Things to Do Near Sunday River Besides Skiing
There’s much more to a Sunday River vacation than skiing. Whether you’re traveling with non-skiers, taking a day off from the slopes, visiting during summer or fall, or simply looking for something different to do, the Bethel and Sunday River area offers plenty of ways to enjoy Western Maine. From waterfalls and mountain hikes to scenic lift rides, museums, shopping, dining, and relaxing by the fire, here are some of the best things to do near Sunday River besides skiing.
What Can You Do at Sunday River If You Don’t Ski?
What you can do will depend on the season, so we've broken down some of our favorite options below.
Visit the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
One of Bethel's most surprising attractions is the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, located right on Main Street.
The museum explores Maine's mineral history along with meteorites and the formation of our solar system. Its collections make it interesting for adults as well as kids, making this one of our favorite indoor activities in the area. It's also an excellent choice when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Best for: Families, kids, science lovers, rainy days, and winter afternoons
Location: 99 Main Street, Bethel
Snowshoe or Explore the Snow Without Skis
Visiting in winter but don't ski? You can still get outside.
Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to experience Western Maine in winter, and several area trail systems can be explored when conditions allow. It's a particularly good activity for groups where some people are skiing at Sunday River while others want a quieter outdoor experience.
Afterward, head back into Bethel for lunch, shopping, or a warm drink.
Best for: Winter visitors, couples, families, and non-skiers
Ride the Chondola for the Views
You don't necessarily have to ski down Sunday River to enjoy the view from the mountain. During its summer and fall operating season, Sunday River offers scenic Chondola rides from South Ridge to North Peak.
At the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Sunday River valley and Mahoosuc Mountains, explore nearby hiking trails, or simply enjoy the scenery before riding back down. It's an especially fun option during fall foliage.
Best for: Families, couples, photographers, fall foliage trips, and visitors who want mountain views without a strenuous hike
Play a Round at Sunday River Golf Club
Summer visitors can experience the mountains in an entirely different way at the Sunday River Golf Club. The course is known for dramatic elevation changes and mountain scenery, making it an experience even before you start keeping score.
A round of golf can also be a great addition to a group trip when some travelers want an activity of their own.
Best for: Couples, groups, golfers, and summer trips
Shop Local
Leave a little room in your itinerary for exploring the local shops around Bethel.
You'll find Maine gifts, outdoor gear, specialty foods, locally made products, artwork, and other finds throughout the area.
Shopping is also easy to combine with lunch and a visit to the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum for a relaxed Bethel Village afternoon.
Best for: Rainy days, rest days, couples, and families
Quite a lot. Some of the best non-skiing activities near Sunday River include:
Exploring Bethel Village
Visiting the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
Hiking and nature walks
Visiting waterfalls and Grafton Notch
Snowshoeing
Scenic lift rides during summer and fall
Golfing
Paddling and swimming
Shopping and exploring local businesses
Enjoying restaurants and après-ski
Booking a spa treatment
Attending local events
Relaxing at your vacation rental
Explore Bethel Village
About 10–15 minutes from Sunday River, Bethel, Maine is the center of the local community and one of the best places to spend a few hours away from the mountain.
Walk through the historic village, browse local shops, grab coffee or lunch, visit a museum, and explore some of the area's small businesses.
Bethel is particularly convenient for mixed groups because everyone can find something to do without committing to a full-day activity.
Best for: Couples, families, rainy days, rest days, and non-skiers
Discover Grafton Notch State Park
If you want to experience the natural beauty of Western Maine, head north on Route 26 toward Grafton Notch State Park.
The drive itself is beautiful, but several stops make this an easy half-day adventure. Depending on the season and trail conditions, popular destinations in and around Grafton Notch include:
Screw Auger Falls
Moose Cave
Mother Walker Falls
Table Rock
Step Falls
Appalachian Trail access
Old Speck Mountain
Some attractions require very little walking, while others can turn into a challenging mountain hike.
Best for: Scenic drives, hiking, waterfalls, photography, families, and fall foliage
Local Tip: Trail conditions and access can change significantly with the seasons. Always check current conditions before heading out.
Go for a Hike
Sunday River and Bethel make an excellent basecamp for exploring the mountains of Western Maine. You don't have to tackle a major summit, either. The area has everything from short nature walks to challenging mountain hikes.
Easier Walks & Family-Friendly Options
Consider places such as:
Valentine Farm
An accessible trail system in Bethel that winds through woods and fields and includes views toward the Androscoggin River.
Bethel Pathway
A convenient option close to Bethel Village for walking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors without heading deep into the mountains.
Step Falls Preserve
A beautiful Newry destination where Wight Brook tumbles over broad ledges, creating cascades and pools.
For More Adventure
Experienced hikers can explore trails throughout Grafton Notch and the surrounding Mahoosuc Mountains. Popular options include Table Rock, Puzzle Mountain, Rumford Whitecap, Baldpate Mountain, and Old Speck.
Best for: Spring, summer, fall, active families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts
Take a Scenic Drive
You don't need hiking boots to see some of Western Maine's best scenery. A drive through the mountains can be an activity all by itself, particularly during peak fall foliage. One of our favorites is Route 26 from Bethel through Newry toward Grafton Notch, where mountain views, waterfalls, trailheads, and scenic stops make it easy to build your own half-day road trip. For a longer adventure, continue exploring the small towns and mountain roads throughout Western Maine.
Best for: Fall foliage, couples, families with young children, photographers, and low-key days
Start in Bethel or Newry and follow Route 26 north through Grafton Notch State Park.
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
Enjoy Bethel's Restaurants & Après-Ski Scene
You don't have to ski to participate in après-ski. Bethel and Sunday River have restaurants ranging from casual pubs and pizza to date-night dining, and winter afternoons can be just as much fun off the slopes.
Grab a drink, meet the skiers in your group after their last run, listen for live music, or settle in for a long dinner. During summer and fall, outdoor dining makes this an equally enjoyable warm-weather activity.
Best for: Everyone
Have a full day? Take a longer road trip north toward Rangeley and the Height of Land overlook on Route 17.
Bethel to Rangeley
Swim, Paddle & Enjoy Western Maine's Lakes and Rivers
Summer opens up an entirely different side of the Sunday River area. Western Maine is filled with rivers, ponds, lakes, and swimming holes where you can cool off after hiking or spend a leisurely afternoon on the water.
Depending on where you're staying, your day might include:
Kayaking
Canoeing
Paddleboarding
Swimming
Fishing
Picnicking beside the water
The Androscoggin River is another great resource for outdoor recreation, with public access points maintained in the region.
Best for: Summer, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and warm-weather getaways
Book a Spa Day
Sometimes the best mountain activity is doing very little.
Sunday River's Jordan Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and other ways to unwind. A spa treatment can be particularly appealing for a non-skier traveling with a group of skiers—or for someone whose legs need a break after a few days on the mountain.
Best for: Couples, non-skiers, rest days, and relaxing getaways
Check the Local Event Calendar
Sunday River and Bethel host events throughout the year, so it's always worth checking what's happening during your stay. Depending on when you visit, you may find festivals, live music, races, holiday celebrations, outdoor events, and some distinctly Maine traditions.
Sunday River itself hosts major annual events as well as smaller seasonal activities.
If your dates are flexible, planning a getaway around an event can make the trip even more memorable.
Sometimes the Best Activity Is Staying In
One advantage of renting a vacation home instead of a hotel room is that you don't have to fill every hour of your trip with activities. A slow morning overlooking the mountains can be part of the vacation. Choose a home with amenities your group will actually use and build some downtime into your itinerary.
Depending on the property, that might mean:
Soaking in a private hot tub
Unwinding in a sauna
Gathering around a fire pit
Playing games together
Cooking a big family dinner
Sitting beside the fireplace
Letting the kids enjoy a game room
Relaxing on the deck
Enjoying mountain views with your morning coffee
For groups with skiers and non-skiers, choosing the right vacation rental can be especially important. Non-skiers can enjoy the house and explore Bethel while the rest of the group heads to the mountain.
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