Location and When to Go:
The historic town of Bethel, Maine, founded in 1774, is located in western Maine at the intersection of Routes 26 and 2. It is about a 3-1/2-hour drive from Boston, 7 hours from New York City and 5 hours from Albany, New York, or Hartford, Connecticut. The closest airport is the
Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine. Fall colors can usually be observed starting in late September, with peak likely to occur the first week of October.
Fall Appeal:
Bethel is best known as a ski town, but the same peaks that appeal to skiers when covered in wintry white are even more spectacular when dressed in vivid autumn hues. Leaves reflect in shining mountain lakes, adding to this region's fall beauty. Its proximity to the New Hamsphire border makes Bethel a prime destination for those who want to see foliage in the White Mountains, too. A fall visit to Bethel puts leaf peepers in the heart of a region noted for scenic driving, hiking, biking and more.
Places to Stay:
The Bethel Inn Resort is located on the village common; it's your choice for fine lodging and resort activities, including golf, tennis and swimming (the outdoor pool is heated year-round). The cozy
Sudbury Inn is central and offers 17 rooms. Nearby,
Sunday River ski area condos are readily available in the fall. For one-stop reservations assistance, call the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce toll free, 800-442-5826, or use kayak.com to
compare rates at Bethel, Maine, hotels.
Nearby Scenic Drives:
During fall foliage season, you'd be hard pressed to find a better home base for scenic driving than Bethel. Wind your way through
Grafton Notch State Park along Route 26, and don't miss the drive north to Rangeley, Maine, along Route 17. The start of New Hampshire's
Kancamagus Highway, one of New England's most superb fall drives, is just over an hour away.
Local Attractions:
While you're in Bethel, learn about local history at the Bethel Historical Society's
O'Neil Robinson House. Visit
The Artist's Bridge, a picturesque covered bridge in Newry. Drop in on a yoga class at the mountainside
Hillside Yoga. Visit the
Shaker Village a short drive away in Sabbathday Lake. And don't miss the annual
Harvest Fest and "Chowdah" Cook-off held in September.
Within Three Hours:
If you'd like to take day trips from Bethel, there are many wonderful places to visit in the fall including the
L.L. Bean Flagship Store and
shopping outlets in Freeport, Maine;
Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, New Hampshire; and
The Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center in Rockland, Maine. Enjoy a scenic fall train ride aboard the
Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, New Hampshire. Or drive a bit further, and go on a
moose safari in Maine's Baxter State Park.
Dining Delights:
In the Bethel area, popular dining choices include
The Suds Pub and the more formal
dining room at The Sudbury Inn;
Legends Restaurant at Sunday River's Grand Summit Resort Hotel; and
Moose's Tale Food & Ale at the Sunday River Brewing Co. The Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce provides additional
dining listings.
More Fall Fun:
There's more fall fun near Bethel: pick your own apples at
Lyon Orchard in Bethel; head to Sunday River for the
North American Wife Carrying Championships in October; or depart from the
Telemark Inn in Bethel on a White Mountains llama trek.
For More Information:
Request a free
Bethel guidebook online or by calling the
Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at 207-824-2282 or toll free, 800-442-5826.
