Seasons

Seasonal
Activities

Bethel, ME
8 Beds, 16 Guests
Golf. Ski. Weddings.

Winter

Winter Attractions

Whether dog sledding and sleigh rides or a magical evening, you’ll find a variety of indoor and outdoor winter activities in the Bethel, Maine region.

Tuckerman's Ravine extreme skiing in White Mountains National Forest

Apres Aglow

Conveniently located behind Sunday River’s Grand Summit Hotel, Après Aglow is a new activity for all ages. With trees wrapped in thousands of twinkling lights, this trail is adorned to make your winter visit with us shine bright. Fun for the whole family, take a leisurely half-mile-long stroll through the woods and stare in awe of this enchanted trail.

Santa's Village in Jefferson, NH

Santa's Village

Chances are high that you’ve gone to Santa’s Village as a youngster yourself. Do you remember the thrill of seeing the reindeer, elves and even Santa himself? Santa’s Village is a little over an hour away from Bethel, and may just be the perfect respite from a week full of skiing.

Carters XC Ski Center in Maine

Carter's XC Ski Center

Located in both Bethel and Oxford, Carter’s offers miles of cross-country skiing for all levels of skiers. Both locations have full rental and demo equipment to fit any skier. Lessons are also offered.

Mahoosuc Guide Service

Mahoosuc Guide Service

The Mahoosuc Guide Service is a small family run business that offers a wide variety of activities during all seasons and for all levels of experience. Day trips on nearby trails offer a unique opportunity to experience the trill of dog sledding through beautiful mountain scenery.

Maine sleigh rides at Deepwood Farm

Sleigh Rides

Deepwood Farm offers old-fashioned sleigh rides during the winter for up to 8 people plus the driver. Traveling from the Bethel Inn, they are booked every ½ hour from 5 pm to 7:30 pm

Bethel Maine snowmobile rentals tours

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a huge favorite among the winter crowd in Bethel! We have miles of groomed snowmobile trails, with expert advice and great snowmobile machines. Reach out to Northeast Snowmobile about rental and tour information.

Gem Theater Bethel, ME

The Gem Theater

If you’re in the mood for a movie on the big screen, The Gem Theater is the perfect spot to go. A completely- first-run theater, the Gem  shows blockbusters, art films, independent movies and offers a schedule of live events too.

Sunday River Concerts in Newry Maine

Sunday River Concerts

Catch live music at Sunday River’s  Shipyard Brew Haus or at the Spring Apres Concert Series, featuring free slopeside jams.

Maine Handicapped Skiing

Maine Handicapped Skiing

This is a wonderful non-profit organization that provides free year-round adaptive recreational programs for children and adults with physical disabilities. It is a very active organization at Sunday River Ski Resort.

Alpine Skiing

Some of the finest ski experiences in the Northeast are within a short drive’s distance from Bethel. Whether a novice or extreme sports enthusiast, you’ll find the perfect trail here.

Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine

Sunday River Ski Resort

Winter speaks for itself in Sunday River… some of the finest alpine and cross-country skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast as well as snowmobiling. So many choices to get your vacation off to the right start!

The Sunday River Ski Resort is the primary reason for being here in the winter. With eight peaks of snow-filled adventure, skiers with abilities that range from beginner to expert can find the trails of their dreams. The resort boasts the finest snowmaking in the Northeast and Sunday River Ski Resort keeps its snow well into the spring months.

Offering 131 trails and 18 lifts to service the multiple peaks of snow, Sunday River now prides itself with the Northeast’s first Chondola, a combination of six-person chairs and eight-person gondola cars on one high-speed lift. The resorts offers day and night skiing, snow tubing, ice-skating, a wonderful Ski School, Black Diamond Family Entertainment, and Fireworks on Saturday nights.

Ski Mt Abram in Greenwood, Maine

Mount Abram Ski

For a change of pace, you may want to head over to Mt. Abram in nearby Greenwood, Maine. This family-friendly mountain has 44 trails, 5 lifts, a snow school and daycare.

Ski Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine

Sugarloaf Mountain

Of course, everyone has heard of Sugarloaf. It’s almost a 2-hour drive from Powder Ridge, but it is an awesome spot to ski or just visit. Bundle up well… it can get very cold up in those mountains! Those who grew up skiing on Sugarloaf will always have a soft spot for its world-class skiing and winter events.

Ski Black Mountain of Maine

Black Mountain of ME

Located in neighboring Rumford, Black Mountain is “Maine’s best winter fun value.” Boasting affordable downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding, it has recently expanded its trails and built a new base lodge.

Tuckerman's Ravine extreme skiing in White Mountains National Forest

Tuckerman's Ravine

Tuckerman’s Ravine is about an hour from Powder Ridge, as it is located on the east side of Mount Washington in the White Mountains National Forest of NH. Famous for its extreme skiing, deep snow and challenging slope, Tuckerman’s Ravine draws thousands of people every year.

Year Round Attractions

The seasons of Spring, Summer and Fall can be grouped together. If there’s no snow on the ground, you can probably do any of these Bethel area activities.

Maine Mineral Gem Museum Bethel

Maine Mineral & Gem Museum

Not only is the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum home to the largest piece of Mars on Earth, but it is also home to one of the world’s foremost collections of extraterrestrial rocks from the moon and the Asteroid Belt.

River Lanes Bethel Maine bowling center

River Lanes

With a ten-lane ten-pin bowling alley, three pool tables and an arcade, Bethel’s River Lanes is a great entertainment center for the whole family. This Sunday River area entertainment center is located next to the Gem Theater.

Oxford Casino Maine gaming tables slot machines

Oxford Casino

Located about an hour’s drive from Bethel, the Oxford Casino boasts nearly 850 different slot machines and more than 20 table games.

Santa's Village in Jefferson, NH

Santa's Village

Located a short drive away from Bethel in Jefferson, NH, Santa’s Village has brought magic to families for several generations. It’s a thrill for small children and fun for adults too!

Living Shores Aquarium

Living Shores Aquarium

Located at Story Land in Glen, NH, the Living Shores Aquarium is an indoor walk-through adventure that includes over 32,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, tide pools and immersive activities. Meet otters, pet the stingrays and talk with tropical bird.

Story Land Amusement Park

Story Land

Located in nearby Glen, NH, Story Land is a safe and natural setting where children and their imaginations can run free. Daylong live shows, all-inclusive rides, free parking and free pet kennels. Have tea with Cinderella at a Character Dinner.

Maine Kayaking Canoeing White Water Rafting

Kayaking, Canoeing and Rafting

There are several local businesses that provide rental canoes, kayaks, maps and travel guides. If you prefer a guided experience, check out Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground – the local specialist for river boating, local maps and information. For White Water Rafting, you may want to head further north. The Magic Falls Rafting Company provides regularly scheduled trips from Bethel to the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. Two other great options are North Woods Rafting and Northern Waters Outfitters in New Hampshire.

ATV Rentals near Bethel, Maine

ATV Rentals

The back roads and rough terrain of Newry are wonderful for trying out an ATV. If you didn’t bring your own vehicle, the folks at NorthEast  Snowmobile & ATV Rentals can get you set up for a true Maine adventure.

Antique Shopping in Bethel, Maine

Antiquing

New England has long been known as a vintage treasure hunter’s destination, and the White Mountains region is no exception. Explore Steam Mill Antiques on Bethel Road or the Pok Sun Emporium on Main Street.

Mt Abram Bike Park

Mt Abram Bike Park

During the warmer months, Mount Abram in Greenwood, Maine offers a lift-accessible, downhill mountain bike park designed for beginners and families. Trail features include banked turns, whoops sections, long sweeping turns and amazing views. Be sure to visit the fine folks at Barker Mountain Bikes if you need bike rentals or repairs!

Hiking trails at the Mahoosuc Land Trust

Hiking Trails

The Mahoosuc Land Trust provides wonderful summer hiking trails at several of it’s land conservation properties. Explore the McCoy-Chapman Forest, the Rumford Whitecap, Glassface Ledges and many others.

Horseback Riding near Bethel Maine

Horseback Riding

Open year-wound, Deerwood Farm is the local spot for horseback riding and sleigh rides. They offer summer camps, trail rides, and riding lessons. 

Bethel Maine swimming holes

Local Swimming Holes

It would not be Maine if there were no local swimming holes! Just a short drive from Timber Ridge, down Douglass Road, turn right and drive for about two miles, you will find a lovely little spot with a small sandy area and a little waterfall and fast running water, in places. Very tranquil.

Drive a short bit later, and you will find Frenchman’s Hole – the place the older kids like to go to jump into the water. Drive down to the dirt road until you reach a wooden bridge – take a left here, go over the bridge and then over the next bridge – and take an immediate right turn onto another dirt road. Keep going for about ½ mile. You will find Frenchman’s Hole, a waterfall and a very deep swimming hole. Locals jump off the rocks into the water! Geronimo! Another local spot is on North Road (take a right before the Big Adventure Center). Go 2 miles up the road and you will find a sandy-shored small water hole, man made by the town of Bethel for its citizens.

Bethel Historical Society Museum

Historical Society Museum

Founded in 1966 at Bethel, Maine (established in 1768 and incorporated in 1796), the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society collects, preserves, displays, and shares the history of western Maine and the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire and Maine through exhibits, lectures, events, and publications.

Horseback Riding near Bethel Maine

Horseback Riding

Open year-wound, Deerwood Farm is the local spot for horseback riding and sleigh rides. They offer summer camps, trail rides, and riding lessons. 

Outlet Shopping

Kittery Maine Outlet Stores

Located about 2 ½ hours away from Powder Ridge, a great shopping area for central and southern Maine as well as New Hampshire. Go to the website for store listings and hours of operation.

Freeport Maine Outlet Stores

Freeport is a beautiful coastal Maine village with over 170 upscale outlets, designer shops, eclectic boutiques, B&B’s, hotels, fantastic restaurants & casual cafes. Home to world-famous L.L.Bean and to numerous outdoor adventures, they are just 15 minutes north of Portland.

North Conway Outlets

Just over an hour away are the outlets in North Conway. There are over 60 outlets to choose from.

Scenic Drives

So much easier than hiking! Get in the car and drive! Maine is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northeast. These drives are not all in Maine – some have you travel over to New Hampshire, which, of course, is our next door neighbor. Here is a link to some beautiful rides: Click Here

Speaking of our New Hampshire neighbor, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is another breathtaking drive. Check the website at www.mountwashingtonautoroad.com to make sure that the road is still open – it closes when the snow starts to fly.

If you are interested in having maps with you on your vacation, don’t forget to print them at home.

Finally, if you have not found something in this list that interests you, please go to www.Bethelmaine.com and browse through all the offering there. We are sure that you will find something to entertain you and your family.

Visit Bethel, Maine in Style

Year-Round Adventures Await!

Alpine and Nordic Skiing, Hiking Trails, Destination Weddings, Historic New England

(239) 398-6833
162 Mayville Rd, Bethel, ME 04217
jc@thaddeustwitchellhouse.com