Things to Do in Bethel
Bethel is chock full of great activities all year long.
Skiing
Sunday River and Mt. Abram are the two closest downhill ski resorts. They’re both about a 15-minute drive from Olla House. There is also ample cross-country skiing in the area, with 130 km of groomed trails.
Hiking
Grafton Notch State Park is about 25 minutes from the house and has a variety of trails. The Appalachian Trail goes through this park. Other great local resources for finding hikes according to abilities and likes are Inland Woods and Trails (they have several trails in Bethel for a variety of activities including snow shoeing, biking, and cross-country skiing) and the Maine Trail Finder. Most trails are also dog friendly - check before you go, though!
Walking
It’s a beautiful walk from the house down towards the village; downhill going and uphill coming back. You’ll have soaring view of the mountains as you walk. If you want some variety, there are also some beautiful gentle trails just outside town at the Mahoosuc Land Trust Valentine Farm, and the Bethel Pathway along the Androscoggin River (you can also bike the path).
Snowshoeing
There are many local trails groomed especially for snow shoes and/or fat tire bikes. Inland Woods and Trails is a great place to pick one, and they typically also offer snowshoe rental. Their winter trail center is a few minutes driving from the house, at the Bethel Inn. Carter’s also offers snowshoe rental.
Swimming
Here is a list of swimming holes in the area. Our kids also enjoy splashing and soaking at Screw Auger Falls, which is about a 25 minute drive from the house.
Paddling
We’ve had fun kayaking and canoeing with Outdoor Adventure, just a 5-minute drive from the house. They drive you up the Androscoggin River and drop you off to paddle back at your leisure. If you want to go a little further out, there’s a peaceful pond in Greenwood where you can paddle then enjoy a coffee or bite to eat.
Biking
There are tons and tons of bike trails in the area, including moderate ones right in town. Inland Woods and Trails, Maine Trail Finder are good places to start to pick one. Barker Mountain Bikes have rentals, and Bethel Adventure Tours offers has guided tours (but not rentals). Mt. Abram also offers lift service mountain biking. In the winter, many local trails are converted and groomed for fat tire biking, with multiple places offering rentals.
Horseback Riding
We’ve heard good things about Deepwood Farm. They offer trail rides, sleigh rides, lessons and camps, and they specialize in dressage. They’re also the home of the Gould Academy equestrian team. Just be sure to pack appropriate attire if this interests you (long pants and a closed-toe boot or sturdy shoe; they’ll provide a helmet if you don’t have your own).
Leaf Peeping
You’ll see gorgeous foliage and mountain views just by walking from the house towards the village. The house is also nestled in its own little pine and birch forest for ultimate fall coziness.
But if you want more…
Downeast Magazine did a feature on Bethel’s foliage season (including where the best spots are), and you might also check out this list of scenic drives in the area. Taking the Conway Scenic Railroad (44 miles from the house) is also a great way to take in the views.
Things kids will particularly enjoy
Bethel has a great skate park at the Bethel Pathway. Our kids aren’t skateboarders, but they still had fun on their scooters, or simply running around in the dips. Just a little bit further from the skate park is Big Adventure Mini-Golf and Ice Cream (12 N Rd, Bethel, ME 04217). During the summer, you can take chair-lift or chondola rides to the summit at Sunday River, hike around and enjoy the views, then ride back down. If you have the time to go a little further, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway is about an hour away, as is the Conway Scenic Railway.
Wait, there’s more! Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, fat tire biking, and much more are all available too…the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce has the most comprehensive listings of things to do in the area. If you want to leave planning and logistics to someone else, you might also check out the services of registered Maine guides at Bethel Adventure Tours. If you or someone in your group has special needs, Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation can help.
When Weather Isn’t Cooperating
Where to Eat
There’s plenty of delicious food in the area.
Baked goods & coffee/espresso/cappuccino: Gemini Bakery
Burgers: Butcher Burger soooo good, and you can order ahead for pickup if you don’t want to dine in.
Pizza: The Pie Hole (207) 824-2050, Watershed Wood Fired Pizza
Chinese: Kowloon Village
Southeast Asian: Le Mu Eats
Fancy meal or cocktails in a casual atmosphere: Mountain Social
Pub/bar food: Suds Pub
BBQ: Smokin’ Good BBQ at The Good Food Store
Ice Cream: Sugar Shack and Big Adventure
Specialty food/gourmet shopping: The Good Food Store
Groceries: Mainely Provisions (Hannaford’s) - they take online orders!
This list is by no means exhaustive!
If you want to cook for yourself, Olla House has a wonderfully stocked and spacious kitchen. Our dining areas are also fun and inviting, with plenty of seating for all, if you prefer to pick something up and kick back at home.
