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Charles River — Streams 20.6 Miles SSW of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS Center Lovell Quadrangle · GNIS 580982
Within Oxford County, Maine, on the USGS Center Lovell quadrangle, the stream known as Charles River sits 20.6 miles south-southwest of Chapman Inn.
Wikidata short description: “river in the United States of America”
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Oxford County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Charles River as a stream on the Center Lovell topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/017), under Feature ID 580982. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Charles River sits at 44.12868° N, 70.94701° W (DMS 44°07′43″ N, 70°56′49″ W).
As a linear feature its source lies near 44.13556° N, 70.96361° W (DMS 44°08′08″ N, 70°57′49″ W) — useful for anglers and paddlers tracing the upstream end.
Other streams in Oxford County, Maine
Oxford County, ME contains 296 streams catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Charles River itself. The ones closest to Charles River:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Kezar Outlet | Center Lovell | 0.1 mi |
| Cold River | Center Lovell | 1.1 mi |
| Long Meadow Brook | Center Lovell | 1.5 mi |
| Kezar River | Fryeburg | 2.8 mi |
| Prays Brook | Fryeburg | 2.9 mi |
| Popple Hill Brook | Fryeburg | 3 mi |
| Sucker Brook | Center Lovell | 3.1 mi |
| Alder Brook | Center Lovell | 3.3 mi |
| Bradley Brook | Center Lovell | 3.9 mi |
| Howard Brook | Center Lovell | 4.7 mi |
Features on the USGS Center Lovell Quadrangle
The Center Lovell 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 65 catalogued natural features alongside Charles River. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kezar Outlet | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.1 mi |
| Fryeburg Harbor | Bays | Oxford County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Cold River | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Charles Pond | Lakes | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Shave Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.5 mi |
| Long Meadow Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.5 mi |
| Pigeon Point | Capes | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Little Cold River | Streams | Oxford County, NH | 2 mi |
| Lower Bay | Bays | Oxford County, ME | 2.2 mi |
| Christian Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.6 mi |
Historical record
The Charles River is a 1.2-mile-long (1.9 km) channel connecting Charles Pond with the Old Course Saco River in the town of Fryeburg in western Maine, United States. It forms the natural extension of the Cold River, which flows from the White Mountains, New Hampshire, around Evans Notch south to Charles Pond. Extended history on Wikipedia →
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing SSW out of Bethel for 20.6 miles (south-southwest) and you reach Charles River; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 35 minutes.
Best time to visit
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible. At this latitude (44.129°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 20.6 miles from the Inn, plan on a comfortable day trip with time for lunch on the road. Conditions at Charles River track the nearby Kezar Outlet stream (essentially adjacent) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Charles River
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kezar Outlet | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.1 mi |
| Fryeburg Harbor | Bays | Oxford County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Cold River | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Charles Pond | Lakes | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Horseshoe Pond | Lakes | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Charles River located?
Charles River is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 20.6 miles south-southwest of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Center Lovell topographic quadrangle.
How far is Charles River from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 35 minutes, 20.6 miles south-southwest (bearing SSW) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Charles River?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Charles River as a stream, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 580982 on the Center Lovell quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Charles River?
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible.
How many other streams are in Oxford County, Maine?
GNIS lists 295 other streams in Oxford County, Maine.
Wikidata: Q5082071.