Things to Do in Bethel & Sunday River, Maine in the Fall

Fall is one of the best times to visit Bethel and Sunday River, Maine. The mountains of Western Maine turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, temperatures are ideal for hiking, and the area comes alive with scenic lift rides, fall festivals, local food, and some of the best foliage drives in New England.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 from Newry through 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. 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

4. 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.

5. Visit the Sunday River 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 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.

Modern rustic living room with large windows, brown leather sofas, patterned armchairs, and view of mountains and trees.

 FAQs

  • Visit Sunday River Vacation Rentals are great option for families traveling with kids, and groups traveling together.

    Many Visit Sunday River Vacation Rentals are Dog-friendly up to 2 dogs per reservation, with a pre-paid pet fee of $100/stay. To find a pet-friendly property, check the “Pets” filter in the search bar above.

  • Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Arriving later? Not a problem! All Visit Sunday River vacation rentals offer self check-in.

    Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

  • Most Visit Sunday River vacation rentals are located on the Sunday River access road and are just minutes from Sunday River Resort’s Golf Club and South Ridge Lodge!

    Also within close proximity is Bethel Village, where you will find local dining, shopping, and grocery.

  • Payments are fully refundable less a processing fee of 3% if notice of cancellation is received at least 30 days prior to arrival date. In the event of a no show there is no refund.

    We understand that life can be unpredictable and sometimes things happen. For this reason, we strongly suggest guests purchase Travel Insurance . Trip Cancellation coverage (included) keeps you from losing your vacation savings if you need to cancel for a covered reason.

  • You can book a home near Sunday River directly on our website at visitsundayriver.com. Select your dates, view availability, and reserve your stay securely.

    We accept major credit cards.