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Birch Island — Islands 29.3 Miles SSE of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS Mechanic Falls Quadrangle · GNIS 562298
Within Oxford County, Maine, on the USGS Mechanic Falls quadrangle, the island known as Birch Island sits 29.3 miles south-southeast of Chapman Inn.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Oxford County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Birch Island as a island on the Mechanic Falls topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/017), under Feature ID 562298. Last revised by the Board on Geographic Names on 02/17/2012.
Coordinates & physical setting
Birch Island sits at 44.04063° N, 70.48784° W (DMS 44°02′26″ N, 70°29′16″ W).
Other islands in Oxford County, Maine
Oxford County, ME contains 44 islands catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Birch Island itself. The ones closest to Birch Island:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Wacipi Island | Mechanic Falls | 0.2 mi |
| Crescent Island | Mechanic Falls | 0.2 mi |
| Squirrel Island | Mechanic Falls | 0.3 mi |
| Turtle Island | Mechanic Falls | 0.4 mi |
| Sand Island | Casco | 3.7 mi |
| Goat Island | Casco | 4.1 mi |
| Wardwell Island | Casco | 5.2 mi |
| Wood Island | Pleasant Mountain | 15.8 mi |
| Walker Island | Fryeburg | 20.7 mi |
| Pine Island | Brownfield | 21.6 mi |
Features on the USGS Mechanic Falls Quadrangle
The Mechanic Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 48 catalogued natural features alongside Birch Island. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wacipi Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Crescent Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Squirrel Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Edwards Cove | Bays | Cumberland County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Turtle Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Jerry Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Abrams Point | Capes | Androscoggin County, ME | 1 mi |
| Potash Cove | Bays | Androscoggin County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Parsons Point | Capes | Cumberland County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Heath Island | Islands | Cumberland County, ME | 1.6 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing SSE out of Bethel for 29.3 miles (south-southeast) and you reach Birch Island; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 50 minutes.
Best time to visit
Late May through early October, when the water is safe for small-boat access. At this latitude (44.041°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 29.3 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Birch Island track the nearby Wacipi Island (0.2 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Birch Island
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wacipi Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Crescent Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Squirrel Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Edwards Cove | Bays | Cumberland County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Turtle Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.4 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Birch Island located?
Birch Island is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 29.3 miles south-southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Mechanic Falls topographic quadrangle.
How far is Birch Island from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 50 minutes, 29.3 miles south-southeast (bearing SSE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Birch Island?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Birch Island as a island, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 562298 on the Mechanic Falls quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Birch Island?
Late May through early October, when the water is safe for small-boat access.
How many other islands are in Oxford County, Maine?
GNIS lists 43 other islands in Oxford County, Maine.
Wikidata: Q34674006.