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Desert of Maine — Other Natural Features 49.0 Miles SE of Chapman Inn
Cumberland County, Maine · USGS Yarmouth Quadrangle · GNIS 565062
49.0 miles southeast of Chapman Inn, on the USGS Yarmouth topographic quadrangle, Desert of Maine is a natural feature recorded in Cumberland County, Maine by the federal Geographic Names Information System.
Wikidata short description: “desert”
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
The USGS Yarmouth 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle places Desert of Maine in Cumberland County, Maine (FIPS 23/005), classified as a natural feature in the federal GNIS (Feature ID 565062). Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Desert of Maine sits at 43.85897° N, 70.15727° W (DMS 43°51′32″ N, 70°09′26″ W).
Other other natural features in Cumberland County, Maine
Cumberland County, ME contains 7 other natural features catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Desert of Maine itself. The ones closest to Desert of Maine:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Narrows | North Windham | 13.3 mi |
| Eel Weir Canal | North Windham | 14.9 mi |
| The Notch | Sebago Lake | 17.9 mi |
| Jugtown Plain | Casco | 22.5 mi |
| Chute River | Naples | 23.3 mi |
| Molly Gut | Casco | 23.3 mi |
Features on the USGS Yarmouth Quadrangle
The Yarmouth 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 7 catalogued natural features alongside Desert of Maine. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trues Hill | Summits | Cumberland County, ME | 2.2 mi |
| East Branch Chandler Brook | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 3.2 mi |
| Chandler Brook | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 3.2 mi |
| Toddy Brook | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 3.2 mi |
| Wescutogo Hill | Summits | Cumberland County, ME | 3.7 mi |
| Yarmouth Reservoir | Reservoirs | Cumberland County, ME | 4.4 mi |
Historical record
The Desert of Maine is a natural curiosity and privately owned tourist attraction whose main feature is a 20-acre (8.1 ha) expanse of barren glacial sand in the town of Freeport, Maine, United States. The area was de‑vegetated by poor farming practices in the 19th century. Extended history on Wikipedia →
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Chapman Inn sits 49.0 miles southeast (bearing SE) of Desert of Maine. At moderate back-road speeds the drive runs about 84 minutes — comfortably inside a half-day outing window after breakfast.
Best time to visit
Generally accessible May through October; winter access depends on snow cover. At this latitude (43.859°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 49.0 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Desert of Maine track the nearby Trues Hill summit (2.2 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Desert of Maine
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trues Hill | Summits | Cumberland County, ME | 2.2 mi |
| Collins Brook | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 2.2 mi |
| Thoits Branch | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 2.9 mi |
| East Branch Chandler Brook | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 3.2 mi |
| Chandler Brook | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 3.2 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Desert of Maine located?
Desert of Maine is in Cumberland County, Maine, approximately 49.0 miles southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Yarmouth topographic quadrangle.
How far is Desert of Maine from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 84 minutes, 49.0 miles southeast (bearing SE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Desert of Maine?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Desert of Maine as a natural feature, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 565062 on the Yarmouth quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Desert of Maine?
Generally accessible May through October; winter access depends on snow cover.
How many other other natural features are in Cumberland County, Maine?
GNIS lists 6 other other natural features in Cumberland County, Maine.
Wikidata: Q638681.