Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Big Island — Islands 41.1 Miles ESE of Chapman Inn
Kennebec County, Maine · USGS Winthrop Quadrangle · GNIS 562187
Within Kennebec County, Maine, on the USGS Winthrop quadrangle, the island known as Big Island sits 41.1 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn.
Wikidata short description: “island in Kennebec County, Maine, United States of America”
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Kennebec County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Big Island as a island on the Winthrop topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/011), under Feature ID 562187. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Big Island sits at 44.26424° N, 69.98172° W (DMS 44°15′51″ N, 69°58′54″ W).
Other islands in Kennebec County, Maine
Kennebec County, ME contains 50 islands catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Big Island itself. The ones closest to Big Island:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Lovers Island | Purgatory | 1.8 mi |
| Pine Island | Purgatory | 2.2 mi |
| Merrill Island | Purgatory | 2.3 mi |
| Grape Island | Purgatory | 2.3 mi |
| Scott Island | Purgatory | 2.4 mi |
| Green Island | Purgatory | 2.6 mi |
| Richards Island | Winthrop | 2.6 mi |
| Sheep Island | Purgatory | 2.6 mi |
| Goodwin Island | Purgatory | 2.7 mi |
| Blue Bell Island | Purgatory | 2.7 mi |
Features on the USGS Winthrop Quadrangle
The Winthrop 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 35 catalogued natural features alongside Big Island. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annabessacook Lake | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Wilson Stream | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 0.8 mi |
| Hoyt Brook | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Lower Narrows Pond | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 2.4 mi |
| Crams Point | Capes | Kennebec County, ME | 2.5 mi |
| West Point | Capes | Kennebec County, ME | 2.5 mi |
| Richards Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 2.6 mi |
| Horseshoe Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 3.2 mi |
| Upper Narrows Pond | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 3.5 mi |
| Frog Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 3.6 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing ESE out of Bethel for 41.1 miles (east-southeast) and you reach Big Island; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 70 minutes.
Best time to visit
Late May through early October, when the water is safe for small-boat access. At this latitude (44.264°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 41.1 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Big Island track the nearby Annabessacook Lake (0.3 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Big Island
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annabessacook Lake | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Wilson Stream | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 0.8 mi |
| Mud Mills Stream | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Hoyt Brook | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Lovers Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 1.8 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Island located?
Big Island is in Kennebec County, Maine, approximately 41.1 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Winthrop topographic quadrangle.
How far is Big Island from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 70 minutes, 41.1 miles east-southeast (bearing ESE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Big Island?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Big Island as a island, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 562187 on the Winthrop quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Big Island?
Late May through early October, when the water is safe for small-boat access.
How many other islands are in Kennebec County, Maine?
GNIS lists 49 other islands in Kennebec County, Maine.
Wikidata: Q49632940.