Newry: Skiing, Scenery and History

Newry brings together a range of travel interests: winter sports at Sunday River, Artists’ Bridge as a public historic site, the Step Falls scenic preserve, as well as golf and hiking. When choosing when to visit, it is important to consider whether you want to focus on activities with seasonal schedules, winter sports, or places with historic and scenic character.

Winter and Fall at Sunday River

Sunday River’s eight interconnected peaks span more than 800 acres of skiable terrain. The number of peaks and the acreage offer different points of reference: one describes how the mountains are connected, the other the size of the terrain. Resort information may change; check current details if you are basing your plans on them.

Every winter, from early January through March, Maine Adaptive offers more than 1,800 free adaptive sports lessons there. In the fall, the Chondola takes visitors to North Peak to experience the mountains in their autumn colors. It is suitable for dogs, children and grandparents. This gives you two seasonal points of reference when planning your visit: adaptive sports lessons in winter and mountain colors from the Chondola in fall. Dates, offerings and schedules may change; check current program details and the schedule if you are planning your trip around them.

Scenery and Hiking Trails

Step Falls is a local scenic preserve where Wight Brook drops 200 feet over a distance of 800 feet. The two measurements help describe the landscape: 800 feet is the distance over which the stream descends, while 200 feet is the change in elevation.

The Bingham Cascades Trail leads into the valley of Bingham Forest; the round-trip hike is 5.7 miles long. Hikers cross the boundary between Bethel and Newry along the way. The distance given covers the round trip, not just the trail into the valley. Trail conditions may change; check before setting out. The figures for Step Falls and the Bingham Cascades Trail describe different things: the stream’s course and change in elevation on the one hand, and the total hiking distance on the other.

History, Scenic Routes and Other Activities

Sunday River Artists’ Bridge is a public historic site in Newry, built by local builders in 1872. The bridge offers opportunities for swimming, fishing and picnicking. Here, construction history meets recreation by the water.

The Grafton Notch Scenic Byway runs along Route 26 from Newry to Upton. If you include the byway in your trip, this section gives you a specific route and direction.

Golf and spa experiences offer a different focus from hiking, history or winter sports. Sunday River Golf Club offers championship golf on 18 holes. Jordan Spa offers hot stone therapy, customizable facials and body treatments. Services may change.

Discover more destinations: Paris, Norway, Lovell, Rumford, Fryeburg.

For the main travel overview: Oxford.