Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
The Cataracts — Waterfalls 16.5 Miles NNW of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS Andover Quadrangle · GNIS 576781
Catalogued on the USGS Andover quadrangle in Oxford County, Maine, The Cataracts — a waterfall — lies 16.5 miles north-northwest of Chapman Inn.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 576781, The Cataracts is recorded as a waterfall on the USGS Andover quadrangle in Oxford County, Maine (FIPS 23/017). Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
The Cataracts sits at 44.63867° N, 70.86035° W (DMS 44°38′19″ N, 70°51′37″ 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 The Cataracts itself. The ones closest to The Cataracts:
| Feature | USGS Quadrangle | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Dunn Falls | B Pond | 2.5 mi |
| Screw Auger Falls | Old Speck Mountain | 5.2 mi |
| Mother Walker Falls | Old Speck Mountain | 5.3 mi |
| Silver Ripple Cascade | Ellis Pond | 6.8 mi |
| Ellis Falls | Ellis Pond | 7.6 mi |
| Rumford Falls | Rumford | 17 mi |
| The Falls | Dixfield | 19.3 mi |
| Kees Falls | Speckled Mountain | 20.9 mi |
| Aziscohos Falls (historical) | Richardson Pond | 22.2 mi |
| Mad River Falls | Wild River | 25.2 mi |
Features on the USGS Andover Quadrangle
The Andover 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 22 catalogued natural features alongside The Cataracts. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frye Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Burroughs Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.7 mi |
| Gregg Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Surplus Pond | Lakes | Oxford County, ME | 2.5 mi |
| Wyman Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 3.1 mi |
| Stony Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 3.3 mi |
| Moody Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 4.4 mi |
| Hall Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 4.7 mi |
| Farrington Hill | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 4.7 mi |
| Abbott Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 4.8 mi |
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
A 28-minute drive along back roads separates the front door of Chapman Inn from The Cataracts — 16.5 miles north-northwest as the crow flies, on compass bearing NNW.
Best time to visit
Peak flow runs mid-April through June after snowmelt; late summer can be thin or dry. At this latitude (44.639°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 16.5 miles from the Inn, plan on a comfortable day trip with time for lunch on the road. Conditions at The Cataracts track the nearby Frye Brook stream (0.3 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to The Cataracts
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frye Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.3 mi |
| Burroughs Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 0.7 mi |
| Gregg Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Black Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Surplus Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.2 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Cataracts located?
The Cataracts is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 16.5 miles north-northwest of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Andover topographic quadrangle.
How far is The Cataracts from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 28 minutes, 16.5 miles north-northwest (bearing NNW) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is The Cataracts?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies The Cataracts as a waterfall, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 576781 on the Andover quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit The Cataracts?
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.