Things to Do in Bethel and Sunday River, Maine in the Fall
For most visitors, late September through mid-October is the best time for a fall trip to the Bethel and Sunday River area, with peak foliage typically occurring around the second week of October. Top fall activities include driving through Grafton Notch, hiking Table Rock and Step Falls, riding the Sunday River Chondola, visiting the Artist’s Covered Bridge, exploring downtown Bethel, and attending Sunday River’s fall festivals.
Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, family getaway, hiking trip, or a few days of leaf peeping, here are the best things to do in Bethel and Sunday River in the fall.
When Is Peak Fall Foliage in Bethel, Maine?
Bethel and Sunday River are located in the Western Maine foliage region, where peak fall color typically occurs during the second week of October.
Foliage varies each year depending on temperature, rainfall, wind, and elevation, so travelers visiting specifically for leaf peeping should check the Maine Fall Foliage Report before their trip.
A general guide is:
Mid to Late September:
The first noticeable colors begin appearing in the mountains. Expect a mixture of green, yellow, orange, and red.
Late September to Early October:
Color increases quickly, particularly at higher elevations around Sunday River, Newry, and Grafton Notch.
Early to Mid-October:
This is typically the best window for peak or near-peak foliage. The Maine Forest Service identifies the second week of October as the typical peak period for Western Maine.
Mid to Late October:
Peak color begins to pass at higher elevations, but beautiful foliage can often still be found in valleys and around Bethel.
Best Things to Do in Bethel & Sunday River in the Fall
1. Drive Through Grafton Notch
One of the best fall drives near Bethel is Route 26 to Grafton Notch State Park. The Grafton Notch Scenic Byway begins in Newry, just north of Sunday River, and travels through a dramatic mountain landscape toward Grafton Notch State Park. Along the way, stop for short walks, waterfalls, picnic areas, mountain views, and trailheads.
Popular stops include:
Screw Auger Falls
Moose Cave
Mother Walker Falls
Table Rock
Appalachian Trail access
Old Speck Mountain
This is an excellent option for travelers who want spectacular foliage without committing to an all-day hike.
Best for: Leaf peeping, families, photographers and scenic drives
Allow: Half a day, or a full day if you're hiking
2. Hike Table Rock
For one of the classic foliage views near Sunday River, head to Table Rock in Grafton Notch State Park. The viewpoint overlooks the surrounding mountains and is particularly impressive when the valley is filled with fall color. There are different trail options depending on your ability level. Families and casual hikers should research the route before starting, as some approaches are considerably steeper than others.
Best for: Mountain views and fall photos
3. Take a Scenic Chondola Ride at Sunday River
Want the mountain views without the climb? Take a scenic ride on the Sunday River Chondola from South Ridge to North Peak. The approximately seven-minute ride provides sweeping views of the Sunday River Valley and the Mahoosuc Mountains. Once at North Peak, visitors can enjoy the scenery, explore nearby hiking trails, or simply take photos before riding back down. Scenic lift rides are family-friendly and dog-friendly, making this one of the easiest fall activities for groups with different ages and abilities.
Best for: Families, couples, dogs, photographers and multigenerational groups
Fall operating dates and hours vary, so check Sunday River's current schedule before visiting.
4. Hike Step Falls
Step Falls Preserve in Newry is another favorite fall hike near Sunday River. The trail follows a series of cascades and pools surrounded by forest. Unlike some of the area's bigger mountain hikes, Step Falls makes it possible to experience a beautiful Western Maine trail without spending an entire day hiking. It is especially pretty when the hardwood forest changes color.
Best for: Families, couples and shorter hikes
5. Visit the Artist’s Covered Bridge
The Sunday River Bridge, better known locally as the Artist's Covered Bridge, is one of the area's most recognizable landmarks. Surrounded by mountains, forest, and the Sunday River, the historic covered bridge becomes especially photogenic during foliage season. It's an easy stop to combine with a drive along Sunday River Road or a day exploring Newry.
Best for: Photography and a quick scenic stop
6. Explore Downtown Bethel
Save some time to explore Bethel Village. Bethel's historic downtown is especially charming in the fall, when the village green and surrounding mountains are filled with autumn color. Walk along Main Street, stop for coffee, browse local shops, and visit the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. Downtown Bethel also makes a great place to spend a slower afternoon between outdoor adventures.
7. Go Mountain Biking
Fall temperatures make September and October excellent months for mountain biking. The Bethel area has an expanding network of mountain biking trails for different ability levels, with wooded terrain that becomes particularly beautiful during foliage season. Mt Abram Bike Park is also just one town over in Greenwood, Maine and offers excellent fall mountain biking.
Trail conditions and seasonal closures can change, so check current conditions before heading out.
8. Play a Round of Fall Golf
Golf surrounded by mountains covered in fall color is hard to beat. The Sunday River Golf Club offers dramatic elevation changes and mountain views and typically operates into mid-October, weather permitting. A fall tee time can be especially memorable during peak foliage.
Best Scenic Drives Near Bethel & Sunday River
Start in Bethel or Newry and follow Route 26 north through Grafton Notch State Park. This is our top recommendation if you only have time for one foliage drive.
Grafton Notch Scenic Byway
Drive from Bethel toward Sunday River and continue through Newry on Sunday River Road for mountain views, river scenery and easy access to the Artist's Covered Bridge.
Sunday River Road
Have a full day? Take a longer road trip north toward Rangeley and the Height of Land overlook on Route 17. The combination of mountains, lakes and fall foliage makes this one of Western Maine's most spectacular autumn drives.
Bethel to Rangeley
Where to Eat in Bethel During a Fall Getaway
One of the best parts of staying in Bethel is that you can spend the day exploring the mountains and still have excellent restaurants nearby.
A few options to consider include:
Mountain Social Kitchen & Bar
Located on Main Street in Bethel, Mountain Social Kitchen & Bar offers chef-driven small plates, entrees, wine, and craft cocktails. Great for date night or cocktails.
Gemini Cafe & Bakery
Start your foliage adventure with coffee and something from Gemini Cafe & Bakery, known for house-made sourdough breads, bagels, pastries, and espresso drinks.
Mayville Union House
With elevated dining in a relaxed setting, Mayville Union House serves thoughtfully prepared, seasonal dishes with an emphasis on quality ingredients, along with craft cocktails, wine, and beer.
Watershed Wood-Fired Kitchen
For a cozy fall dinner, Watershed Wood-Fired Kitchen specializes in wood-fired sourdough pizza, house-made pasta, and from-scratch dishes.
Fall Events at Sunday River
Fall isn't just foliage season at Sunday River. September and October bring some of the area's biggest events.
Sunday River River Fest
In 2026, River Fest runs September 19 through October 11, with four weekends of fall celebrations at South Ridge. The scheduled weekends include:
Maine Brew Fest — September 19
Flannel Fest — September 26–27
Music Fest — October 3–4
Fall Fest — October 10–11
Event schedules change annually, so always check the current calendar when planning a future visit.
North American Wife Carrying Championship
One of Sunday River's most famous traditions takes place during Fall Fest.
The North American Wife Carrying Championship sends teams through a 278-yard obstacle course complete with obstacles and a water hazard.
It's quirky, competitive, and one of those events you really have to see in person.
In 2026, the championship is scheduled for October 10 at 11:00 AM.
Blue Mountain Arts & Crafts Fair
Also held during Fall Fest, the Blue Mountain Arts & Crafts Fair brings dozens of vendors to South Ridge Lodge.
It's a great opportunity to shop for Maine-made gifts and crafts while enjoying peak foliage weekend.
Where to Stay in Bethel and Sunday River in the Fall
A vacation rental makes an ideal home base for a Western Maine fall getaway, especially for families and groups who want more space, a kitchen, outdoor areas, and amenities like hot tubs and fire pits. For the best mountain experience, consider a vacation rental in Newry or near Sunday River Road for convenient access to Sunday River, Grafton Notch, hiking trails, scenic drives, and mountain views. Or stay closer to downtown Bethel if restaurants, shops, and walkability are higher priorities. Visit Sunday River Vacation Rentals offers professionally managed vacation homes throughout Bethel, Newry, Sunday River, and the surrounding Western Maine area.
Best Fall Foliage Views- Sunny View Chalet
Sunny View offers magnificent, sweeping views of Sunday River and the Mahoosuc Mountains, making this chalet our top choice for foliage season and a perfect spot to relax and take in the changing colors.
Best Fall Stay Near Bethel Village- Caribou Mountain Chalet
With 180-degree views to the south, west, and north, Caribou Mountain Chalet offers the feeling of being out in the mountains, yet just minutes from Bethel Village, where you will find all the in-town amenities.
Best Fall Rental for Groups- Mansion
The Mansion's spacious layout enables groups to relax and remain connected, situated on a knoll that provides scenic views in all directions, making it a perfect spot to enjoy fall foliage.
Best Fall Couple’s Getaway- Ridge House
The en-suite loft bedroom at The Ridge House features a glass railing, offering clear views of Sunday River Ski Resort, making for a particularly romantic morning wake-up amid fall foliage.
Best Dog-Friendly Fall Rental- Black Bear Chalet
Nestled in the peaceful part of Sunday River and just a short walk from the river, Black Bear Chalet is ideal for hikers and families with dogs seeking a quiet fall nature escape.
Best Fall Rental for Families- Peaks Lookout
Peaks Lookout's layout, featuring two bunk rooms, creates an ideal family retreat. It provides spectacular foliage views from both indoors and outdoors. The stone patio, equipped with a hot tub and fire pit, is an excellent place to take in the breathtaking views of Sunday River during the fall.
FAQs
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Peak foliage in Bethel and Western Maine typically occurs around the second week of October, although conditions vary from year to year. Late September through mid-October is generally an excellent window for a fall trip.
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Yes. October is one of the most beautiful times to visit Sunday River. Visitors can enjoy foliage, hiking, scenic lift rides, scenic drives, golf when conditions permit, and major events including Fall Fest.
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Popular options include Table Rock, Step Falls, Grafton Notch State Park, Old Speck Mountain, and trails around Sunday River. The best hike depends on your experience level and how much time you have.
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Some of the best foliage views can be found along Route 26 through Grafton Notch, from the Sunday River Chondola and North Peak, along Sunday River Road, and from hiking viewpoints such as Table Rock.
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Families can take scenic drives, ride the Sunday River Chondola, explore easy hiking trails and waterfalls, visit the Artist's Covered Bridge, explore downtown Bethel, attend fall festivals, and enjoy a vacation rental with amenities such as a hot tub, game room, yard, or fire pit.
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Absolutely. Bethel combines classic New England village scenery with easy access to the mountains of Western Maine. Visitors can experience foliage drives, hiking, waterfalls, restaurants, local attractions, and Sunday River activities all within one trip.
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A 2- to 4-night stay works well for most fall trips. A weekend gives you time for Grafton Notch, Sunday River, and downtown Bethel, while three or four nights provide enough time to add longer hikes or a day trip to Rangeley.
About Visit Sunday River
Visit Sunday River is a locally based vacation rental management company serving Bethel, Newry, Sunday River and the surrounding Western Maine region. Our local team helps guests experience the area year-round while providing professionally managed vacation homes throughout the region.
Last Updated: August 2026