Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Hardscrabble Island — Islands 26.0 Miles N of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS Middle Dam Quadrangle · GNIS 567608
Within Oxford County, Maine, on the USGS Middle Dam quadrangle, the island known as Hardscrabble Island sits 26.0 miles north of Chapman Inn.
Wikidata short description: “island in Oxford County, Maine, United States of America”
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Oxford County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Hardscrabble Island as a island on the Middle Dam topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/017), under Feature ID 567608. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Hardscrabble Island sits at 44.77533° N, 70.88535° W (DMS 44°46′31″ N, 70°53′07″ W).
Other islands in Oxford County, Maine
Oxford County, ME contains 44 islands catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Hardscrabble Island itself. The ones closest to Hardscrabble Island:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Spirt Island | Middle Dam | 0.5 mi |
| Pine Island | Metallak Mountain | 3.8 mi |
| Dollar Island | Oquossoc | 7.2 mi |
| Big Beaver Island | Richardson Pond | 8.3 mi |
| Beaver Island | Richardson Pond | 8.6 mi |
| Students Island | Oquossoc | 9.1 mi |
| Farrington Island | Oquossoc | 10.8 mi |
| Shelter Island | Oquossoc | 11.1 mi |
| Johnson Island | Oquossoc | 11.9 mi |
| Lunch Island | Oquossoc | 12 mi |
Features on the USGS Middle Dam Quadrangle
The Middle Dam 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 27 catalogued natural features alongside Hardscrabble Island. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Richardson Lake | Reservoirs | Oxford County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Spirt Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Blackcat Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Rifle Point | Capes | Oxford County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Jackson Point | Capes | Oxford County, ME | 2 mi |
| Horse Beef Point | Capes | Oxford County, ME | 2 mi |
| Portland Point | Capes | Oxford County, ME | 2.2 mi |
| Pond in the River | Lakes | Oxford County, ME | 2.3 mi |
| Richardson Lake | Reservoirs | Oxford County, ME | 2.3 mi |
| Spaulding Cove | Bays | Oxford County, ME | 2.5 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing N out of Bethel for 26.0 miles (north) and you reach Hardscrabble Island; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 45 minutes.
Best time to visit
Late May through early October, when the water is safe for small-boat access. At this latitude (44.775°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 26.0 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Hardscrabble Island track the nearby Lower Richardson Lake reservoir (0.5 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Hardscrabble Island
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Richardson Lake | Reservoirs | Oxford County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Spirt Island | Islands | Oxford County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Blackcat Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Bailey Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Rifle Point | Capes | Oxford County, ME | 1.3 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hardscrabble Island located?
Hardscrabble Island is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 26.0 miles north of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Middle Dam topographic quadrangle.
How far is Hardscrabble Island from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 45 minutes, 26.0 miles north (bearing N) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Hardscrabble Island?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Hardscrabble Island as a island, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 567608 on the Middle Dam quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Hardscrabble 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: Q49640380.