Bethel Community Forest

The town of Bethel is one of Maine’s biggest recreational hubs thanks to its proximity to Sunday River Ski Resort. Outside town, an array of trails and adventures is available, but the town itself lacked a community green space. This void created an opportunity for something new: Bethel Community Forest.

In partnership with the Bethel community, Inland Woods + Trails, and the Northern Forest Center, Trust for Public Land helped open a new community forest in 2019—offering miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. It started with 980 acres, which has since grown to 1,510 acres—just two miles from the town’s center. The town had previously acquired nearby Bingham Community Forest with 2,411 acres. Together, these community forests combine to over 3,500 acres connected directly to Sunday River Ski Resort.

Leveraging the area’s growing tourism economy, this forest creates a recreational hub for residents and visitors alike. And through $2.25 million in fundraising, TPL helped build new trails while maintaining every acre for years to come.

With the ski resort nearby and vacation home sales growing, this land in Bethel was at major risk of development not long ago. Instead, Bethel Community Forest is protecting Maine’s natural environment while uniting the outdoor community in the best way possible.

Download a Guide to the Project

Download the Locus Map