Things to do in the Sunday River area

Bethel has been named #9 in the 101 Best Outdoor Towns, and it's easy to see why!  The Sunday River area, comprised of Bethel and Newry, Maine, offers boundless outdoor activities from skiing in the winter to white water rafting in the summer.  Here are some ideas and links for more information.

SUMMER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & ATTRACTIONS:

In the area, you'll find an array of outdoor activities. Consider a thrilling whitewater rafting trip with Be Outside or ELC Outdoors. ELC provides full service, including transportation and meals. Errol is about 35 minutes away along a National Scenic Byway (Rt 26). It is an easy Class II family-oriented trip. For more adventurous types, try class IV rapids at Rapid River or Kennebec River. The Kennebec is further away at 3 hrs, but we do it annually.

For additional outdoor ideas, check out Bethel's Website and Sunday River's Activity Guide. There are so very many other outdoor activity options as well such as zip line tours through the mountains, bird hunting, clay shooting, mountain biking, horseback riding, gem mining, golf, swimming holes, waterfalls, scenic drives, hikes, lighthouse tours, whale watching. Bethel Outdoor Adventure Center offers canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, fishing, youth programs, guide service, and team-building activities. They are located on Rt 2 near the Androscoggin River, across from the Big Adventure Center. Sport Thoma also rents canoes and kayaks for river trips. For ATV Rentals, check out For wildlife tours, boat rentals, guided river fishing trips, etc. visit ELC Outdoors. The Mt Abram Mountain Bike Park is a blast. Take the chair lift up, and bike down. Or take the chair lift up, have a picnic with an amazing view, and take the chair lift back down. Rock Hounding or More Rock Hounding is another unique and fun experience in some of the amazing mines in this county. For guided hiking, biking, kayaking, and photography tours, I suggest Mahoosuc Guide Service. For more information on Sunday River’s scenic lift rides, spa services, and other activities and events, visit Sunday River Events Calendar. A bowling alley is now open in Bethel! Ten-pin bowling, restaurant with pub food, sports bar, darts, arcade, billiards, cornhole toss, and music. Another resource to learn about local events (and there are many) is the Chamber of Commerce. If you have a chance to visit the Deertrees Theater, I recommend it. I am particularly fond of the children’s shows. It is a great old barn theater in the woods. Very quaint with wonderful talent. The new Oxford Casino is about 50 minutes away on Rt 26. I provide you with hiking trail info, but here is a video with more info. Another fantastic way to spend a day is renting a pontoon boat or ski boat on Long Lake in Harrison. There are several marinas there, like this one. Any of the boat rental places on Long Lake in Harrison, Maine, which ties into Sebago Lake. Like this one.

WINTER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & ATTRACTIONS

For additional outdoor ideas, check out Bethel's Website and Sunday River's Activity Guide, Sunday River Events Calendar and Trip Guide. A bowling alley is now open in Bethel! Ten-pin bowling, restaurant with pub food, sports bar, darts, arcade, billiards, cornhole toss, and music. Another resource to learn about local events (and there are many) is the Chamber of Commerce. We encourage you to check out the local activities and special events that may be scheduled during your stay.  The Black Diamond Entertainment Series presents some great children’s shows at the mountain. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Other activities include the casino (hire the shuttle to drive you the 45 minutes or hit it on your way here or home), dog sledding, ice skating, zip line, fireworks, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing (see our attached guide for suggested locations), snow tubing, sledding (also in the back yard, sleds under carport) snowmobiling, Bethel Winterfest, cultural activities, etc.

Overnight and day slope-side ski storage is available at South Ridge . The Glen House participates in the lift ticket group discount program with Sunday River. Sunday River Lift Ticket link. The pre-purchase tickets can also be a good deal, and during mid-weeks can be cheaper than the group discount.