Sitting on the western region of Maine, and only about an hour from New Hampshire’s White Mountains region, Bethel is often referred to as Maine’s most beautiful mountain village, and I can’t help but agree with that sentiment. While known for the Sunday River ski area, Bethel’s quaint charm offers so much more to do beyond skiing, and is a true nature-lover’s paradise!
This post is all about the best things to do in Bethel, Maine, which I’m thrilled to share with you today based on my own experiences visiting this lovely little town. I also list some amazing things to do that are a short drive away, all of which make for wonderful excursions and day trips during your visit.
With that, let’s get started on planning your getaway to Bethel!
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Best Things To Do In Bethel, Maine During Your Visit
1. Explore Sunday River Year-Round
The most popular thing to do in Bethel is absolutely Sunday River Resort, which is one of Maine’s top ski destinations. However, even if you visit outside of the winter season, you’ll find some fun things to check out here.
But first, let’s talk skiing, since well, that’s what this resort is most known for π With 8 peaks, 15 lifts, and 135 trails, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best ski areas in the state. There are also about 20 dining options to choose from, ranging from casual cafeteria style, to coffee shops, to sit-down dining, so you’ll never have to leave the resort for your mid-day fuel up.
In the winter, they also have a very cool AprΓ©s at the Igloo experience, which is a special dining event where visitors take a ride through the snow on their PistenBully Cabin Cat to a winter wonderland space, complete with an ice bar, fireplace, sweet treats, and drinks.
Lastly in the winter, you can check out twilight skiing, fireworks shows, and the magical AprΓ©s Aglow winter trail.
However, beyond winter fun, summer and fall are also great at Sunday River. Take a ride up the mountain in either season, either via an enclosed gondola, or an open chair lift, and enjoy the mountain views. This is especially beautiful during fall foliage season.
There are also swimming holes on the resort grounds, golfing, hiking, and so much more outside of winter.
2. Walk Around The Quaint Downtown & Town Green
Bethel’s downtown is small, but charming, and you’ll find a Main Street with shops and dining, as well as a lovely town green at the end of Main Street, complete with a beautiful gazebo.
This area of town only spans a few blocks, so it’s not a place that needs more than a couple of hours, but it’s definitely worth a stroll to visit the local shops and restaurants, and also admire the lovely houses and cozy streets.
3. Hold A Piece Of The Moon (No, Really!)
Right on Main Street, you’ll find the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, where you can actually hold a piece of the moon. This museum has one of the worldβs best meteorite collections, and the the most comprehensive collection of Maine minerals, rocks, and gemstones in the entire U.S., making it one very cool and unique place to experience in Bethel!
However, the most impressive thing to do at the museum is hold the moon, of course, as the MMGM is home to the largest known pieces of the Moon, and Mars. The museum often allows visitors to hold some of the moon pieces, making that alone worth the price of admission.
4. See Sunday River Covered Bridge
Covered bridges are such an iconic emblem of New England architecture, and one of the most charming places to visit in Bethel is the Sunday River Covered Bridge. This bridge is tucked away on the side of Sunday River Road, close to the ski resort, and is the most photographed covered bridge in the state.
The bridge is free and easy to visit, with parking on both sides. While there, cross the bridge over Sunday River to admire the views, and snap some photos along the way!
5. Visit The Local Breweries
Bethel is home to not one, but two breweries, so if you’re into craft beer, this is a fun thing to check out on your visit.
My personal favorite of the two is Steam Mill Brewing, which primarily brews ales, IPAs, and stouts. On-site, they also serve delicious pub food, including really good desserts! For those who don’t drink beer, there’s a nice cocktail and wine menu, too.
Sunday River Brewing is the second option in Bethel for craft beer, and while I didn’t like the beers here quite as much as Steam Mill, it’s still a fun place to check out. The indoor space is very cozy with a giant fireplace, and they also have a full pub menu that includes pizzas.
6. Head Out On The Bethel Pathway
For an easy way to explore town, one of the best things to do in Bethel, Maine is the pathway, which spans for 3.5 miles (round trip). Most of this paved pedestrian pathway follows the Androscoggin River, and it also has a cute covered bridge, a scenic bridge over the river, and places to stop for fitness activities like pull-up bars and such.
If you want a longer walk, you can continue on North Road and head to Valentine Farm, which offers scenic nature trails, but I’ll get more into that later in the post π
The best place to park to walk the pathway is Davis Park, and the start of this portion of the trail crosses the cute covered bridge.
7. Explore Bethel’s Natural Beauty On A Kayak
Since Bethel has various lakes, ponds, and rivers to explore, one of the best way to experience nature during your visit is by heading out on a kayak. There are a couple of places in town that offer rentals and tours, making it easy to enjoy your adventure.
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground is one of the top places for kayaking in town, and not only do they offer kayak tours, they also have river tubing adventures, as well as a cool gem and mineral experience.
Bethel Adventure Tours also offers great kayaking tours around the area, and also has guided nature hikes, mountain bike tours, and lots more.
8. Experience One Of The Scenic Nature Or Hiking Trails
Bethel is home to so many wonderful hiking trails and scenic nature walks, so you’ll want to be sure to pack your hiking boots for this trip, as everyone will be able to find some trails that suit their skill level. Plus, since much of Bethel’s appeal is its stunning mountain scenery, this is a great way to really get to know the area.
One of the top places to explore is the Mahoosuc Land Trust, which is home to over 20 miles of trails, and over 25,000 acres of preserved land. Most of Bethel’s trails can be found in this area.
One of the best nature trails in town for those wanting an easy and relaxing walk is Valentine Farm. The 1.2 mile long trail here meanders through the woods, open fields, and passes by the Habitat For All Garden.
Here are some other great trails & areas to explore on the Mahoosuc Land Trust:
β Glassface Ledges
β Bucks Ledge Community Forest
β Rumford Whitecap
β McCoy Chapman Forest
β Step Falls
Trails at Mahoosuc are free and open to the public. If you’re able, I also encourage you to make a donation during your visit if you enjoyed your experience. Donations help support conservation efforts, as well as maintain the trails so everyone can enjoy them for years to come.
9. Visit The Local Museums & Historic Sites
Right in the downtown area by Main Street, one of the best attractions in town is the Bethel Historical Society, which preserves and shares the history of the town. Here, you’ll find two historic homes from the early 1800s that you can tour, and they also feature multiple exhibits about western Maine’s history.
You can also pay a visit to their Twitchell Education Center, which has a replica of a private library from 1837, and also hosts interesting lectures, children’s programs, and so much more throughout the year.
This is the ultimate destination in Bethel for history buffs!
10. Catch A Movie Or Show At Gem Theater
The Gem Theater is perfectly named, because it’s truly a gem in Bethel! This colorful building is hard to miss when exploring town, and it’s only a short 10-minute walk or so from Main Street.
The theater shows new releases, older movies (like Hocus Pocus in October!), and also hosts live events for talented musicians and other artists. Inside, the theater offers cozy seats, and a full concession bar, which makes for a very fun night out in town.
Cool Things To Do Near Bethel, Maine
While Bethel proper is home to so many wonderful things to do, it’s good to know about all the wonderful activities and attractions that are very close to Bethel, too. Below, I’m sharing some awesome things to check out that are a short drive from Bethel, as well as places that make for perfect day trips from town.
11. Explore Grafton Notch State Park
One of the best attractions near Bethel, Maine is Grafton Notch State Park, which is only about 20 minutes from town. Technically located in Newry, Maine, Grafton Notch spans over 3,100 acres, and has multiple hiking trails and waterfalls to explore, as well as a scenic drive through the notch.
While the park isn’t as large as places like Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire, it’s absolutely worth a visit for the incredible views. Because it’s smaller in size, you can see it all in just a day, too!
Some of the best things to check out in Grafton Notch are:
β The Table Rock Hike, which is about a 2.1 mile out and back trail (considered to be a moderate hike), is undoubtedly the best thing to do in the park. The views at the top are absolutely stunning, considering that the hike is not overly challenging. There are two ways to do this trail: Start with the orange trail up, which is the more challenging route, and go down the blue/white trail. Or, do the blue and white trail out and back for a slightly easier route to the top. The orange trail does involve some rock scrambling and iron rungs, so keep that in mind.
Parking for Table Rock can be found at 44.58977902388259, -70.94666482682302
β Drive the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway, which offers incredible views along the way.
β Visit Moose Cave, which is an easy walk that offers cool mountain views, and of course, the glacial cave.
β See both Mother Walker and Screw Auger Falls. They’re not especially high, but they’re still really beautiful.
12. Spend The Afternoon In Quaint Norway
One of my favorite places in this region to visit (in addition to Bethel, of course!), is charming Norway. This town is home to lakes, beautiful scenery, nature trails, and a very cute little downtown area with shops, cafΓ©s, and dining.
Norway’s downtown is pretty small, much like Bethel’s, but I think it has better shopping than Bethel. You’ll definitely want to pop into The Woods Maine for really amazing quality Maine-branded apparel and cool gifts.
Nearby, there’s also some nice trails at Robert’s Farm Preserve and Shepard’s Farm Preserve, and also some lovely walking paths around Lake Pennesseewassee Park (yes, it’s quite a mouthful π).
13. Hike The Hawk Mountain Trail For Incredible Views
One of my favorite easy trails I’ve done while exploring this area was the Hawk Mountain trail, which is a short .7-mile (one way) hike up to an overlook with incredible mountain vista views. The incline on the trail is very gradual and not steep, making this a great trail for almost everyone.
Located in Waterford, the trail is only about 30 minutes from downtown Bethel. The trailhead can be easily found on Google Maps by typing in Hawk Mountain Trailhead in Waterford, Maine.
14. Ride The Cog To New England’s Highest Peak
Since Bethel isn’t far from the White Mountains in New Hampshire, planning a day trip during your visit isn’t a bad idea π One of the closest attractions in this area to Bethel is actually one of the top things to experience in New England, and that’s a ride on The Cog.
The Cog is the world’s first mountain-climbing railway, and it’s still in operation to this day, making daily trips up Mount Washington summit, New England’s highest peak. Located in the Bretton Woods area of the White Mountains, it’s just over an hour’s drive from Bethel.
The Cog runs seasonally to the summit, typically from May through mid-October. Outside of these times, The Cog runs up the mountain to Waumbek Station, which is just under 4,000 feet in elevation. Having done The Cog to both the summit and Waumbek in the winter, I’ve loved both experiences, and both offer really amazing views!
15. Drive To The Height Of Land Overlook – The Rangeley Scenic Byway
For another incredibly scenic drive in Maine, the Rangeley Scenic Byway is one that’s hard to beat. With both mountains and lakes to admire along the way, the views on this drive are just incredible.
One of the best stops to make on the drive is the Height of Land overlook, which is just over an hour from Bethel, and worth every second of driving!
While the rest of the Byway heads north away from Bethel, you can certainly choose to continue on and make this a day trip, which can easily be done since the entire byway is only about 35 miles.
On your way to the Byway from Bethel, you’ll also go by Lovejoy Covered Bridge, which is later on this list, so keep an eye out for that, too π
16. Enjoy The Quill Hill Overlook
While driving along the Rangeley Scenic Byway, you can take a detour to the Quill Hill Overlook, which is also worth the effort and time!
This detour off the Byway will add an extra 45 minutes of drive time total (for both out and back from the Byway), but for a full day of exploring the area, this is an iconic overlook to add to your itinerary that’s also worth the effort.
17. Take A Drive To Lovejoy Covered Bridge
Lastly, one of the best things to do near Bethel, Maine is visit another beautiful covered bridge. Located in Andover, Lovejoy Covered Bridge is a really fun one to see and experience. Crossing Ellis River, the bridge is in a quiet and peaceful area to explore, and also has a sandy beach area along the river, allowing you to get below the bridge and take in different views of the scenery.
While there’s not a lot more to do in Andover, Lovejoy makes for a fun drive out, and is only about 20-25 minutes from Swift River Falls and Three Pools, which is a swimming hole and scenic nature trail to waterfalls.
Additionally, as mentioned, you can easily combine this with a drive to Height of Land, as you’ll pass right by Lovejoy Covered Bridge on the way!
Where To Stay When Visiting Bethel, Maine
GraceNote Inn & Spa: Definitely the best place to stay in Bethel! It’s been recently renovated, and the rooms are beautifully modern, but still reminiscent of traditional New England. On-site, you’ll find dining and a spa, and an amazing, homemade breakfast is included with your stay.
β Click here to check rates & availability at the GraceNote Inn & Spa
The Bethel Resort & Suites: Located overlooking the town green, and walking distance to shops and restaurants, this resort also has a golf course, on-site dining, and a heated outdoor pool.
β Click here to check rates & availability at the Bethel Resort & Suites
Elizabeth Inn: Located right on Main Street in the heart of town, this Queen Anne-style inn is cozy and historic. On-site, you’ll find a wonderful restaurant that also has a seasonal outdoor patio covered in twinkle lights.
β Click here to check rates & availability at the Elizabeth Inn
Awesome Places To Eat In Bethel
Watershed Wood Fired Kitchen: This is probably my favorite place to dine in Bethel. It’s a very small space, but it’s incredibly cozy, and their pizza is absolutely fantastic (think authentic Naples-style Italian pizzas). They also have a nice drink menu, and pasta dishes.
Mountain Social Kitchen & Bar: Wonderful cocktails and a delicious menu featuring New England-style fare, and elevated comfort dishes.
The Elizabeth Inn Dining Room: The best place in town for a more upscale experience. The restaurant is open to the public, and the menu features class staples like surf and turf, as well as caviar, and a vegetarian menu.
DiCocoa’s: A great place for bagels and coffee in the mornings. Their bagels are made fresh, and incredibly delicious, and they also have wonderful baked goods available. The line can get long on the weekends, so you’ll want to get there early π
Good Food: The best place to stop for a to-go sandwich before a day of exploring outdoors. Everything they make here is incredibly fresh, the portions are generous, and they also have to-go dinners and many other things like pasta salads, local products, etc.
Visiting Bethel, Maine FAQ’s
Is Bethel, Maine Worth Visiting?
Oh, absolutely! Since my first visit, it quickly became one of my favorite places to visit in Maine, especially if you’re looking to avoid the crowds at other popular places around the region.
It’s got amazing mountain scenery similar to what you can find in the White Mountains in New Hampshire (because it’s just over an hour from there!), and also has a cozy downtown, charming scenery, wonderful hiking opportunities, and great dining options.
Should I Visit Bethel Or The White Mountains
As mentioned, Bethel is situated among the Mahoosuc Range mountains, but is just over an hour from the iconic White Mountains in New Hampshire. However, Bethel is a bit different from the White Mountains.
For one, it’s a much smaller destination, and there will be fewer things to do. The flip side to that is that it’s far less crowded. However, you’ll still find great hiking and mountain views in Bethel. Having been to both myself, I found the White Mountains to be more impactful and impressive, however, Bethel was also absolutely stunning.
So, if you’re trying to figure out which to visit, I would say it depends on the type of trip you want to have. Bethel is great to avoid crowds and experience a place that has similar vibes and views to the White Mountains. Bethel also allows for a more relaxed schedule because there are fewer attractions, and it’s loaded with charm.
I would suggest heading to the White Mountains if you want to experience one of the best mountain regions in New England, and have lots of opportunities for things to do, and different towns to see.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Bethel
Personally, I love the fall season in Bethel. The foliage around town is absolutely beautiful, and the drive through Grafton Notch State Park at peak foliage is truly breathtaking. I also didn’t find it very crowded during foliage season, compared to other top foliage destinations in New England.
However, winter is also fantastic because of the skiing at Sunday River.
Summer is a great time to visit for kayaking and hiking, as you’ll have the best weather.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Bethel?
Bethel is rather small, so it can easily be explored in a day, or works very well as a weekend getaway if you want to move at a slower pace. With a weekend in Bethel, you can visit the cute downtown area, walk some of the trails, visit Grafton Notch, and maybe even take a day trip or afternoon drive to another nearby destination, like Norway, the White Mountains, or the Rangeley Scenic Byway.
What Is Bethel, Maine Known For?
Bethel is most known as being the home of one of Maine’s top ski resorts: Sunday River. However, it’s also known for being a fantastic fall foliage destination, and for Sunday River Covered Bridge, which is the most photographed covered bridge in the state.
More of my Maine travel guides you may enjoy:
- Best Places For A Maine Vacation
- Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip
- Maine In The Spring
- Is Maine In November Worth Visiting?
- Christmas In Maine
- Summer In Maine
- Maine In October: Best Fall Foliage & Things To Do!
- Maine Lighthouse Driving Tour/Road Trip
- Maine In The Winter
That’s A Wrap On Fun Things To Do In Bethel, Maine
And there you have it, all my suggestions on the best things to do in Bethel, Maine to plan the coziest getaway to the mountains. Whether you’re looking for lots of R&R and an easy-going schedule, or are excited for a more adventurous trip packed with outdoor adventure, Bethel has you covered. Happy planning!