Hiking

Hiking

Best Hikes & Nature Walks

Western Maine Hiking

Sunday River is the perfect basecamp to access the best hiking in Western Maine, with nearby mountains and state parks offering everything from challenging backpacking trips to top family hikes and nature walks. All hikes listed here are located within 20 minutes of Sunday River and Bethel. 

Jump to Resort Hiking Trails

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Table Rock Summit lookout

Table Rock & Baldpate

The best short hike in Maine, Table Rock is a 2.4-mile roundtrip in Grafton Notch State Park with spectacular mountain views at the summit. Two trails allow for moderate or more challenging options, and for a longer hike continue up to Baldpate Mountain for 5.8-7.6 miles total.

Maine Trail Finder

Hiker in community forest

Summit Ridge

A newly opened trail in the Bethel Community Forest, the Summit Ridge Trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back hike with a mild pitch and four different scenic viewpoints, including a look at the backside of Sunday River's Locke Mountain and White Cap. 

Maine Trail Finder

Hikers enjoying the view at the summit

East Royce Mountain

East Royce Trail is located in Evans Notch State Park, west of Bethel on the NH border. Short and steep, this trail provides great mountain views at a summit just 1.1 miles from the trailhead. Return from the top for a 2.2-mile roundtrip, or continue on connecting trails to reach additional peaks along the ridge south.

Maine Trail Finder

Dogs hiking on the trail

Mount Will

Located minutes from Sunday River right on Route 2, Mount Will is a 3-mile loop nature trail climbing gradually to open ledge overlooking the Androscoggin River Valley towards Bethel.

Maine Trail Finder

brook on long mountain trail

Long Mountain

Just south of Bethel, Long Mountain Trail offers a 4.7-mile roundtrip with views of Western Maine and the Presidential Range. The beginning of the hike is fairly mild, but at mile 1.5 the trail will begin to get steeper as you ascend the west face ledges. 

Maine Trail Finder

Trail runner

Glassface Ledges

Just east of Sunday River on route 2, Glassface Ledges Trail offers a family-friendly 1.6-mile roundtrip climb to a scenic looking over the Androscoggin River Valley.

Maine Trail Finder

Old Speck & Eyebrow Loop

Across the notch from Table Rock is the challenging Old Speck trail and the Eyebrow Loop. Following along the Appalachian Trail, Old Speck is 7.6 miles roundtrip, and the Eyebrow Loop adds 2.2 miles to the trek, with even more mountain views. 

Maine Trail Finder

Round Mountain

Located south of Bethel, Round Mountain is a 1.9-mile roundtrip as a moderate family-friendly climb with a summit loop around the Rock Castle rock formation and an open ledge with views.

Maine Trail Finder

Bethel Nature Walks

Area conservation groups maintain a number of easy, enjoyable nature walks and bike trails right in Bethel appropriate for any age or ability. Check out Valentine Farm, the Esker Loop, and the Bethel Pathway. 

Mahoosuc Land Trust

Inland Woods & Trails

Search Hikes on Maine Trail Finder

Sunday River Hiking Trails

If you're looking to stay on resort for your hike, Sunday River's peaks offer designated hiking trails. Pair them with a scenic lift ride for a boost up the mountain! Please keep in mind that select trails and areas are not open to pedestrian traffic due to active construction. Please review the Hiking Trail Conditions before heading out on your adventure. Exploring the Merrill Hill area is allowed, but please respect all signage and refer to the map here. 

Please be aware that some land surrounding our hiking trails is privately owned. We ask that you stay on marked trails and are courteous to homeowners and their land as you enjoy the mountain. 

  • Connects with South Ridge Loop (G) trail, meanders through Last Tango glade, and ends just above North Peak.

  • Follows a path through the woods to the Lollapalooza ski trail. Shortened for summer 2022 due to construction. 

  • Connects from the Auto Road and heads up toward North Peak.

  • Double track walking path in a shady evergreen forest starting slopeside at the Grand Summit Hotel. 

  • Follows Three Mile Trail to additional ski trails and single tracks across three peaks from the Peak Lodge on North Peak, across Barker Mountain, Locke Mountain, and White Cap. 

  • Follows a work road under the Chondola then returns via the Kids’ Adventure Trail.

  • Winds through the woods along the Dream Maker ski trail and passes by Eddy the Yeti's house. It is accessible from South Ridge Base Area, the South Ridge trail, the Maine Road trail, or from the Sensation trail. 

  • A loop trail following a path through the woods uphill from the Grand Summit Hotel. 

  • A steep trail through the forest, uphill from the Grand Summit Hotel. It is accessed from the Summit Hotel Loop or the Summit Traverse. 

  • A short family-friendly hike through the Yetiville glade. 

  • This trail is a great way to finish a loop from the Grand Summit Hotel. Start at the top of Locke Mountain and descend a steep grade, navigating granite drops before finding a more gentle, wooded trail following a beautiful cascading stream.

  • Travel across Spruce Peak and back to North Peak. Wooded, with steep climbs and slippery granite. Spectacular views!

  • Follow ski trails and work roads to a view point on the Double Refraction trail, then return via a loop. 

  • Hiking is allowed on the auto paths, marked by black and yellow dotted lines on the map. Please be aware that construction vehicles and heavy machinery will be traveling on these roads, however. 

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