Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Bisco Falls — Waterfalls 15.0 Miles ESE of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS West Paris Quadrangle · GNIS 562372
Catalogued on the USGS West Paris quadrangle in Oxford County, Maine, Bisco Falls — a waterfall — lies 15.0 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 562372, Bisco Falls is recorded as a waterfall on the USGS West Paris quadrangle in Oxford County, Maine (FIPS 23/017). Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Bisco Falls sits at 44.28507° N, 70.53617° W (DMS 44°17′06″ N, 70°32′10″ 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 Bisco Falls itself. The ones closest to Bisco Falls:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Steep Falls | Norway | 5.4 mi |
| Basin Falls | West Sumner | 6.7 mi |
| Kezar Falls | North Waterford | 15 mi |
| Rumford Falls | Rumford | 17.6 mi |
| Kees Falls | Speckled Mountain | 20.8 mi |
| The Falls | Dixfield | 21.6 mi |
| Mad River Falls | Wild River | 23.2 mi |
| Ellis Falls | Ellis Pond | 26.2 mi |
| Screw Auger Falls | Old Speck Mountain | 27.1 mi |
| Swans Falls | Fryeburg | 27.9 mi |
Features on the USGS West Paris Quadrangle
The West Paris 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 23 catalogued natural features alongside Bisco Falls. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobble Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1 mi |
| Moody Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Snow Falls Gorge | Valleys | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Cole Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Stearns Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.5 mi |
| Paine Pond | Lakes | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Moose Pond Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.8 mi |
| Hedgehog Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.5 mi |
| Eastman Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.6 mi |
| Andrews Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 2.8 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
A 26-minute drive along back roads separates the front door of Chapman Inn from Bisco Falls — 15.0 miles east-southeast as the crow flies, on compass bearing ESE.
Best time to visit
Peak flow runs mid-April through June after snowmelt; late summer can be thin or dry. At this latitude (44.285°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 15.0 miles from the Inn, plan on a comfortable day trip with time for lunch on the road. Conditions at Bisco Falls track the nearby Cobble Hill summit (1.0 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Bisco Falls
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobble Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1 mi |
| Moody Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Snow Falls Gorge | Valleys | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Cole Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Stearns Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.5 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bisco Falls located?
Bisco Falls is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 15.0 miles east-southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS West Paris topographic quadrangle.
How far is Bisco Falls from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 26 minutes, 15.0 miles east-southeast (bearing ESE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Bisco Falls?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Bisco Falls as a waterfall, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 562372 on the West Paris quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Bisco 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.