Area Attractions
ITS 82 Snowmobile Trails
Many different trails and access points in town
Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS) is provided to snowmobilers throughout the state. The trails themselves are created through the efforts of the snowmobile clubs, the Snowmobile Division, local municipalities, supporting businesses and the many landowners throughout the state of Maine who generously allow access to sledders.
Lovejoy Covered Bridge
6 miles, or a 10 min drive
Built in 1867, Lovejoy Covered Bridge is a must-see spot in town. This is a popular destination for visitors and photographers. Lovejoy is one of only a few historic covered bridges left in Maine.
Ellis Pond
8 miles, or a 15 min drive
Ellis Pond is a glacial lake in the neighboring town of Roxbury. At nearly 1,000 acres in size, Ellis Pond can accommodate a myriad of water activities from swimming, to boating, to fishing. There is something for everyone at this beautiful spot. The pond offers public beach access, as well as a public boat launch.
Sunday River and Black Mountain
20 miles, or a 30Â min drive
Some of the best skiing in Maine is just outside of town. Sunday River in Newry offers a world class ski resort with the second largest vertical drop (2,340 ft) in Maine. There are 135 trails across 8 peaks that offer skiing options for all skill levels and ages.
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If you are looking for something a bit smaller, we love the family-friendly feel of Black Mountain in Rumford. The rates are more affordable than Sunday River for families who want to enjoy a great day of skiing but may not require as many trails or all of the bells and whistles of a full-blown resort.
Flat Rocks
0.4 miles, or a 1 min drive
Walk or drive to this tranquil spot just down the road from the chalet. This is the perfect place for a summer picnic or to cool off in the water. Turn right out of the driveway and it will be on your left side, about 0.4 miles down the road.
Devil's Den
8 miles, or a 15 min drive
Devil's Den is a unique cave formation just a stone's throw from the Silver Ripple Cascade. There is a beautiful trail leading to the cave with several small waterfalls and swimming holes. In the winter, ice formations almost form ice castles at this location.
Grafton Notch State Park
20 miles, or a 30 min drive
Grafton Notch State Park is in the most Northeast area of the White Mountains. There are numerous hiking trails through this park for every different skill level, including a 12-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. There is also ice climbing available in the winter. We love exploring the different trails and waterfalls in this park when we are at the chalet.
Dunn Falls Trail
5 miles, or an 8 min drive
The trail to Dunn Falls is a fantastic, moderate 2-mile hike with the trailhead 5 miles, or 8 minutes from the chalet. This trail also overlaps with the Appalachian Trail. It can be slippery in some places right after a heavy rainfall.
Sunday River Brewing Company
20 miles, or a 30Â min drive
SRBC is a really fun place for a night out. The flights are pretty generous pours and the food is delicious - we love the lobster mac. The atmosphere is great and the patio is perfect for a summer night out. They have live music on the weekends.
The Knotty Moose Tavern
6 miles, or a 10Â min drive
The Knotty Moose Tavern is a great little local spot 10 minutes down the road. It is a very laid-back atmosphere, and we love the prime rib chili.
Butcher Burger Bethel
20 miles, or a 30 min drive
Butcher Burger offers a great menu of delicious burgers in a family-friendly setting. We love their salt & vinegar fries! These burgers definitely hit the spot after a day on the slopes.
Good Food Store
20 miles, or a 30Â min drive
An eclectic spot, the Good Food store offers gourmet and organic foods, Maine-made products, small brewery and imported beers, the best wine selection in Bethel, local products, and gifts. They have a slightly different menu every time we go for ready-to-eat foods. There is also a BBQ smoker food truck just outside the store that has some of the best BBQ in the area.