Autumn Guide
Fall in the Mahoosucs means full mountainsides of color, cooler mornings, and a slower pace around the mountain. Sunday River sits right in the middle of it, so pack a sweater and come see what that looks like for yourself.
Day Date Ideas
The foliage here is the real thing, ridge after ridge of color visible from the mountain and the towns around it. Nearby, farm stands fill up with pumpkins and cider, orchards open for picking, and bakeries showcase their seasonal treats.
Stay Local
- Pick apples at Gibson's Farm in Bethel
- Ride the Chondola up North Peak for the view
- Visit a local bakery like Gemini or Puzzle Mountain
- Pull up a chair at Ember for drinks
- Get a bite at The Clubhouse with the most beautiful mountain views
- Picnic at the top of White Cap
- Play a round at Sunday River Golf Club
Step Back in Time with Covered Bridges
Venture further and you'll encounter a piece of history that's both charming and unique: covered bridges. Western Maine has a few of these historic bridges, each with their own story.
- Sunday River Bridge ("Artist's Bridge") – Newry, ME: Appropriately named, this bridge has inspired countless artists and photographers. Its scarlet hue against the backdrop of fall foliage is nothing short of a masterpiece.
- Lovejoy Bridge – Andover, ME: Despite being the shortest covered bridge in Maine, the Lovejoy Bridge is long on charm. It stands as a testament to the enduring allure of these historic structures.
- Bennett Bridge – Erroll, NH: The Bennett Bridge is a portal to the past.
The Mountains are Calling
"I would rather feel bad in Maine than good anywhere else." – E.B. White
Take a Hike
- East Royce Mountain – In Evans Notch, west of Bethel on the New Hampshire border. Short and steep, with real mountain views just 1.1 miles from the trailhead.
- Table Rock & Baldpate – The best short hike in the state, hands down. A 2.4-mile round trip in Grafton Notch State Park that pays off with a summit view worth the climb.
- Glassface Ledges – Just east of Sunday River on Route 2. A 1.6-mile round trip that's easy enough for the whole family, with a payoff view over the Androscoggin River Valley.
For more trails in the area, check out Maine Trail Finder.
Un-Fall-Getable Events
Fall at Sunday River is dominated by River Fest, a four-weekend celebration of the season with something for everyone. From craft brews and live music to flannel and the North American Wife Carrying Championship, each weekend is packed with unique events sure to make your fall exciting.
Here are our River Fest highlights:
North American Wife Carrying Championship
Fun for both the participants and the spectators, the North American Wife Carrying Championship challenges couples to conquer a 278-yard obstacle course for the chance to win the wife's weight in beer and five times her weight in cash.
Maine Brew Fest
What better way to experience craft beer tasting than with mountain views in the background? With over 30 of Maine's top breweries on tap, Brew Fest is like no tasting you've experienced before.
Flannel Fest
Inspired by Maine's Finest Athlete, Donny Pelletier, this is how fall in Maine is meant to be celebrated. So don your best flannel and join us for Flannel Fest, a full day of axe throwing and moxie-drinking fun!
