Area Information

Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding

Sunday River Ski Resort

Maine’s premier four season mountain lift resort, featuring 128 trails and glades spread across eight interconnected mountains serviced by an award-winning network of 18 lifts, including four high-speed quads. Sunday River’s snowmaking system, the largest and most technically advanced in New England, covers 92 percent of its terrain. Nine out of ten skiers and riders agree that year after year Sunday River has the Most Dependable Snow in New England from November through May.

Mt. Abram Family Ski Resort

Just a few minutes south of Bethel. In operation for 41 years, Mt. Abram is known for its family-friendly staff, programs and affordability. Trails for all levels, uncrowded slopes and non-existent lift lines, ski/snowboard/telemark, two lodges, day care are a few of the mountain’s amenities. Click our link for the latest events and conditions.

Nordic / Cross Country Skiing

The Bethel Area is Maine’s #1 destination for cross country skiing, with more than 100 kilometers of skiing at four ski centers and additional opportunities to ski in the White Mountain National Forest, in Grafton Notch State Park, and on local snowmobile trails.

The Bethel Inn & Country Club

A classic New England resort and full service cross country ski center, located on the Bethel Common. 36 kilometers of groomed trails on open fairways and woods overlooking the beautiful White Mountains. (207) 824-2175 or info@bethelinn.com

Carter’s Cross Country Ski Centers

Bethel location, on Intervale Rd. has 65 K of trails, most notably the beautiful overlook trail up Farwell Mountain. Phone: 207-824-3880

Great Glen Trails

Cross Country Ski Center is located 35 minutes away on Route 16 at the Mt. Washington Auto Road in Pinkham Notch, NH. Go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Washington & the Presidential Range. A trail and program for all abilities. One of the ultimate winter experiences is a trip in our SnowCoach up the Mt. Washington Auto Road to the world above treeline! Phone: 603-466-2333 orgreatgln@mt-washington.com

Snowmobiling

The Mountain Village Lodge is Bethel’s trail side lodging establishment with full access to the Interstate Trail System (ITS) Trail System.

Maine in the winter is an explorer’s paradise. Recently Western Maine has experienced a boom in snowmobiling and due to a lot of hard work by local clubs and generous private landowners, a trail system has come to the Bethel Area that can give you endless miles of beautiful riding and scenery including the White Mt. National Forest and State Parks.

Local clubs and the States of Maine and New Hampshire work cooperatively with the US Forest Service to maintain and groom a network of snowmobile trails through the White Mountain National Forest. Parking areas are located at several points around the forest. Snowmobiling in the national forest offers a variety of terrain through beautiful scenery. Riding is allowed on designated and groomed trails only, and trails are open to non-motorized uses also. The system is a mixture of small woodsy trails and more open scenic routes.

Parking areas with trail access to the White Mountain National Forest are located south of Bethel near Route 5 and near the state line on Route 2. Call the Evans Notch Visitor Center at 207-824-2134 (207-824-2856) for trail locations, and the State of Maine’s hotline for the latest trail conditions at 1-800-880-SNOW.

Dogsledding Trips

Bear River Mushing Co. & Kennels

Hands-on introduction & intermediate classes on the thrill of dogsledding. A great way to spend an hour or more with your family working with a team of Siberians. Offering fall wheeled-rig dog rides for children & adults, ages 7 & older! Western Maine Siberian Husky Rescue – Twelve years experience, behavior specialist & obedience instructor. Offering dogsled gear, feed, boarding, Siberian puppies for sale. Open daily. Available for lectures and private classes. 15-20 minutes, near Grafton Notch State Park. 1359 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261. Phone: 207-824-2679 bearrvr@megalink.net

Winter Journeys

Dog sled adventures, catering to your needs and desires. Lovell, ME 04051. Phone: 207-928-2026 sleddogs@pivot.net

Sleigh Rides & Indoor Horseback Riding

Meadow Creek Farm

Horse-drawn covered wagon & sleigh rides. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays. Sumner, ME 04292. Phone: 207-388-2044 beckyd@megalink.net

Sparrow Hawk Mountain Ranch

Located in West Bethel, on 150 beautiful acres, bordering the White Mountain National Forest in the western mountains of Maine, this brand new facility has a 160? x 80? indoor riding arena, 300? x 150? outdoor riding arena, and an 18 stall barn. The ranch offers riding instruction, horse training, customized day and overnight riding vacations for small groups or families, and 4 weeks of summer camp for girls.
Directions: Go right onto Rt. 2 west out of the Norseman, continue past the village of West Bethel (and Flat Rd.), take next left onto Fleming Road which forks immediately. Bear right at fork, continue on until you see the large facility! 120 Fleming Road, Bethel, ME 04217. Phone: 207-836-2528.

Antiques

S. Timberlake – Timberlake and Company

Beautiful hardwood cutting boards made in Maine may be seen displayed on our Shaker tables in our Bethel, Maine store. You will also discover many useful and unique woodenware items and learn how we make our wood products and Shaker furniture in our workshop. Be sure to ask about our trademark “Perfect Spreader“, a wooden jam spreader you will find more uses for than a conventional table knife. The assortment of maple, cherry, and mixed hardwood cutting boards and trays you will find in our store is always changing but you will always find a board just right for your home or special, natural gift. The beautiful finish and woods in our handmade cutting boards create a functional piece of art made for daily use.
Visit us soon. Sales on select pieces of Shaker furniture reproductions we have on display change weekly.
Be Sure To Check Out Our Small Business Saturday Specials!

Far East Antiques

Top quality antiques from both the East & the West; top quality furniture & gifts; the most unique assortment you’ll find anywhere. Located at the Philbrook Place on Main Street in Bethel. Phone: 207-824-2997

Mollyockett Marketplace Antique Center

Offering everything from pedal cars and early toys to oak, period, country and pine furniture…glass, china and pottery…books, primitives, art, …etc. Located on Route 26 at Jct. Route 219 in West Paris. Phone: 207-674-3939

Arts & Heritage

Bethel Historical Society’s Regional History Center

A center with two side-by-side facilities featuring the O’Neil Robinson House with changing exhibits and the Dr. Moses Mason period house museum. Also, included — research library; museum shop; collections relating to western Maine & the White Mountain region; lectures; special events. Located on Broad Street on the common. Bethel. Phone: 207-824-2908 & 800-824-2910 www.bethelhistorical.org

Deertrees Theatre & Cultural Center

“One of Maine’s Hidden Treasures” – Summer season starts late June. A 300 seat rustic-style theatre nestled among rose hemlocks, Deertrees is a non-profit performing arts center presenting an eclectic offering of theater, music, dance and children’s shows.
Harrison, ME about a 30 minute drive from Bethel. Phone: 207-583-6747

Mahoosuc Arts Council

Presents programs in the arts and humanities in the schools and communities of the greater Bethel area. Phone: 207-824-3575 mahoosuc@gouldacademy.org

The McLaughlin Foundation

A garden and horticultural center, The McLaughlin Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving one of Maine’s renowned historic landscapes. Featuring a 4.6 acre historic garden and 19th century extended New England farmhouse, the garden is open daily during the season. The center and gift shop are open year-round. Tea room open June-September. South Paris, ME. Phone: 207-743-8820

Moose / Wildlife Viewing Trips

Bethel Express Corp.

Taxi service and tours…moose tours, gem tours, coastal tours and much more. Robert Tuttle Tel: (207) 824-GOGO (4646) bethel_express@yahoo.com

Mountain Ranger Guide Service

Our guests ride in the comfort of our van while Sandy MacGregor–Registered Master Maine Guide–brings them to the habitat most likely to be inhabited by moose. While we can’t guarantee the moose will be there, we can guarantee that Sandy will enrich your tour with detailed natural history of the Western Maine Mountains–the natural ecosystem and watershed, how mankind has affected this delicate balance, what we are doing to restore and preserve it.
Moose tours are $35 for a party of up to 7, usually lasting minimum of 4 hours. Evening tours usually provide more moose for your viewing and photographic pleasure. Bring cameras, video, binoculars.
A comprehensive guide service dedicated to providing quality personalized 4-season outdoor adventures. 1094 Route 2, Rumford, ME 04276 Phone: 207-364-2506

Bike Rentals / Trips / Mountain Biking / Canoe / Kayak

Bethel Outdoor Adventure

Bicycle, canoe, and kayak rentals, shuttle service, maps, instruction, guided trips, family activities, customized expeditions and more. Located on Route 2, next to the Androscoggin River. Phone: 207-824-4224, 800-533-3607. Directly across the street from The Norseman – Our Guests receive SPECIAL DISCOUNTS!

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center

Biking Center including bike rentals and trails for all abilities. Canoeing, Kayaking, & Fly Fishing Clinics, Guided Hiking and Walking Trails. Located at the base of Mt. Washington Route Mountain Biking in Maine16 in Gorham, NH. Tel: (603) 466-2333

Sunday River Mountain Park

With over 60 miles of challenging terrain, the Bike Park, the 1st in the East to offer lift served mountain biking, features all new novice terrain this summer. Just 4 miles from the Norseman. Phone: 207-824-3000

Kezar Lake Marina

Boat rentals, licenses, fishing tackle, watersports, boat and motor repair, gasoline, boat storage, slip rentals and a family restaurant on the water. Located at the “Narrows” on the West Lovell Rd., Lovell, Maine. Phone: 207-925-3000

Mountain Ranger Guide Service

A comprehensive guide service dedicated to providing quality personalized 4-season outdoor adventures including, but not limited to the following: hunting and fishing — all types, snowshoeing, x-country skiing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, naturalist treks, and family vacations. We make custom hand-crafted high-performance mahogany kayaks and paddles. 1094 Route 2, Rumford, ME 04276. Phone: 207-364-2506.

Round Pond Corner Store

Offering an expanded grocery selection, gas, resident and non-resident fishing and hunting licenses, plus canoe and kayak rentals. Located at the intersection of Rt. 26 and the turn off to Mt. Abram Family Resort Greenwood Maine. Phone: 207-875-2590 chrltweb@megalink.net

Saco Bound/Northern Waters/Rapid River Rafting

Gentle canoeing on the Saco River or the flatwater of Lake Ombagog, or whitewater rafting on the Rapid or Magalloway Rivers. Center Conway, NH. Phone: 603-447-2177

Rapid River Fly Fishing

Comprehensive fly fishing instruction and guided trips. Located at Middle Dam Andover, ME 04216. Phone: 207-392-3333, 800-346-4435

Sparrow Hawk Mountain Ranch

Located in West Bethel, on 150 beautiful acres, bordering the White Mountain National Forest in the western mountains of Maine, this brand new facility has a 160? x 80? INDOOR riding arena, 300? x 150? outdoor riding arena, and an 18 stall barn. The ranch offers riding instruction, horse training, customized day and overnight riding vacations for small groups or families, and 4 weeks of summer camp for girls.
Directions: Go right onto Rt. 2 west out of the Norseman, continue past the village of West Bethel (and Flat Rd.), take next left onto Fleming Road which forks immediately. Bear right at fork, continue on until you see the large facility! 120 Fleming Road, Bethel, ME 04217. Phone: 207-836-2528

Tirnanog Farm

Offering riding lessons and trail rides set in the beautiful mountains of western Maine. Enjoy the outdoors, the majesty of horses, and a petting zoo on this 200-year-old working farm, located just minutes from downtown Bethel. 538 E. Bethel Road, Bethel, ME Phone: 207-875-2308tirnanogfarm@hotmail.com

Whitewater Rafting Services

North Country Rivers, Inc.

Discover whitewater rafting in Maine on the Penobscot, Kennebec and Dead Rivers. No experience necessary. Lodging and camping packages available.

Professional River Runners of Maine, Inc

Offering whitewater rafting, camping, & canoeing trips on three world-class rivers in Maine.

Saco Bound/Northern Waters/Rapid River Rafting

Gentle canoeing on the Saco River or the flatwater of Lake Ombagog, or whitewater rafting on the Rapid or Magalloway Rivers.

Weddings/Churches

Rustic barn wedding venues are growing in popularity. The 1888 Wedding Barn is Western Maine’s Wedding Ceremony and Reception Hall Venue located conveniently on Route 2 in Bethel, Maine close to all the Sunday River Valley Area attractions and amenities. (Within walking distance from the Norseman Inn and Motel)