BEST HIKES & NATURE WALKS
Hiking
Sunday River is the perfect basecamp to access the best hiking in Western Maine, with nearby mountains and state parks offering everything from challenging backpacking trips to top family hikes and nature walks.
20 minutes from Sunday River and Bethel
Area Hikes
The Best Short Hike in Maine
Table Rock & Baldpate
Table Rock is a 2.4-mile roundtrip in Grafton Notch State Park with spectacular mountain views at the summit. Two trails allow for moderate or more challenging options, and for a longer hike continue up to Baldpate Mountain for 5.8-7.6 miles total.
Bethel Community Forest
Summit Ridge
A newly opened trail in the Bethel Community Forest, the Summit Ridge Trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back hike with a mild pitch and four different scenic viewpoints, including a look at the backside of Sunday River's Locke Mountain and White Cap.
East Royce Mountain
East Royce Trail is 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. Return from the top for a 2.2-mile roundtrip, or continue on connecting trails to reach additional peaks along the ridge south.
Mount Will
Located minutes from Sunday River right on Route 2, Mount Will is a 3-mile loop nature trail climbing gradually to open ledge overlooking the Androscoggin River Valley towards Bethel.
Long Mountain
Just south of Bethel, Long Mountain Trail offers a 4.7-mile roundtrip with views of Western Maine and the Presidential Range. The beginning of the hike is fairly mild, but at mile 1.5 the trail will begin to get steeper as you ascend the west face ledges.
Glassface Ledge
Just east of Sunday River on route 2, Glassface Ledges Trail offers a family-friendly 1.6-mile roundtrip climb to a scenic looking over the Androscoggin River Valley.
Old Speck & Eyebrow Loop
Across the notch from Table Rock is the challenging Old Speck trail and the Eyebrow Loop. Following along the Appalachian Trail, Old Speck is 7.6 miles roundtrip, and the Eyebrow Loop adds 2.2 miles to the trek, with even more mountain views.
Round Mountain
Located south of Bethel, Round Mountain is a 1.9-mile roundtrip as a moderate family-friendly climb with a summit loop around the Rock Castle rock formation and an open ledge with views.
Bethel Nature Walks
Area conservation groups maintain a number of easy, enjoyable nature walks and bike trails right in Bethel appropriate for any age or ability. Check out Valentine Farm, the Esker Loop, and the Bethel Pathway.
Resort Views
Sunday River Hiking Trails
Make sure to check current trail conditions before heading out.
Please be aware that some land surrounding our hiking trails is privately owned. We ask that you stay on marked trails and are courteous to homeowners and their land as you enjoy the mountain.
Tango - Trail A
Connects with South Ridge Loop (G) trail, meanders through Last Tango glade, and ends just above North Peak.
Jordan Mountain - Trail B
Follows a path through the woods to the Lollapalooza ski trail. Shortened for summer 2022 due to construction.
Palisades - Trail C
Connects from the Auto Road and heads up toward North Peak.
Evergreen Ridge - Trail D
Double-track walking path in a shady evergreen forest starting slopeside at the Grand Summit Hotel.
Summit Traverse - Trail E
Follows Three Mile Trail to additional ski trails and single tracks across three peaks from the Peak Lodge on North Peak, across Barker Mountain, Locke Mountain, and White Cap.
South Ridge Loop - Trail G
Follows a work road under the Chondola then returns via the Kids’ Adventure Trail.
Kid's Adventure Trail - Trail H
Winds through the woods along the Dream Maker ski trail and passes by Eddy the Yeti's house. It is accessible from the South Ridge Base Area, the South Ridge Trail, the Maine Road Trail, or the Sensation Trail.
Summit Hotel Loop - Trail I
A loop trail following a path through the woods uphill from the Grand Summit Hotel.
White Cap Summit - Trail J
A steep trail through the forest, uphill from the Grand Summit Hotel. It is accessed from the Summit Hotel Loop or the Summit Traverse.
Yetiville - Trail K
A short family-friendly hike through the Yetiville glade.
Tower Line - Trail L
This trail is a great way to finish a loop from the Grand Summit Hotel. Start at the top of Locke Mountain and descend a steep grade, navigating granite drops before finding a more gentle, wooded trail following a beautiful cascading stream.
Spruce Cliffs - Trail M
Travel across Spruce Peak and back to North Peak. Wooded, with steep climbs and slippery granite. Spectacular views!
Merrill Loop - Trail O
Follow ski trails and work roads to a view point on the Double Refraction trail, then return via a loop.
Hiking is allowed on the auto paths, marked by black and yellow dotted lines on the map. Please be aware that construction vehicles and heavy machinery will be traveling on these roads, however.