6 other bays in Kennebec County, Maine.
Wikidata: Q49392565.