Thanks Robin Zinchuk of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce for providing this most helpful information.
Foliage.org: What are the projected dates for Bethel, Maine’s foliage season?
Projected dates for the Bethel area are Sept. 25th – October 15th. The leaves in the valleys (along the rivers) and the high “peaks” of Grafton Notch State Park change first. The leaves surrounding the Bethel Village Common are the last to change and can be very beautiful.
Foliage.org: Are there areas, vistas, scenic lookouts or other destinations within Bethel that are known for their uniquely beautiful autumn foliage displays?
The foliage looking off into the mountains is especially beautiful, since there are so many trees! The scenic drives down Rte. 113 from Gilead through the White Mountain National Forest is especially beautiful, since the trees are canopied over the road.
Foliage.org: What are the local and regional roads or highways that are favorite scenic routes for Fall tourists?
Rte 2. Between the New Hampshire border and Bethel is beautiful, Rte. 113 south from Gilead to the “height of land” in Evan’s Notch, and Rte. 26 north from the Bear River Trading Post to and through Grafton Notch State Park.
Foliage.org: What festivals or other public events take place during the Fall foliage season?
Bethel Harvest Fest & Chowder Cook-off and the Sunday River Fall Festival.
Foliage.org: Are there historic or cultural sites that are popular destinations for Fall foliage travelers? What are they?
The Bethel Village with its National Historic District and Bethel’s Regional History Center is the center of culture for the region.
Foliage.org: What are some other popular tourist attractions for autumn travelers to Bethel. What are some of the less well known, but much loved local attractions?
We send people to the apple orchards to pick apples, we send people up to Sunday River Resort to ride on their chondola (enclosed gondola ride, only Friday – Sundays)
Foliage.org: Are there favorite destinations for history, literature, architecture buffs, or antique collectors? What are they?
The Bethel Village has all these facets.
Foliage.org: What are some favorite destinations or activities of families traveling during the Fall travel season?
Renting a bicycle and riding on our back roads; taking a walk at Step Falls near Grafton Notch State Park; renting a canoe or kayak and paddling down our serene Androscoggin River.
Foliage.org: What are some helpful resources for discovering local inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, boutique hotels, and other local lodging and dining?
The Bethel Area Chamber has a one-call lodging service 800-442-5826 or people can go to our website : www.bethelmaine.com
Foliage.org: Is there anything else you would like to tell visitors thinking about traveling Bethel for the fall foliage season?
Bethel has an incredible variety of activities, myriad types of accommodations and a terrific selection of eateries for any taste and budget. Since it is a beautiful historic village, set along a lovely river surrounded by mountains – most people who come here fall in love with it and return again and again.