Bethlehem Star of the White Mountains
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Scenic Drives, Covered Bridges, and Fall Foliage in Franconia Notch
Fun Things To DoOutdoor Recreation

There is always a lot to do in and around Bethlehem, no matter what the season. The activities below are just a partial list of fun things to do and see.

In addition, be sure to see our Area Attractions and Events pages for more ideas.

Outdoor Recreation
Organized Activities

OUTDOOR RECREATION


If you like the outdoors, you'll love Bethlehem!
Here is just a partial list of great outdoor pursuits in or near Bethlehem. Call the Visitors Center or local ranger stations for more information.

Note: Vehicles parked in the White Mountain National Forest must display a parking pass. Passes are $3 (one day), $5 (one week), $20 (one year), or $25 (one year, two cars), and are available at the Bethlehem Visitors Center, ranger stations, and area businesses.


Golf

Bethlehem boasts two championship 18-hole golf courses designed by the legendary Donald Ross. Bethlehem Country Club and Maplewood Country Club also team up with numerous local inns for stay-n-play packages. Several other courses are just a short drive away.


Bethlehem Country ClubBethlehem Country Club
1901 Main St., Route 302 ~ Bethlehem, NH 03574

18 hole Donald Ross designed golf course. Lessons, snackbar, club repair, tournament activity, pro shop, and membership available. Call for tee time.


Phone 603-869-5745
e-mail: bccgolf@ncia.net



Maplewood Country ClubMaplewood Country Club
2691 Main St. ~ Bethlehem, NH 03574

Donald Ross designed 18-hole championship course playing 6001 yards to a par 72 (rating 67.4 slope 113). Fully stocked pro shop - group rates available. Lounge or Lunch in our Historic clubhouse. Function rooms available. Practice putting green. Unique par six hole, Driving range.

Phone 603-869-3335

Sunset Hill Golf Course - Golf and Stay

Stay any time in June or July and golf "all you can stand". We’ve had some folks average 18 cents a hole on this terrific promotional. After all, the first tee is only 50-feet from the front door. Beautiful mountain, golf course view, lodging and a full breakfast! Carts NOT required. No gimmicks. No conditions. No blackout dates. Just a good deal for everyone. 800-SUN-HILL, 603 823 5522. (There’s the swimming pool and hammock, plus those mountain views, for those who don’t golf)




State Parks

Franconia ~ Franconia Notch State Park, off I-93
Hart's Location ~ Crawford Notch State Park, Rte. 302
Whitefield ~ Forest Lake State Park, off Rte. 16
Mt. Washington ~ Mt. Washington State Park, summit
Gorham ~ Moose Brook State Park, off Rte. 2 North Conway ~ Cathedral Ledge State Park, Rte. 302
Bartlett ~ Echo Lake State Park, Rte. 302
Weeks State Park ` Rte. 2, Lancaster

Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding

Five great ski areas, Cannon Mountain, Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, Attitash/Bear Peak, and Waterville Valley are all within a 15-45 minute drive of Bethlehem.


Cross Country Skiing

There are many options for cross country skiing, from groomed trails to backcountry treks. Several local inns also have trails for their guests.


Snowmobiling

You'll find miles and miles of easily accessible, groomed trails that connect with New Hampshire's "Corridor" and "Primary" trail system. You'll also find that Bethlehem is very "snowmobile friendly". Trail maps are available at the Visitors Center and most area lodgings. Local snowmobile rentals are also available. Bethlehem's local snowmobile trail association, Mount Agassiz Trail Association - www.thinksno.com, offers information on local trail conditions, maps, and other helpful information.


Hiking and Backpacking

There are hundreds of miles of trails to explore in the White Mountains. Discover beautiful waterfalls or scale New England's highest peak (Mt. Washington). In addition to the ranger stations, more information is available from the Appalachian Mountain Club, Pinkham Notch (603-466-2721), or any local outfitter.

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Biking

Many on-road and off-road options exist for cycling enthusiasts. Strike off on your own or join one of the local bike clubs on their weekly rides. Ranger stations and local bike shops have maps and more information.


Camping

Tent and RV camp sites abound in the White Mountains. Some prefer private campgounds with plenty of amenities, while others prefer to "rough it" in the back woods. For campgrounds, see our Camping page. For information on state park or wilderness camping, check with the local ranger stations.


Rock Climbing

Several locations near Bethlehem provide rock climbing routes for all abilities. Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch each have many routes, and several guidebooks are available for more information. For indoor climbs, try the Pemi Valley Rock Gym in Lincoln.


Fishing and Hunting

Anglers can wet their lines at any number of streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds in the White Mountains. Fish for brook, brown, or rainbow trout, bass, salmon, northern pike, and other species. Fishing licenses required for age 16 and older. Hunters' quarry includes moose, deer, bear, and game birds. Hunting license required.


Water Sports

Lots of bodies of water mean lots of water sport options. Canoe or kayak on the many area streams, rivers, or lakes. Boaters and water skiers will enjoy Forest Lake State Park in Whitefield or Moore Reservoir in Littleton. Swimmers can get wet anywhere, but may enjoy the beaches at Forest Lake State Park, Echo Lake in Franconia Notch State Park, or Echo Lake State Park in Bartlett.

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Bird Watching and Wildlife Viewing

You're apt to spot plenty of birds and wildlife on your visit to the White Mountains. Moose, deer, fox, and many species of birds are common sights. Nearby special places include the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge in Whitefield, where over 220 varieties of birds have been recorded. An easy, flat walk will take you there, and you may even catch site of the loons that often summer there.


Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing has become a very popular winter sport. Area hiking trails are an obvious choice for snowshoe destinations, but snowmobile trails, logging roads, golf courses, and cross country ski areas afford additional options. Rentals are available at local outfitters.


Ice Skating

Bethlehem' Recreation Park on the corner of Main and Agassiz streets provides a great place to lace up your skates. An outdoor lighted rink is available free of charge. No skate rentals are available, so bring your own.


Tennis

Bethlehem has two tennis courts available to the public. The courts are free and located just off Main Street.


Forest Service Ranger Stations

Bethlehem ~ Ammonoosuc Ranger Station, Trudeau Rd (603-869-2626)
Conway ~ Saco Ranger Station, Kancamagus Hwy (603-447-5448)
Gorham ~ Androscoggin Ranger Station, Rt 16 (603-466-2713)
Laconia ~ Forest Service Office, Main St. (603-528-8721)
Plymouth ~ Pemigewasset Ranger Station, Rt 175 (603-536-3281)

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flourish

ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES


Movies

Movies are a great way to spend a relaxing evening, and there are two movie theaters within easy reach.  Bethlehem is home to the longest continually running movie theater in the United States!  The historic Colonial Theater shows movies nightly through the summer.  In nearby Littleton, the Jax Jr. features two cinemas with shows nightly year 'round.


Colonial Theater
2050 Main St. ~ Bethlehem, NH 03574

Enjoy summer entertainment at the longest continuously running theater in the United States. Visit the website for schedule of attractions or see listings in Events Calendar.

Phone 603-869-3422
e-mail: colonial@ncia.net   website:Bethlehem Colonial Theatre




Summer Theatre

There are two great summer theatres that operate within a short drive from Bethlehem. The Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield offers multiple shows in a rotating repertory throughout July and August. Call 603-837-9322 for details. The Papermill Theatre in Lincoln (603-745-2141) is part of the North Country Center for the Arts.


Children's Theatre

Each of the summer theatres above provide special productions for children. The Weathervane Theatre's Patchwork Players performs Fridays at 1:00. The North Country Center for the Arts' Childrens Theatre performs in Lincoln and Littleton on Wednesdays, and tours six other locations throughout the week.


Free Summer Concert Series

Free Concerts at the Gazebo

From May to September, enjoy a free outdoor concert every Sunday night from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in Bethlehem. The old fashioned Gazebo on the Town Common (corner of Main and Prospect St.) is the location. Bring a blanket and picnic, and enjoy a wide range of musical artists. Refreshments available. See the Events Calendar for performers.

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Music in the White Mountains

The North Country Chamber Players Annual Summer Festival is held every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM. Performances will be in Bethlehem, Sugar Hill, and Lincoln, and will feature selections from Beethhoven, Schubert, Bach, Mozart, and more. Call 603-444-0309 for details or see the Events Calendar.


Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree

It's somehow fitting that Bethlehem sports not one, but two Christmas tree farms. Start a wonderful family tradition of selecting and harvesting your own Christmas tree at either Finnegan's Fine Firs or The Rocks Estate.

Finnegan's Fine FirsFinnegan's Fine Firs
371 Cherry Valley Rd. ~ Bethlehem, NH 03574
Phone: 603-444-6275
Email: finnegansfinefir@aol.com
Website: www.finnegansfinefirs.com

A choose and cut Christmas Tree Farm, selling trees, wreaths, roping, and other Christmas greens fro Thanksgiving to Christmas.


Phone 603-444-6275
e-mail: finefirs@together.net



The Rocks Estate The Rocks Estate
113 Glessner Road ~ Bethlehem, NH 03574

The Rocks Estate is a turn-of -the-century historic estate owned by the Society for the Protection of NH Forests. Many vacation packages are offered in conjunction with the property. Trails are open to the public year round free of charge and guided tours are available by reservation only. Contact Nigel Manley or Debbie Williams.
Phone 603-444-6228
e-mail: info@therocks.org




Learn about Nature

While in the White Mountains, take a break from the beautiful scenery to learn a little about the region's flora, fauna, geological history, and many other interesting topics. Throughout the year, local experts conduct free or low cost presentations on many diverse subjects. Good places to start are The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem and Weeks State Park in Lancaster. These two organizations frequently have lectures of interest to nature lovers.


Wagon Rides

Wagon Rides

Any time of year is a great time for an old-fashioned wagon ride. Your innkeeper can help you with arrangements.



Music on the Rocks

This cultural development series brings critically acclaimed folk, acoustic, and Celtic musicians to Bethlehem. The Rocks Estate provides a beautiful backdrop for these performers, and tickets are available at the door. See the Events page for dates or call 603-869-2340 for more information.


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Bethlehem Walking Tour

Take a self-guided walking tour through Bethlehem's past. Free map available at the Visitors Center.


Find out about Fish

Visit the Fish & Wildlife Center on Rt. 3 in Twin Mountain (603-846-5108)


Art Galleries

WREN (Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network) -- Showcases many fine artists in the greater Bethlehem area (603-869-9736)


Museums

New England Ski Museum -- See videos, films, and exhibits dedicated to the history of skiing (at the base of Cannon Mt. 603-823-7177) www.skimuseum.org

Bethlehem Heritage Society -- Free admission. Discover Bethlehem's rich history as the premier White Mountains resort destination (Bethlehem Visitors Center, 888-845-1957).

The Frost Place (Robert Frost Museum) -- visit Robert Frost's farm homestead (Franconia, 603-823-5510).

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium -- See planetarium shows, natural science displays and artifacts from around the world (St. Johnsbury, VT 802-748-2372).



Maple Syrup Season

Each spring, area maple syrup producers open their doors to show how maple syrup is made. Enjoy the stories, descriptions, and free taste tests! In Bethlehem, visit The Rocks Estate for their maple program (603-444-6228).


Fun Run/Walk

Support a great cause by participating in one of the area's Fun Run/Walks. Try the Ammonoosuc Amble (April), the Dalton Mud Run (April), or other local events. Check the Events page for dates.

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For other fun ideas, try White Mountain Attractions


For more information, please contact the Chamber Visitors Center at 1-888-845-1957 or info@bethlehemwhitemtns.com



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