Bethel, Maine is a charming, outdoors-first mountain town that’s ideal for multi-week stays—expect easy access to hiking, river paddling, mountain biking, a strong seasonal ski vibe, cozy cafés and local eats, and a friendly small-town rhythm that never feels barren.
You’re a few minutes from the major Sunday River ski area, roughly 50 miles from North Conway, NH for extra shopping and outdoor options, and about 73 miles from Portland for big-city dining, arts and an airport.