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Birch Island — Islands 37.9 Miles E of Chapman Inn
Kennebec County, Maine · USGS Fayette Quadrangle · GNIS 562301
Within Kennebec County, Maine, on the USGS Fayette quadrangle, the island known as Birch Island sits 37.9 miles east 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 Birch Island as a island on the Fayette topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/011), under Feature ID 562301. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Birch Island sits at 44.48090° N, 70.02867° W (DMS 44°28′51″ N, 70°01′43″ W).
Other islands in Kennebec County, Maine
Kennebec County, ME contains 50 islands catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Birch Island itself. The ones closest to Birch Island:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Spruce Island | Fayette | 0.9 mi |
| Causeway Island | Fayette | 0.9 mi |
| Gooseneck Island | Fayette | 1.1 mi |
| Turtle Island | Fayette | 3.2 mi |
| Echo Island | Fayette | 3.3 mi |
| Big Island | Belgrade Lakes | 3.7 mi |
| Green Island | Readfield | 5.7 mi |
| Castle Island | Belgrade Lakes | 6.3 mi |
| Loon Island | Belgrade Lakes | 7 mi |
| Frink Island | Belgrade Lakes | 7.1 mi |
Features on the USGS Fayette Quadrangle
The Fayette 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 29 catalogued natural features alongside Birch Island. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parker Pond | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 0.7 mi |
| Spruce Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| Causeway Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| David Pond | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 1 mi |
| Gooseneck Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Hopkins Stream | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Knowles Hill | Summits | Franklin County, ME | 1.8 mi |
| Echo Lake | Reservoirs | Kennebec County, ME | 1.8 mi |
| Cranberry Pond | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 1.9 mi |
| Basin Pond | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 2 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing E out of Bethel for 37.9 miles (east) and you reach Birch Island; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 65 minutes.
Best time to visit
Late May through early October, when the water is safe for small-boat access. At this latitude (44.481°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 37.9 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Birch Island track the nearby Parker Pond lake (0.7 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Birch Island
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parker Pond | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 0.7 mi |
| Spruce Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| Causeway Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| David Pond | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 1 mi |
| Gooseneck Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 1.1 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Birch Island located?
Birch Island is in Kennebec County, Maine, approximately 37.9 miles east of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Fayette topographic quadrangle.
How far is Birch Island from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 65 minutes, 37.9 miles east (bearing E) 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 562301 on the Fayette 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 Kennebec County, Maine?
GNIS lists 49 other islands in Kennebec County, Maine.
Wikidata: Q34673964.