Evans Notch · ME-113

The narrowest notch in the area, from the Maine side: from Bethel the route takes US-2 west to Gilead and ME-113 south along the Wild River into Evans Notch, turns around before the New Hampshire line and comes back the same way. It's 41 miles round trip on a narrow road under the trees. ME-113 isn't maintained in winter and closes with gates until spring; in 2026 it opened on May 1. There are no services past Gilead, so fuel in Bethel, and don't ride it at night: moose.

ME-113 crosses Evans Notch through the White Mountain National Forest on the Maine side of the line. From Gilead the road follows the Wild River south past the Forest Service campground at Hastings, then climbs into the notch on a narrow, winding lane under the trees, with the Cold River overlook near the top. Farther south ME-113 crosses into New Hampshire at North Chatham, so the route turns around just before the state line and comes back the same way.

The road isn't maintained for winter travel: it closes with gates until spring and part of it becomes a snowmobile trail. In 2026 the Forest Service listed it as open from May 1. It's narrow, with rough pavement in places, and there are no services past Gilead, so fuel in Bethel. Wildlife is common at dusk, moose included, so ride it in daylight, and check the White Mountain National Forest road status before heading out in spring or late fall.