Bethel, Maine

Maine's Most Beautiful Mountain Village

Overview

Bethel is consistently ranked among the most beautiful villages in Maine. It's a true four-season resort town, bustling in winter with skiers heading to Sunday River, and in summer with hikers, paddlers, and explorers of Grafton Notch State Park. The village itself is historic, with a well-preserved town common and a vibrant arts scene.

Key Facts

Population 2,504

Region Western Mountains

County Oxford

Founded 1774

Nearest City Portland (1.25 hours)

Town Office Visit official website

What Bethel Is Known For

Bethel Local Highlights

Sunday River Ski Resort

A premier ski resort spanning eight interconnected mountain peaks, offering year-round outdoor recreation.

Gould Academy

A prestigious private boarding school that adds a youthful and academic energy to the village.

Maine Mineral & Gem Museum

Houses world-class collections including meteorite specimens from Mars and the Moon.

Outdoor recreation hub

A four-season destination for hiking, biking, skiing, and paddling in the western mountains.

Things to Do

Ski or snowboard at Sunday River

Experience some of the best snowmaking and terrain variety in the East.

Visit the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum

Marvel at extraterrestrial rocks and Maine tourmaline in this world-class facility.

Walk across the Sunday River Covered Bridge

Photograph one of Maine's most picturesque and historic covered bridges.

Hike in Grafton Notch State Park

Explore waterfalls like Screw Auger Falls and challenging trails like the Appalachian Trail.

Stroll the historic village center

Enjoy the charm of Bethel's historic district with its white-steepled churches and inns.

Living in Bethel

Bethel offers a vibrant small-town feel, heavily influenced by the tourism and outdoor recreation industries. It has a strong school system and a close-knit community. While peaceful, it's well-equipped to handle visitors year-round.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm days, cool nights, 70-80°F

winter

Cold and very snowy, 10-25°F

spring

Mud season, slow thaw, 40-55°F

fall

Stunning peak foliage, 45-60°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Moose Black Bears Deer Bald Eagles (along the river)

How to Get There

Bethel is located on Route 26, easily accessible from the Maine Turnpike (I-95) or I-93 in New Hampshire. It's about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Portland, Maine, and 2.5 hours from Boston.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Bethel outline

Trip Ideas Featuring Bethel

3-4 Days

Western Mountains Loop: Peaks, Falls & Lakes

A scenic driving loop through Maine's highest peaks, waterfalls, and pristine mountain lakes. Spectacular in fall foliage season.

5 Stops View Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Sunday River from Bethel?

Sunday River Ski Resort is located just 6 miles north of Bethel, an easy 10-15 minute drive.

What is the Maharajah's Curse?

It's a local legend about a curse placed on the town after a 19th-century visitor, the Maharajah of Jodhpore, was allegedly mistreated. It's a fun piece of local folklore.

Is Bethel a good base for White Mountain hiking?

Absolutely. Bethel is very close to the Maine section of the White Mountain National Forest and Grafton Notch State Park, offering fantastic hiking opportunities.