Hey there fellow fall foliage enthusiasts! Jeff Foliage here, your friendly foliage chaser. Today, let’s explore the Sunday River/Artist Covered Bridge near the quaint towns of Bethel and Newry, Maine. Trust me; this is a spot you won’t want to miss!

Directions for finding the bridge

• Beginning at Bethel Maine at the interchange of Routes 2 & 26 & 5 & 35, you will head north on Route 2
• You will travel a short 2-5 miles to Sunday River Road. Make a turn to the Northeast.
• You will travel 2.1 miles and just at the Post Office watch for the fork in the road and hang a right.
• At 1 mile more you will come to another fork (yes there is a lot of cutlery on this road) hang another right.
• At 2.5 miles on the Sunday River Road, you will come to the Sunday River and the Sunday River Covered Bridge
• Notes: No matter how fun the name sounds, don’t take Monkey Brook Road. AND If you reach Roderick Road, you’ve gone too far.

Getting There: First things first – let’s talk about how to get to this hidden gem. Newry is nestled in the western part of Maine, and if you’re driving, take Route 2. The Sunday River/Artist Covered Bridge is about 15 minutes northwest of Bethel. Look for the signs, and you’ll find yourself in one of the most picturesque spots in Maine.

Parking Spots: There’s a small parking area both before and after the bridge, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. I usually prefer to park a bit further away and stroll towards the bridge. It’s a great way to soak in the surroundings and spot potential shots along the way. Here is a link in Google Maps so you can see it on your phone.

Vantage Points: Ah, the magic happens when you find that perfect vantage point. The bridge itself is a classic covered bridge, quaint and full of charm. Try shooting from different angles – from the side to capture the length, or even underneath to frame the bridge against the Sunday River’s reflections. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for capturing the warm hues and soft shadows that enchant this location.

Nearby Photographic Delights: But wait, there’s more! Newry and the surrounding areas have a lot to offer beyond just the covered bridge. If you’re into landscapes, head over to Grafton Notch State Park for breathtaking mountain views and cascading waterfalls. Trust me, your camera will thank you.

Bethel Village is just a short drive away for a touch of history and architecture. Victorian-style houses and charming storefronts offer a different aesthetic, giving you a diverse range of subjects to photograph.

Local Tips: Before you pack your gear, keep in mind that the weather in Maine can be unpredictable. Bring layers, comfortable shoes for exploring, and of course, bug spray – those mosquitoes can be quite the photo-bombers. (mostly in summer through Sept but in October, less so) I now have an Amazon affiliate shop and I’m putting New England things in there that Lisa and I find very useful.

In conclusion, the Sunday River and Artist Covered Bridge is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. As a seasoned foliage chaser, I can vouch for the magic that unfolds before your lens at this spot. So, gear up, hit the road, and let the beauty of Newry, Maine unfold before you. Happy shooting, my fellow travelers!

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

Visit my Amazon affiliate store for items that Lisa and I have curated for you. These items are either New England-made or things we think will make your fall foliage trip more successful.

• Visit my Fine Art America Gallery
• Visit my Amazon store to pick up New England-related materials
• Visit my Pictorem Gallery (Free shipping in the US and Canada)
• My Facebook foliage page
• Threads.net/@Jeff_Foliage
• Follow our new Fall Foliage FB Group!
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• You can visit Lisa’s Artist Facebook Page by clicking here

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