Bethel, Maine has developed into a mecca for amazing outdoor adventures. There is world-class mountain biking, many places to paddle, and so many hiking areas to choose from. Add in a sweet little town with keen outdoor adventurers ready to point out the best stops. The result is a kaleidoscope of outdoor fun.
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Paddling Outdoor Adventures in Bethel, Maine
The Upper Androscoggin River near Bethel is a prime paddling location. The river winds through the forests and mountains of northern New Hampshire and western Maine, passing quiet wetlands, rocky shorelines, and stretches of thick spruce and fir forest.
The river in this section has a gentle current with occasional riffles that add a little excitement without making the trip overly challenging. It is perfect for novice paddlers in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
The section from the put-in at Shelburne Dam to the Bridge Street bridge in Gilead is 10 miles and takes 4-5 hours. Look for wildlife, especially eagles on this stretch.
A 6-mile paddling section starts at the boat ramp at Bridge Street in Gilead and continues to the take-out at the West Bethel boat launch. This stretch takes 2-3 hours to complete. Or you can paddle to Bethel Outdoor Adventure for a 3-4 hour trip.
The fall is a spectacular time for an Androscoggin float trip. The Mahoosuc Mountain foliage comes alive, and reflections of the brilliant colors on the water make for an unforgettable trip.
Boats for Paddling the Androscoggin
You can choose your favorite craft to enjoy on the Androscoggin River. For hot weather, tubing the river can be refreshing. A recreational kayak, canoe, or paddleboard is fun too.
We used the Niphean Pro paddleboard and an Old Town Heron kayak on the Androscoggin. The Niphean Pro is perfect for this river as it’s super lightweight for easy launching, durable for scuffing on rocks in low water, and a breeze to paddle. Another benefit is the included blow-up kayak seat. It clips to the board to make a comfortable sit-upon kayak. Additionally, the paddleboard paddle converts to a kayak paddle.
If you don’t have your own boats, you can rent from Bethel Outdoor Adventure or Sports Thoma.
Related post -> Sea Kayaking the Bold Coast of Maine
Hiking Outdoor Adventures in Bethel, Maine
Bethel is a great base for exploring some of western Maine’s best hiking. The area has a wonderful mix of easy woodland walks, mountain trails, waterfalls, ponds, and bigger summit hikes.
Woodland Walks
The McCoy-Chapman Forest offers a 5.6-mile network of woodland hiking. The Chapman Brook Trail gently ascends the river valley under a canopy of hemlocks. Waterfalls and swimming holes are along the way. The Esker Loop is across the road from the trailhead parking on North Road. It ventures through woods by the Androscoggin River, which was an important homeland for Abenaki people.
For an easier outing, the Bethel Pathway follows the Androscoggin River and provides a pleasant walk close to town. The main trailhead is at Davis Park, on Route 26 just east of Bethel Village. The first part is paved to provide wheelchair access. The walk west across the Androscoggin River bridge to North Road and back is under 2 miles.
Waterfall Trails
The short hike into Step Falls is definitely worth your time if you like a beautiful series of cascades, pools, and potholes. The Step Falls Preserve is located on Route 26 just before Grafton Notch State Park. Hike over rocks and tree roots until you reach Wright Brook in about 1/2 mile. The trail continues up steps along the brook for a gorgeous succession of small waterfalls, smooth rock slides, and deep pools. On a hot summer day, each pool is a quintessential Maine swimming hole.
Screw Auger Falls is located along Route 26 in Grafton Notch State Park, about 14 miles north of Bethel. The falls are reached by a short walk from the parking area. This impressive gorge filled with waterfalls and potholes was carved by the Bear River. While the official trail is only .02 miles, a challenging scramble along the gorge reveals intricate grottos in the granite. Since the road runs next to the gorge, you can use it to walk back to your car at the end of your exploration.
Summit Hike
The Centennial Trail is a challenging 6.6-mile out-and-back trail to the summit of Mount Hayes, in the Mahoosuc Mountains. The trail traces the Appalachian Trail up Mount Hayes, the westernmost peak of the Mahoosuc Range. It was constructed in 1976 for the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) centennial. In late summer, you will meet many thru-hikers headed to the finish on Mount Katahdin. It’s fun to say hi and ask them their trail name.
You gain elevation quickly at the start of the trail before it levels off for a short respite. However, you are soon climbing uphill again through mixed hardwoods and coniferous woods. After another level out and hill, you will reach the top. However, for a 360-degree view of the Androscoggin River, the northern sections of the Presidential Range, and the Carter Range, continue on the ledges overlooking the valley.
The trailhead for the Centennial Trail is on Hogan Road in Shelburne, NH. Park and walk for a minute down the road to the marked trailhead.
Related post -> Easy Hikes in the Adirondacks
Biking Outdoor Adventures in Bethel, Maine
Mountain Biking
The Bethel Community Forest and Brigham Forest feature a highly acclaimed network of over 16 miles of singletrack, doubletrack, and gravity mountain bike trails. Riders of any skill level will enjoy these beautiful woodland trails. Easy trails such as Whiskers on Kittens, Kitty Litter, and Zoomies are great to start out on. Tribute is a blue rated machine-built loop. The 2-mile trail has constant flow while it winds around easy ups and downs. Advanced riders will find a challenge on the black diamond trails up on the mountain.
Parking for the MTB trails is at 121 Locke Mountain Road off North Road in Bethel. Baker Mountain Bikes rents cruiser bikes for the Bethel Pathway and full suspension mountain bikes for the trails.
Related post -> Best Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts
Biking the Roads around Bethel
There are so many roads to explore in this corner of Maine, you can ride for days.
For a super easy bike ride of about 4 miles, take Bethel Pathway to Valentine Farm. Start at Davis Park and follow the Pathway to North Road. A worn path next to North Road takes you to Valentine Farm. The Habitat For All Garden is a magical pollinator garden and bird sancturary. Enjoy watching the hummingbirds there and the educational interpretive signs.
I enjoyed riding on North Road through the Androscoggin River Valley all the way to New Hampshire. This scenic roller coaster road has views of mountains, farm fields, and water. The section I rode is part of the Cross New Hampshire Trail Loop. Further, the gravel roads along the way can get you up into mountains for a day of exploring,
Related post -> Best Bike Trails in Vermont
Wrap Up of Outdoor Adventures in Bethel, Maine
Bethel is one of those places that makes it easy to spend many days exploring outdoors. You can walk an quiet riverside trail in the morning, cool off at a waterfall in the afternoon, or head into Grafton Notch for a more challenging mountain hike. The Androscoggin River offers endless paddling possibilities. Furthermore, cyclists can find flowy mountain bike trails and gravel roads for biking.
The variety of outdoor activities around Bethel can delight any outdoor adventurer. This post represents the activities we did over 4 days in Bethel. I will be back again soon to explore the area and will be adding to this post as I discover other parts of Western Maine to share.
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