Top Mountain Bike Trails in Bethel

Location: In and around Bethel
Region: Maine’s Lakes and Mountains
Activity: Mountain Biking

The Bethel area, long a headquarters for skiers and snowboarders, has something else to brag about: its mountain biking.

Miles of great trails—some old, many brand-new—are webbed through the forests and foothills. Almost any rider, from wobbly beginner to full-on crazy, will find something to like.

A number of the area’s mountain biking trails were built or are overseen by Woods + Trails, a local non-profit. It’s probably best known for the popular Bethel Village Trails, a year-round network in the heart of downtown. The trails start at the Bethel Inn Resort and are free to use during the summer. Woods + Trails accepts donations and sells memberships on-line. Most of the 5.6 miles of the Bethel Village Trails are good for beginning and intermediate riders. Those wanting a bit more action can take a connecting route to the eight miles of Gould Academy’s Pine Hill trails, which are more technical. In the Bethel Community Forest there are single and double track trails as well.

Just south of Bethel in Albany Township, Mahoosuc Pathways constructed another mountain-biking spot at Bacon Hill. It sports four miles of mostly intermediate-level loops and a multi-feature playground for riders wanting to work on their skills.

Check the Woods + Trails for trail conditions and information on seasonal closures.

Driving Distance to Bethel:

From Portland: 70 miles
From Bangor: 135 miles
From Lewiston/Auburn: 45 miles