Wikimedia Commons (File:Forest and stream (IA ForeststreamXXIV).pdf)
Bear River — Streams 20.9 Miles SSE of Chapman Inn
Cumberland County, Maine · USGS Bridgton Quadrangle · GNIS 561876
20.9 miles south-southeast of Chapman Inn, on the USGS Bridgton topographic quadrangle, Bear River is a stream recorded in Cumberland County, Maine by the federal Geographic Names Information System.
Wikidata short description: “tributary of Long Lake in the U.S. state of Maine”
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
The USGS Bridgton 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle places Bear River in Cumberland County, Maine (FIPS 23/005), classified as a stream in the federal GNIS (Feature ID 561876). Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Bear River sits at 44.11146° N, 70.68673° W (DMS 44°06′41″ N, 70°41′12″ W).
As a linear feature its source lies near 44.14563° N, 70.71034° W (DMS 44°08′44″ N, 70°42′37″ W) — useful for anglers and paddlers tracing the upstream end.
Other streams in Cumberland County, Maine
Cumberland County, ME contains 110 streams catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Bear River itself. The ones closest to Bear River:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Smith Brook | Bridgton | 0.8 mi |
| Woodsum Brook | Waterford Flat | 1.6 mi |
| Rodgers Brook | Bridgton | 1.7 mi |
| Carsley Brook | Bridgton | 3.1 mi |
| Stevens Brook | Bridgton | 4 mi |
| Russell Brook | Casco | 4.3 mi |
| Willett Brook | Bridgton | 4.3 mi |
| Thomes Brook | Bridgton | 6 mi |
| Jack Branch | Bridgton | 7.5 mi |
| Day Brook | Bridgton | 8 mi |
Features on the USGS Bridgton Quadrangle
The Bridgton 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 49 catalogued natural features alongside Bear River. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith Brook | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 0.8 mi |
| Bells Point | Capes | Cumberland County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| Crystal Lake | Reservoirs | Cumberland County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Whitney Hill | Summits | Cumberland County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Town Farm Hill | Summits | Cumberland County, ME | 1.4 mi |
| Hobbs Hill | Summits | Cumberland County, ME | 1.6 mi |
| Rodgers Brook | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Brigham Hill | Summits | Cumberland County, ME | 2 mi |
| Upper Ridge | Ridges | Cumberland County, ME | 2.2 mi |
| Bluff Point | Capes | Cumberland County, ME | 2.3 mi |
Historical record
The Bear River is a 2.7-mile-long (4.3 km) tributary of Long Lake in the U.S. state of Maine. It originates at the outlet of Bear Pond in the town of Waterford in Oxford County, then flows southeast into the town of Bridgton in Cumberland County and finally the town of Harrison, where it reaches Long Lake. Via Long Lake, the Songo River, and Sebago Lake, the Bear River is part of the Presumpscot River watershed, flowing to Casco Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. Read the full Wikipedia entry →
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Chapman Inn sits 20.9 miles south-southeast (bearing SSE) of Bear River. At moderate back-road speeds the drive runs about 36 minutes — comfortably inside a half-day outing window after breakfast.
Best time to visit
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible. At this latitude (44.111°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 20.9 miles from the Inn, plan on a comfortable day trip with time for lunch on the road. Conditions at Bear River track the nearby Smith Brook stream (0.8 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Bear River
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith Brook | Streams | Cumberland County, ME | 0.8 mi |
| Bells Point | Capes | Cumberland County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| Crystal Lake | Reservoirs | Cumberland County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Whitney Hill | Summits | Cumberland County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Town Farm Hill | Summits | Cumberland County, ME | 1.4 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bear River located?
Bear River is in Cumberland County, Maine, approximately 20.9 miles south-southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Bridgton topographic quadrangle.
How far is Bear River from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 36 minutes, 20.9 miles south-southeast (bearing SSE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Bear River?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Bear River as a stream, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 561876 on the Bridgton quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Bear River?
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible.
How many other streams are in Cumberland County, Maine?
GNIS lists 109 other streams in Cumberland County, Maine.
Wikidata: Q4876543.