Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Four Ponds Brook — Streams 29.7 Miles N of Chapman Inn
Franklin County, Maine · USGS Houghton Quadrangle · GNIS 566468
Within Franklin County, Maine, on the USGS Houghton quadrangle, the stream known as Four Ponds Brook sits 29.7 miles north of Chapman Inn.
Wikidata short description: “river in the United States of America”
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Franklin County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Four Ponds Brook as a stream on the Houghton topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/007), under Feature ID 566468. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Four Ponds Brook sits at 44.83117° N, 70.71868° W (DMS 44°49′52″ N, 70°43′07″ W).
As a linear feature its source lies near 44.84083° N, 70.68444° W (DMS 44°50′27″ N, 70°41′04″ W) — useful for anglers and paddlers tracing the upstream end.
Other streams in Franklin County, Maine
Franklin County, ME contains 134 streams catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Four Ponds Brook itself. The ones closest to Four Ponds Brook:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Bemis Stream | Houghton | 1.3 mi |
| Toothaker Brook | Houghton | 2.9 mi |
| Mountain Brook | Houghton | 3.3 mi |
| Mountain Pond Stream | Rangeley | 4.2 mi |
| Martin Brook | Rangeley | 5.2 mi |
| South Bog Stream | Rangeley | 6.9 mi |
| Haley Brook | Saddleback Mountain | 7 mi |
| Mill Brook | Saddleback Mountain | 8 mi |
| Long Pond Stream | Saddleback Mountain | 8.1 mi |
| Cascade Stream | Saddleback Mountain | 8.1 mi |
Features on the USGS Houghton Quadrangle
The Houghton 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 18 catalogued natural features alongside Four Ponds Brook. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spruce Mountain | Summits | Franklin County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Bemis Stream | Streams | Franklin County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Spencer Pond | Lakes | Franklin County, ME | 1.6 mi |
| Maxie Pond | Lakes | Franklin County, ME | 1.9 mi |
| Beaver Pond | Lakes | Franklin County, ME | 2 mi |
| Round Pond | Lakes | Franklin County, ME | 2.3 mi |
| Long Pond | Lakes | Franklin County, ME | 2.3 mi |
| Brimstone Mountain | Summits | Franklin County, ME | 2.8 mi |
| Toothaker Brook | Streams | Franklin County, ME | 2.9 mi |
| Sabbath Day Pond | Lakes | Franklin County, ME | 3 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing N out of Bethel for 29.7 miles (north) and you reach Four Ponds Brook; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 51 minutes.
Best time to visit
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible. Being this far north (lat 44.831°), first snows typically arrive by mid-October and linger into early May — narrow the window accordingly. At 29.7 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Four Ponds Brook track the nearby Spruce Mountain summit (1.3 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Four Ponds Brook
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spruce Mountain | Summits | Franklin County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Bemis Stream | Streams | Franklin County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Spencer Pond | Lakes | Franklin County, ME | 1.6 mi |
| Maxie Pond | Lakes | Franklin County, ME | 1.9 mi |
| Beaver Pond | Lakes | Franklin County, ME | 2 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Four Ponds Brook located?
Four Ponds Brook is in Franklin County, Maine, approximately 29.7 miles north of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Houghton topographic quadrangle.
How far is Four Ponds Brook from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 51 minutes, 29.7 miles north (bearing N) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Four Ponds Brook?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Four Ponds Brook as a stream, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 566468 on the Houghton quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Four Ponds Brook?
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible.
How many other streams are in Franklin County, Maine?
GNIS lists 133 other streams in Franklin County, Maine.
Wikidata: Q34754569.