Bethel Maine – Best Fall Foliage Around!

Bethel, Maine is located in western Maine, near the New Hampshire border. It is about 3-1/2 hours from Boston and about 5 hours from Albany, New York and Hartford, Connecticut. It is typically known for it’s great skiing but Fall is another great time to come for a visit all those glorious mountain peaks. The fall colors start occurring in late September and usually peak in early October. The location of Bethel makes it a strategic destinations for leaf peepers as they will be in the heart of a region noted for scenic driving, hiking, etc.

Bethel packs a punch when it comes to activities and accommodations. The Bethel Inn Resort is located on the village common and hosts great activities such as golf, tennis and swimming in an outdoor heated pool! Another great place to stay is the Sudbury Inn, which has standard rooms but also hosts suites and a three-bedroom apartment. Also available are Sunday River ski area condos. Some recommended activities in Bethel include checking out the local history at the Bethel Historical Society’s O’Neil Robinson House. A great photo op includes visiting The Artist’s Bridge, a picturesque covered bridge in Newry. Check out the fall foliage by riding the scenic chairlift ride at Sunday River. Check out the Lyon Orchard for a great day of apple picking and family fun. Want a unique experience? go on the White Mountains Llama trek which departs from the Telemark Inn in Bethel. Why not schedule your leaf peeping trip during the annual Harvest Fest and “Chowdah” Cook-off, held in September. Some other activities within a few hours of Bethel include the Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, New Hampshire or The Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center in Rockland, Maine.

Now, on to the scenic driving locals. Some recommended routes include a drive through Grafton Notch State Park, along Route 26. Another great route is the one heading north on Route 17 to Rangeley, Maine; Be sure to stop at The Height of Land overlook! A final recommendation would be along the Kancamagus Highway, which is celebrated as one of New England’s famed fall drives. How about leaving the driving to someone else? Consider a train ride aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, New Hampshire. It is a short distance from Bethel and packs a punch when it comes to fall scenery!