Jesse & Annika
Things To Do
Gilead Bridge Put-In River Access
Bring the kayaks and/or tubes and put in here for a pleasant float back down to the house.
Esker Loop Trail and McCoy-Chapman Forest
Short easy loop 1.0 mile walk with opportunities to learn about Maine's geology. Cross the road and explore the trails in the McCoy-Chapman Forest (about 3.0 of trails total).
Wheeler Brook Trail
A moderate 3.5 mile (with car shuttle) or 7 mile out and back trail that follows Wheeler Brook through pretty forests, with a gentle climb up and over the side of Peabody Mtn. East trailhead is on Route 2 in Gilead, West Trailhead is on Larry Brook Rd, just outside Hastings, NH. Another option is to hike to the highpoint on Peabody from the East Trailhead (about 2.1 miles) and then turn around for a 4.2 mile out and back.
Tumbledown Dick Mountain
A mostly trad climbing crag with short a approach.
Rattle River Trailhead - Shelburne Moriah and/or Mt Moriah
A stunning 10.6 out and back trail to the open summit of Shelburne Moriah. Add a traverse to Mt. Moriah to bring the mileage to 13.6. This hike begins as an easy warm up following the river to an AT shelter. From there it climbs steadily and then steeply to a ridge. Views along the ridge are excellent. Travel through classic New England alpine moss/stunted forest along the ridge to the summit. We did this hike in late April and loved it - we thoroughly recommend it.
Mt. Washington Auto Road
The auto-road is about a 45 minute drive from the house. Plan on a little over an hour to make the trip up and down the auto-road, plus however long you'd like to enjoy the summit.
Bethel Community Forest- West
A small but sweet parcel of walking/trail running trails close to the house: several options totaling about 3.5 miles of trail.
Bethel Community Forest
A more developed sibling of the West community forest with some steeper climbs for walking and trail running. Multiple options totaling around 7.5 miles of trail.
Bethel Pathway
Walk or ride this short path that connects several public areas in Bethel. Would be excellent to add this on to a ride from the house into town: N Road is meant to be a nice ride!
Valentine Farm Universal Access Trail
Wide, non-strenuous walking & biking trail through mixed forests and fields. About 2.0 miles of trail total.
Gould Academy MTB Trails
Mix of easy and technical trails in downtown Bethel, courtesy of Gould Academy. Park at Pine Hill.
Bethel Village and Grover Hill MTB Trails
Easy and moderate trails in downtown Bethel and connecting up to Grover Hill. Park on Mill Hill Rd, next to the Bethel Inn.
Intervale Road Ride
Paved road with some steep climbs - 9.0 miles one-way from where the road starts in downtown Bethel to its junction with E Bethel Road in Newry/Hanover. Link it with E Bethel Road for loop.
Gibson Apple Orchard
Apple picking, honey, maple syrup, and cider, just down the road!
Grafton Notch State Park
Hike Old Speck via the standard AT route or (Jesse's favorite) the Eyebrow Trail (7.4 miles and 8.6 miles respectively). Or, enjoy an easier 2.1 mile loop to Table Rock, or an 8.3 mile out-and-back hike on the AT to Baldpate Mt.
Mount Will Trail
A short but sweet (and a little punchy!) 3.0 loop just north of Bethel. Great views for it's short length.