Hiking Trails
Hiking & Walking Trails in the Bethel Area
With the White Mountain National Forest, Grafton Notch State Park, the Appalachian Trail, and many other conservation lands nearby, the Bethel area is a hiker's paradise.
See below for links and info to our most popular hikes and walks...
(Find businesses that help with hiking and walking: Hiking/Walking Trails, Outdoor Gear & Ski Shops, Rentals (Outdoor Equipment) )
How to avoid crowded trails? Spread out a bit and explore!
Even without health concerns related to COVID-19, overcrowding can make recreation experiences less enjoyable and negatively impact the ecology of the wonderful parks and lands we all share. And with social distancing being so important to public health, overcrowding also risks your health and the health of our communities. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to avoid overcrowding recreation destinations.
Try to seek out lesser-known, less heavily visited destinations.
- Visit on the traditionally less busy days: Monday through Thursday. If it safely suits your activity, consider a visit earlier or later in the day.
- Make a back-up plan in case your first choice of location or activity is crowded or full.
- If camping in an area without reservations, plan to arrive early enough in the day to adjust if your anticipated site is already taken. This is especially important for backpacking and paddling trips.
- Learn about Leave No Trace skills and ethics to better prepare for minimizing your impacts and staying safe.
Maine Trail Finder
Search for hiking trails by location, difficulty, purpose, and more! Google maps and detailed descriptions.
You might be looking for…
The Appalachian Trail goes through GNSP.
- Valentine Farm Trail Step Falls,
- Rumford Whitecap,
- Stewart Family Preserve: Puzzle Mountain, Maggie's Nature Park
- The Roost,
- Basin Trail,
- East Royce,
- and Albany Mountain
Mahoosuc Pathways / Bethel Village Trails:
- Winter-Nordic skiing at The Bethel Inn Resort, summer-walking, running, mountain biking (BVT at Bethel Inn Resort and Bacon Hill trails)
- 2nd Nature Challenge
Bethel Pathway - easy paved trail along the Androscoggin
Historic District Walking Tour (self-guided)