Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Basin Falls — Waterfalls 20.7 Miles ESE of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS West Sumner Quadrangle · GNIS 561686
Within Oxford County, Maine, on the USGS West Sumner quadrangle, the waterfall known as Basin Falls sits 20.7 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Oxford County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Basin Falls as a waterfall on the West Sumner topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/017), under Feature ID 561686. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Basin Falls sits at 44.29312° N, 70.40089° W (DMS 44°17′35″ N, 70°24′03″ W).
As a linear feature its source lies near 0.00000° N, 0.00000° W — useful for anglers and paddlers tracing the upstream end.
Other waterfalls in Oxford County, Maine
Oxford County, ME contains 19 waterfalls catalogued in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, counting Basin Falls itself. The ones closest to Basin Falls:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Bisco Falls | West Paris | 6.7 mi |
| Steep Falls | Norway | 8.8 mi |
| Rumford Falls | Rumford | 18.4 mi |
| The Falls | Dixfield | 21.2 mi |
| Kezar Falls | North Waterford | 21.5 mi |
| Kees Falls | Speckled Mountain | 27.3 mi |
| Ellis Falls | Ellis Pond | 28.5 mi |
| Mad River Falls | Wild River | 29.9 mi |
| Screw Auger Falls | Old Speck Mountain | 31.7 mi |
| Silver Ripple Cascade | Ellis Pond | 31.9 mi |
Features on the USGS West Sumner Quadrangle
The West Sumner 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 27 catalogued natural features alongside Basin Falls. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basin Falls Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.6 mi |
| Darnit Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.8 mi |
| Deans Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Warren Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Downs Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| North Pond | Reservoirs | Oxford County, ME | 2.4 mi |
| Turner Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.4 mi |
| Hedgehog Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.6 mi |
| Oak Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.7 mi |
| Hammond Ledge | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.9 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing ESE out of Bethel for 20.7 miles (east-southeast) and you reach Basin Falls; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 35 minutes.
Best time to visit
Peak flow runs mid-April through June after snowmelt; late summer can be thin or dry. At this latitude (44.293°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 20.7 miles from the Inn, plan on a comfortable day trip with time for lunch on the road. Conditions at Basin Falls track the nearby Basin Falls Brook stream (0.6 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Basin Falls
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basin Falls Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.6 mi |
| Darnit Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.8 mi |
| Deans Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Warren Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.3 mi |
| Downs Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Basin Falls located?
Basin Falls is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 20.7 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS West Sumner topographic quadrangle.
How far is Basin Falls from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 35 minutes, 20.7 miles east-southeast (bearing ESE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Basin Falls?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Basin Falls as a waterfall, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 561686 on the West Sumner quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Basin Falls?
Peak flow runs mid-April through June after snowmelt; late summer can be thin or dry.
How many other waterfalls are in Oxford County, Maine?
GNIS lists 18 other waterfalls in Oxford County, Maine.