August 9, 2024
2024 Autumn Guide
Sunday River
From calming lakes to historic covered bridges, this beloved part of Maine offers a perfect blend of nature and heritage.
So pack your bags, put on your comfiest sweater, and let Sunday River be your base camp for an unforgettable fall. Your adventure begins here.
Your Western Maine Base Camp
Whether you're sipping a cup of hot cider by the water's edge or taking a leisurely stroll through a walking trail, the serene beauty of these mountains will leave you with a calming sense of place.
DAY DATE IDEAS
- Apple picking at Gibson’s Farm in Bethel
- Take a scenic lift ride up to North Peak on the chondola
- Savor a delicious pie from Puzzle Mountain Bakery
- Sit and talk over drinks at CAMP
- Grab a bite to eat at The Clubhouse at the Sunday River Golf Club
- Set up a picnic at the top of Sunday River's White Cap
- Enjoy some afternoon tacos at Sunny's
STEP BACK IN TIME WITH COVERED BRIDGES
Venture further and you'll encounter a piece of history that's both charming and unique: covered bridges. Western Maine has a few of these historic bridges, each with their own story.
Local Covered Bridges
- Sunday River Bridge ("Artist's Bridge") – Newry, ME: Appropriately named, this bridge has inspired countless artists and photographers. Its scarlet hue against the backdrop of fall foliage is nothing short of a masterpiece.
- Lovejoy Bridge – Andover, ME: Despite being the shortest covered bridge in Maine, the Lovejoy Bridge is long on charm. It stands as a testament to the enduring allure of these historic structures.
- Bennett Bridge – Erroll, NH: The Bennett Bridge is a portal to the past.
The Mountains Are Calling
I would rather feel bad in Maine than good anywhere else. - E.B. White
Take a Hike
- East Royce Mountain: Located in Evans Notch State Park, west of Bethel on the NH border. Short and steep, this trail provides great mountain views at a summit just 1.1 miles from the trailhead.
- Table Rock & Baldpate: The best short hike in Maine! Table Rock is a 2.4-mile roundtrip in Grafton Notch State Park with spectacular mountain views at the summit.
- Glassface Ledges: Just east of Sunday River on Route 2, Glassface Ledges Trail offers a family-friendly 1.6-mile roundtrip climb to a scenic look over the Androscoggin River Valley.
For more hiking trails and details, check out Maine Trail Finder