Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Steep Falls — Waterfalls 18.7 Miles SE of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS Norway Quadrangle · GNIS 1908207
18.7 miles southeast of Chapman Inn, on the USGS Norway topographic quadrangle, Steep Falls is a waterfall recorded in Oxford County, Maine by the federal Geographic Names Information System.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
The USGS Norway 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle places Steep Falls in Oxford County, Maine (FIPS 23/017), classified as a waterfall in the federal GNIS (Feature ID 1908207). Catalogued in GNIS since 05/07/2001.
Coordinates & physical setting
Steep Falls sits at 44.20701° N, 70.53200° W (DMS 44°12′25″ N, 70°31′55″ 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 Steep Falls itself. The ones closest to Steep Falls:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Bisco Falls | West Paris | 5.4 mi |
| Basin Falls | West Sumner | 8.8 mi |
| Kezar Falls | North Waterford | 14 mi |
| Kees Falls | Speckled Mountain | 22.6 mi |
| Rumford Falls | Rumford | 23 mi |
| Mad River Falls | Wild River | 24.1 mi |
| Swans Falls | Fryeburg | 25.2 mi |
| The Falls | Dixfield | 27 mi |
| Great Falls | Cornish | 27.8 mi |
| Screw Auger Falls | Old Speck Mountain | 31.4 mi |
Features on the USGS Norway Quadrangle
The Norway 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 32 catalogued natural features alongside Steep Falls. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennesseewassee Stream | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Bird Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Pike Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1 mi |
| Little Androscoggin River Reservoir | Reservoirs | Oxford County, ME | 1.5 mi |
| Stony Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.6 mi |
| Bogg Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Lovejoy Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.8 mi |
| Horse Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.1 mi |
| Witt Swamp | Swamps | Oxford County, ME | 2.2 mi |
| The Nubble | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.5 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Chapman Inn sits 18.7 miles southeast (bearing SE) of Steep Falls. At moderate back-road speeds the drive runs about 32 minutes — comfortably inside a half-day outing window after breakfast.
Best time to visit
Peak flow runs mid-April through June after snowmelt; late summer can be thin or dry. At this latitude (44.207°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 18.7 miles from the Inn, plan on a comfortable day trip with time for lunch on the road. Conditions at Steep Falls track the nearby Pennesseewassee Stream (0.3 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Steep Falls
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennesseewassee Stream | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Bird Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Pike Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1 mi |
| Little Androscoggin River Reservoir | Reservoirs | Oxford County, ME | 1.5 mi |
| Stony Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 1.6 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Steep Falls located?
Steep Falls is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 18.7 miles southeast of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Norway topographic quadrangle.
How far is Steep Falls from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 32 minutes, 18.7 miles southeast (bearing SE) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Steep Falls?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Steep Falls as a waterfall, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 1908207 on the Norway quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Steep 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.