Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Dismal Swamp — Swamps 42.4 Miles ESE of Chapman Inn
Kennebec County, Maine · USGS Purgatory Quadrangle · GNIS 565127
Within Kennebec County, Maine, on the USGS Purgatory quadrangle, the swamp known as Dismal Swamp sits 42.4 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn.
Wikidata short description: “swamp in Kennebec County, Maine, United States of America”
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Kennebec County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Dismal Swamp as a swamp on the Purgatory topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/011), under Feature ID 565127. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Dismal Swamp sits at 44.21618° N, 69.97255° W (DMS 44°12′58″ N, 69°58′21″ W).
Features on the USGS Purgatory Quadrangle
The Purgatory 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 45 catalogued natural features alongside Dismal Swamp. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Ridge Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Jock Stream | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Blue Bell Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.7 mi |
| Green Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| Scott Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 1 mi |
| Woodbury Hills | Summits | Kennebec County, ME | 1 mi |
| Jug Stream | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Sheep Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Merrill Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Mud Pond | Lakes | Kennebec County, ME | 1.2 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing ESE out of Bethel for 42.4 miles (east-southeast) and you reach Dismal Swamp; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 73 minutes.
Best time to visit
Late May through October; avoid black-fly peak in late May. At this latitude (44.216°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 42.4 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Dismal Swamp track the nearby Maple Ridge Island (0.4 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Dismal Swamp
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Ridge Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Jock Stream | Streams | Kennebec County, ME | 0.5 mi |
| Blue Bell Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.7 mi |
| Green Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 0.9 mi |
| Scott Island | Islands | Kennebec County, ME | 1 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dismal Swamp located?
Dismal Swamp is in Kennebec County, Maine, approximately 42.4 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Purgatory topographic quadrangle.
How far is Dismal Swamp from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 73 minutes, 42.4 miles east-southeast (bearing ESE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Dismal Swamp?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Dismal Swamp as a swamp, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 565127 on the Purgatory quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Dismal Swamp?
Late May through October; avoid black-fly peak in late May.
Wikidata: Q33174245.