Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Shirley Brook — Streams 9.8 Miles SW of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS Speckled Mountain Quadrangle · GNIS 581204
Within Oxford County, Maine, on the USGS Speckled Mountain quadrangle, the stream known as Shirley Brook sits 9.8 miles southwest of Chapman Inn.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Oxford County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Shirley Brook as a stream on the Speckled Mountain topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/017), under Feature ID 581204. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Shirley Brook sits at 44.29395° N, 70.91118° W (DMS 44°17′38″ N, 70°54′40″ W).
As a linear feature its source lies near 44.30944° N, 70.90278° W (DMS 44°18′34″ N, 70°54′10″ 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 Shirley Brook itself. The ones closest to Shirley Brook:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Brook | Speckled Mountain | 0.5 mi |
| Willard Brook | Speckled Mountain | 1.2 mi |
| Beaver Brook | Speckled Mountain | 2.5 mi |
| Hannah Brook | East Stoneham | 2.5 mi |
| Goodwin Brook | East Stoneham | 2.6 mi |
| Stony Brook | Speckled Mountain | 3.2 mi |
| Great Brook | Center Lovell | 3.6 mi |
| Cold Brook | Center Lovell | 3.8 mi |
| Bartlett Brook | East Stoneham | 3.9 mi |
| Meadow Brook | East Stoneham | 3.9 mi |
Features on the USGS Speckled Mountain Quadrangle
The Speckled Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 37 catalogued natural features alongside Shirley Brook. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Butters Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Willard Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Red Rock Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Durgin Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Miles Knob | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.5 mi |
| Miles Notch | Gaps | Oxford County, ME | 1.6 mi |
| Sugarloaf Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Isaiah Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2 mi |
| Speckled Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.2 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing SW out of Bethel for 9.8 miles (southwest) and you reach Shirley Brook; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 17 minutes.
Best time to visit
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible. At this latitude (44.294°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. The 9.8-mile drive from Chapman Inn makes it practical for a half-day outing — you can check conditions in the morning and still turn back if the weather closes in. Conditions at Shirley Brook track the nearby Red Rock Brook stream (0.5 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Shirley Brook
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Butters Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Willard Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Red Rock Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Durgin Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.3 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shirley Brook located?
Shirley Brook is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 9.8 miles southwest of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Speckled Mountain topographic quadrangle.
How far is Shirley Brook from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 17 minutes, 9.8 miles southwest (bearing SW) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Shirley Brook?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Shirley Brook as a stream, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 581204 on the Speckled Mountain quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Shirley Brook?
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.