|
Hiking & Exploring
|
 |
From casual strolls to
more demanding ascents, the Bethel region has numerous hiking
opportunities. Classic day hikes such as Mount Will are easily
accessed, and the trails of Evan's Notch and Grafton Notch,
through which the Appalachain Trail passes, are within a 30-minute
drive. Mount Washington and the Presidential Range are only 45
minutes away.
|
|
Mother Walker Falls, Screw Auger Falls and Snow Falls
Gorge are also wonderful local natural landmarks to visit and admire.
|
|
For more Hiking & Exploring details, please visit
our "Summer
Activities" page!
|
|
| Scenic Chairlift Rides
 |
| If you prefer a leisurely method of travel up or down the
mountain, Sunday River offers scenic chairlift rides via the Perfect
Turn Express. From the summit you'll enjoy stunning vistas of the
surrounding Sunday River valley plus spectacular views of many of
Maine's most notable peaks, including Old Speck, the state's third
tallest mountain. From North Peak you can hike across to other
summits or simply relax and ride back down. Either way, take a lunch
and enjoy a mountain top picnic. |
| Sunday River Ski Resort
P.O. Box 450
Bethel, ME 04217
(207) 824-3000 phone
(207) 824-5110 fax
http://www.sundayriver.com/summer2003/chairrides.html |
|
| Educational
& Cultural Opportunities |
|
State Parks and National Forests
|
| Also visit White Mountain National Forests or
Grafton
Notch State Park & Step Trails.
|
|
| Wildlife
Areas and Gardens |
| Wildlife
Areas and Gardens
A variety of birds and small wildlife can be observed as you walk on the
many wooded and waterfront trails and around the Bethel Area. The
Androscoggin River Trail, accessed from Rt. 2 behind the River View Motel
or the State Picnic Area, is an excellent example of this. Moose sightings
are frequent and can be nearly guaranteed by driving through Grafton Notch
State Park and north to Errol, NH at either dawn or dusk hours. The Patte
Brook Marsh area of the White Mountain National Forest is also a popular
moose sighting area during those above hours.
The McLaughlin Garden and Horticultural Center, is located at 101 Main St.
S. Paris. In 1936 Bernard McLaughlin began to create what would become one
of Maine's most beloved gardens and arboretums. The historic perennial
garden on Route 26 in South Paris, features mature collections of Maine
wildflowers, hostas, daylilies, phlox, sempervivums, and over 98 cultivars
of lilac beneath a varied canopy of flowering, deciduous and coniferous
trees. The two acre garden is under the stewardship of a nonprofit
organization formed to preserve the historic home, barn and garden for
Maine and Maine's visitors. Open May-October Dawn to Dusk. Free admission.
|
| Beech Hill Farm &
Bison Ranch
Visit Beech Hill and take a hayride with the
buffalo! We are also a trading post selling gourmet bison meat, plus
many other products.
Paul & Marcia Hersey
P.O. Box 155
North Waterford, ME 04267
Located at 630 Valley Road/Route 35 - just up the hill (south) from
Route 118.
Tel: (207) 583-2515
Fax: (207) 583-9033
herseybison@excite.com
www.beechhillbison.com
|
| Mountain Ranger Guide Service
Our guests ride in the comfort of our van while
Sandy MacGregor--Registered Master Maine Guide--brings them to the
habitat most likely to be inhabited by moose. While we can't
guarantee the moose will be there, we can guarantee that Sandy will
enrich your tour with detailed natural history of the Western Maine
Mountains--the natural ecosystem and watershed, how mankind has
affected this delicate balance, what we are doing to restore and
preserve it.
Moose tours are $35 for a party of up to 7, usually lasting minimum
of 4 hours.
Evening tours usually provide more moose for your viewing and
photographic pleasure.
Bring cameras, video, binoculars.
A comprehensive guide service dedicated to providing quality
personalized 4-season outdoor adventures.
Sandy MacGregor
1094 Route 2
Rumford, ME 04276
Tel: (207) 364-2506
abmacg@megalink.net
www.mountainranger.com
|
| Northern Waters Canoe & Kayak
At Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge --see
wildlife and beautiful natural scenery.
Guided pontoon boat wildlife cruises, guided kayak tours, canoe or
kayak rentals, whitewater rafting, kayak school
At the bridge in Errol, NH
Office at Saco Bound, Conway, NH
Tel: (603)447-2177
Fax: (603)447-6278
rivers@sacobound.com
www.sacobound.com
|
| Sun Valley Sports
Off-road 4x4 Moose and Wildlife Safaris - Ecosystem
interpreters.
See wildlife and how the forests of Maine are managed.
Open 7 days a week.
All of our guides are professional registered Maine Guides, so you
can be assured of a safe and memorable experience. Minimum of 4
people, maximum 6 people.
Trips are offered by reservations only.
Cost: $30 per person, families, depending how many children, we give
a discount.
Time: Evening, approx. 5 - 9 PM
Rocky Freda
129 Sunday River Road
Bethel, ME 04217
Tel: (207)824-7533 or 877-851-7533
Fax: (207)824-7533, call 1st
svs@megalink.net
www.sunvalleysports.com
|
|
|
