Nestled in the western Maine mountains, Bethel and Newry are year-round destinations full of charm, outdoor adventure, and cozy small-town vibes. Whether you’re planning a ski trip to Sunday River, a summer hiking getaway, or simply a peaceful retreat in the woods, this area has something for everyone.
To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve put together a local guide to the best hiking trails, restaurants, activities, and places to grab groceries or local treats. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, check out the Cabin at Bear River, The Bethel Hideaway, and the Hygge House – designed with comfort, style, and nature in mind.
🥾 Hiking Trails in Bethel & Newry
There are countless incredible hiking trails in the area, and we’ve only scratched the surface ourselves. Here are some of our favorites:
- Mount Will – 3.3 miles
A year-round favorite, with breathtaking views in both fall foliage season and winter (bring spikes if icy!). - Eyebrow Loop Trail – 2.7 miles
Fun and a little technical in spots, making for an adventurous climb with spectacular views at the summit. - Peaked Mountain Trail – 1.9 miles
A shorter, casual forest hike—great if you want something peaceful and not too strenuous. - Sunday River Hiking Trails – various lengths
In summer, the ski slopes turn into hiking terrain. Trails range in difficulty, with gorgeous views of the valley. - Buck Ledge & Lapham Ledge – 2.5 miles
A moderate trail with a mix of forested paths and open ledges overlooking Bryant Pond. - Long Mountain Trail – 5.6 miles
A longer hike with steady elevation gain, lush woods, and big views from the summit. - Caribou Mountain via Bog Road – 5.6 miles
A classic local hike with forested trails and a panoramic summit. - Frenchman’s Hole
A natural swimming hole carved into rock, with a waterfall-fed pool perfect for summer dips. Parking is limited—arrive early!
🍽️ Restaurants & Breweries in Bethel
From casual bites to cozy date-night spots, Bethel’s dining scene has something for every mood:
- Le Mu Eats – Creative scratch-made Asian fusion.
- SteamMill Brewing – Elevated comfort food & craft beer in a relaxed setting.
- Mountain Social – Trendy cocktails & shareable plates.
- The Watershed – A cozy Italian spot, perfect for date night.
- Bethel Sugar Shack – Burgers, quick eats, and ice cream.
- Gemini Bakery – Fresh coffee (same Greenwood Bean coffee we serve at the cabin!) & pastries.
- The Pie Hole 207 – The best local delivery option.
🌲 Outdoor Adventures & Local Activities
The Bethel/Newry area is a true four-season playground. Some of our favorite things to do:
- River Lanes Bowling – Family-friendly fun indoors.
- Bethel Community Forest – Nearly 1,000 acres of preserved land for hiking, biking, and skiing.
- Screw Auger Falls – A must-see waterfall with picnic spots.
- Maine Mineral & Gem Museum – Fascinating exhibits, gemstones, and meteorites.
- Sunday River Festivals – From summer Brewfests to fall harvest weekends, there’s always something happening.
- River Floating – Relaxing float trips down the Androscoggin in summer.
- Grafton Notch State Park – Stunning mountain scenery and waterfalls.
- Bethel Inn Golf Course – Scenic 18-hole New England golf.
- Mountain Biking – Bethel Village Trails & Sunday River bike park.
🛒 Groceries, Markets & Local Goods
Stocking the cabin or home (or packing a picnic for the trails) is easy with these local options:
- Mainely Provisions – Closest grocery stop, with everything from essentials to live lobster.
- Walmart (30-40 minutes from town, delivery available) – For larger grocery runs or convenient delivery to the Bear River cabin.
- Good Food Store – Health-focused market with fresh local produce.
- The Bethel Beverage Company – Best beer selection in town. Try Maine favorites like Belleflower, Mast Landing, Maine Beer Co., or Bissell Brothers.
- Rising Tide Seafood Truck – Saturdays until 5 PM at Bethel Beverage Co. Fresh fish and lobster—perfect for a DIY seafood dinner.
- Bethel Farmers’ Market – Saturdays 8 AM–12 PM. Local produce, baked goods, and more.
✨ Stay in Comfort – Cabins & Airbnbs in Bethel & Newry
After a day of adventure, there’s nothing better than coming back to a cozy home base. Our rentals are designed for relaxation, connection, and making memories:
- The Cabin at Bear River (Newry, ME) – A modern Scandinavian-inspired retreat with private trails, a hot tub under the stars, and a firepit by the river. Perfect for couples. Learn More →
- The Bethel Hideaway (Bethel, ME) – Walkable to shops and restaurants, this stylish spot blends convenience with charm. Learn More →
- The Hygge House – A cozy, thoughtfully designed rental perfect for families or friends exploring Bethel. Learn More →
No matter which you choose, you’ll be just minutes from all the best things to do in Bethel and Newry, Maine.
Plan Your Bethel & Newry Adventure
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hitting the slopes, hiking mountain trails, or simply enjoying a Maine craft beer by the fire, Bethel and Newry have it all. Pair your adventures with a stay in one of our cabins or homes, and you’ll have the perfect balance of comfort and exploration.
👉 Book your stay in Newry or Bethel now and start planning your Maine getaway.
