Bethel is a classic mountain village in Maine's Western Mountains, and one of the few towns in the state that's genuinely a two-season destination: a major ski town in winter and a hiking-and-foliage base the rest of the year.
What Bethel is good for
- Sunday River — one of the largest ski resorts in New England, minutes from the village, with skiing and riding all winter and lift-served mountain biking in summer.
- Grafton Notch State Park — a short drive north, with easy waterfall walks (Screw Auger Falls), gorges and serious hikes.
- Fall foliage — the western mountains turn brilliant in late September and early October.
- A walkable historic village with inns, restaurants and a covered-bridge, old-Maine feel.
Best time to visit
Winter (roughly December through March) for skiing at Sunday River, and late September through October for foliage and hiking. Summer is quieter and green, good for golf and the outdoors.
Where to stay in Bethel
You can stay in the village for the classic inn experience, or up near Sunday River to be on the slopes. Ski weekends and holiday weeks book early. Compare options on the Bethel where-to-stay map.
Getting there
Bethel is about 1 hour 20 minutes northwest of Portland, near the New Hampshire border and the White Mountains.
Best for: skiers and snowboarders, mountain hikers, leaf-peepers, and anyone wanting the mountains rather than the coast.