Bethel/Mahoosucs

Maine Woods Discovery Package: Maine Mineralogy Expedition
Maine Woods Discovery Host: Sunday River

 

The Bethel/Mahoosucs Area lies on the eastern edge of the White Mountains (eastern edge of the White Mountain National Forest), offering dramatic views from along the Androscoggin River (great paddling, excellent bass fishery) which flows here via Gorham, NH, from its origins in the Rangeleys. The Mahoosuc Range, which runs north of the river, offers some of the most spectacular hiking in the northeastern US (Old Speck, Gooseeye, Mahoosuc Notch).

The Town of Bethel was founded in 1796, and much of its architecture dates from the early and mid 1800s. Bethel's downtown (many shops, galleries, and dining options) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as a model of early New England town planning, with handsome residences surrounding a town common. The Bethel Historical Society provides extensive information relating to the town’s early years.

Beyond Bethel’s prodigious outdoor recreation opportunities (bicycling, canoeing, golfing, skiing) visitors enjoy an amazing palette of holistic healing therapies. Bethel’s vibrant cultural calendar includes Mollyockett Days, named after a Native American woman who made a reputation for herself  as an herbal healer in days when trained doctors were few and far between.