River Trips & Paddling

Western Maine is full of lakes and ponds, and The Androscoggin River is a great recreational resource flowing right past the town of Bethel. The river is popular all summer for float trips, fishing, and more with several local outfitters offering trips.

Bethel Outdoor Adventure is Bethel's original and oldest river outfitter and long-time partner of Sunday River. Conveniently located right on the Androscoggin River, BOA offers river trips suitable for all ages and abilities with options for full-day, half-day or one-hour trips and different equipment including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, tubes, and more. Trips include transportation to your starting point, where you can paddle back to their riverfront location at your own pace. Registered Maine Guides can assist in river navigation if requested. In addition to river trips, BOA offers fishing trips, a campground, gem slicing, and more. 

Located in Bethel on Route 2, Sport Thoma rents canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards with the option for delivery and shuttle to various boat launches on the Androscoggin River.

Offering access to the lake and river area just above the Errol Dam in New Hampshire, Northern Water Outfitters rents canoes and touring kayaks to explore this beautiful wilderness area encompassing the Magalloway River and Umbagog Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Located approximately one hour from Bethel.

Bethel Adventure Tours offers private paddling trips led by Registered Maine Guides in and around Bethel. They offer kayak, canoe, and paddleboard excursions, and will take you to one of the many lakes and ponds or on a guided trip down the mighty Androscoggin River.