Big Falls — Waterfalls 47.1 Miles N of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS Lincoln Pond Quadrangle · GNIS 562163
Within Oxford County, Maine, on the USGS Lincoln Pond quadrangle, the waterfall known as Big Falls sits 47.1 miles north of Chapman Inn.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Oxford County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Big Falls as a waterfall on the Lincoln Pond topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/017), under Feature ID 562163. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Big Falls sits at 45.08200° N, 70.89257° W (DMS 45°04′55″ N, 70°53′33″ 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 Big Falls itself. The ones closest to Big Falls:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Little Falls | Kennebago | 3.9 mi |
| Aziscohos Falls (historical) | Richardson Pond | 10.8 mi |
| Silver Ripple Cascade | Ellis Pond | 28.3 mi |
| Dunn Falls | B Pond | 29 mi |
| The Cataracts | Andover | 30.7 mi |
| Ellis Falls | Ellis Pond | 31.6 mi |
| Mother Walker Falls | Old Speck Mountain | 34.9 mi |
| Screw Auger Falls | Old Speck Mountain | 35.2 mi |
| The Falls | Dixfield | 39.4 mi |
| Rumford Falls | Rumford | 41.2 mi |
Features on the USGS Lincoln Pond Quadrangle
The Lincoln Pond 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 13 catalogued natural features alongside Big Falls. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.1 mi |
| Portage Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.6 mi |
| Fox Pond | Lakes | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Little East Branch Cupsuptic River | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Green Top | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 3 mi |
| Lincoln Pond | Lakes | Oxford County, ME | 3.1 mi |
| Big Buck Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 3.9 mi |
| Hurricane Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 4.3 mi |
| Twin Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 4.3 mi |
| Little Magalloway River | Streams | Oxford County, NH | 4.9 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing N out of Bethel for 47.1 miles (north) and you reach Big Falls; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 81 minutes.
Best time to visit
Peak flow runs mid-April through June after snowmelt; late summer can be thin or dry. Being this far north (lat 45.082°), first snows typically arrive by mid-October and linger into early May — narrow the window accordingly. At 47.1 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Big Falls track the nearby Lost Brook stream (essentially adjacent) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Big Falls
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.1 mi |
| Portage Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.6 mi |
| Fox Pond | Lakes | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Little East Branch Cupsuptic River | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Burnt Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.8 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Falls located?
Big Falls is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 47.1 miles north of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Lincoln Pond topographic quadrangle.
How far is Big Falls from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 81 minutes, 47.1 miles north (bearing N) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Big Falls?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Big Falls as a waterfall, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 562163 on the Lincoln Pond quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Big 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.