Merrill Island — Islands 42.3 Miles ESE of Chapman Inn
Kennebec County, Maine · USGS Purgatory Quadrangle · GNIS 571166
Within Kennebec County, Maine, on the USGS Purgatory quadrangle, the island known as Merrill Island sits 42.3 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 Merrill Island as a island on the Purgatory topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/011), under Feature ID 571166. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Merrill Island sits at 44.23229° N, 69.96699° W (DMS 44°13′56″ N, 69°58′01″ W).
Other islands in Kennebec County, Maine
Kennebec County, ME contains 50 islands catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Merrill Island itself. The ones closest to Merrill Island:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Island | Purgatory | 0.2 mi |
| Green Island | Purgatory | 0.2 mi |
| Pine Island | Purgatory | 0.3 mi |
| Sheep Island | Purgatory | 0.4 mi |
| Blue Bell Island | Purgatory | 0.5 mi |
| Maple Ridge Island | Purgatory | 0.8 mi |
| Lovers Island | Purgatory | 0.8 mi |
| Grape Island | Purgatory | 1.2 mi |
| LeClair Island | Purgatory | 1.4 mi |
| Goodwin Island | Purgatory | 1.5 mi |
Features on the USGS Purgatory Quadrangle
The Purgatory 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 45 catalogued natural features alongside Merrill Island. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Green Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Pine Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Undine Bay | Bays | Kennebec County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Jug Stream | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Sheep Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Blue Bell Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Ballard Bay | Bays | Kennebec County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Norris Point | Capes | Kennebec County, ME | 0.8 mi |
| Maple Ridge Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.8 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing ESE out of Bethel for 42.3 miles (east-southeast) and you reach Merrill Island; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 73 minutes.
Best time to visit
Late May through early October, when the water is safe for small-boat access. At this latitude (44.232°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 42.3 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Merrill Island track the nearby Scott Island (0.2 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Merrill Island
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Green Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Pine Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Undine Bay | Bays | Kennebec County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Jug Stream | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 0.3 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Merrill Island located?
Merrill Island is in Kennebec County, Maine, approximately 42.3 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Purgatory topographic quadrangle.
How far is Merrill Island from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 73 minutes, 42.3 miles east-southeast (bearing ESE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Merrill Island?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Merrill Island as a island, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 571166 on the Purgatory quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Merrill 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: Q49658181.