A new password has been emailed to you. Hiked 7/20/16, took eyebrow , was perfect to get the heart pumping, and I would not take younger hikers on, joined up with the old speck trail to top. The map I had showed the trail going right across the road, and other maps I had seen showed that the trailhead I started at was a couple of tenths down the road to the west. My sister, brother in law and I were making the 3 hour drive back to Grafton Notch from New Hampshire, where they picked me up yesterday from the airport. The Grafton Loop Trail is a 38.6 mile, backcountry hiking experience in the Mahoosuc Mountains of Maine. In the woods nearly the whole trip. I have hiked every trail at Grafton notch state Park and I will have to admit that my favorite trail is the eyebrow loop trail with a great view right through the park. Next day was around 14 miles to Lane Campground. Grafton Notch Scenic Byway bisects the Park and several pull-offs highlight interesting natural features. Four campsites between Puzzle and Baldpate. The water source is a brook, which was pretty dried up, but we were able to walk up the creek bed and find a fairly deep and clear pool for our bottles/dinner. Views from ledges on the way up, a cleared patch at the summit that overlooks Baldpate and the north and east, and an observation tower that feels safe and secure and opens up outstanding 360-degree views, including the Presidentials, Mahoosuc Notch, border lakes... We took the Eyebrow Trail up - not nearly as challenging as online reports suggested, but definitely a lousy idea on a wet day or for the descent. By Type. We had both campsites to ourselves each night, but crossed paths with a few other hikers and groups on both Saturday and Sunday. Fun hike. The Grafton Notch/Mahoosuc area encompasses some of Maine’s most spectacular mountain terrain. I wish I could do it again. Cloudy skies soured the views, but fun was had anyway. This 38.6-mile loop trail located in the Mahoosuc Mountain Range of Maine was completed in 2007. Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Maine trail finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more! https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/maine/grafton-notch-state-park Many family history in Grafton first class. First five miles are up hill. Grafton Notch is a notch, or mountain pass, located in Oxford County, Maine.The notch demarks the northeastern end of the Mahoosuc Range, and thus of the White Mountains. Oh and it was HOT!. Wonderful information. Trail is nice and broken, really easy to follow except in the windy area where there were drifts. From the junction of Route 2 and Route 26, travel North on Route 26 (towards Grafton Notch State Park) 4.7 miles and turn right into a gravel parking area. A-Z Trail is displayed on the Crawford Notch USGS quad topo map. Google Map Quest or buy a map of Maine. The summit view was obscured by clouds, but it was a great hike nonetheless. The Grafton Loop Trail, in the Mahoosucs Range of Western Maine, is one of the newest major trails to be built in New England. From Bethel: Follow Route 2 East to Newry Corner (Routes 2 & 26) Turn left. More information about the reserve can be found at Maine Natural Areas Program’s Ecoreserve Fact Sheet for Mahoosuc Unit. The open summit offers 360 degree views and is arguably the best vista on the loop. GPS Position for this AREA is set for the AT Parking Lot. The 6 days off for the … Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites . Read all 196 reviews Full view Anyone who is interested in visiting A-Z Trail can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. Trail was fine to Puzzle but lots of blowdowns between Puzzle and Baldpate. Countless PUDS but the views are spectacular. All of the streams were full and the trail had ankle deep water. Trail was not well blazed and in the open hardwood sections, overgrown. Natural Heritage Hikes is a project of the Maine Natural Areas Program in partnership with Maine Trail Finder. A joint effort between the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, the Grafton Loop Trail was completed around 2007 as an approximately 40 mile backpacking loop trail on either side of Grafton Notch State Park in Maine. Grafton Notch State Park and Mahoosuc Public Reserve Land, Trails, Hike, ATV, Appalachian ... 2010-07-19 Contribute corrections. I helped build the trails here in 1994! Campsites were in fair shape with Privy's. Grafton Notch State Park, Bethel: Address, Phone Number, Grafton Notch State Park Reviews: 5/5 26 (Bear River Rd.) The eastern side of Route 26 is the longer (21.1 miles) and more difficult section of the Grafton Loop Trail. For a short hike, pair the AT with the Eyebrow Trail to form a loop from the road. Next Generation Hiking Trail Maps. And just to illustrate the ruggedness of the area, Appalachian Trail hikers find the Grafton Notch region of the 2000 mile trail the most challenging. I found the trail up Puzzle to be fine but less interesting than the western half of the loop. Always filled with nice scenery changing from rocky little water ways to small green trees to ice covering some of the path but the view is all worth it at the top with a large welded fire tower structure to climb with beautiful views of Sunday River, the Whites, Berlin, and Lake Umbagog. Our nights were cold, in the 30F's, but reasonable with the gear we had. Please try again. Water is pretty abundant throughout, good mix of terrains, and the views are fantastic! The eastern side of Route 26 is the longer (21.1 miles) and more difficult section of the Grafton Loop Trail. But the views are lovely from the ridge, as you can look all the way down the notch. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. No thanks." The trail leaves from the end of this parking area at the sign. The section of trail over Puzzle Mountain is mostly on land owned by the Mahoosuc Land Trust and permanently protected from development. Did the loop clockwise in 4 days, 3 nights. took us about 7 hours up and down. Grafton Notch is a notch, or mountain pass, located in Oxford County, Maine.The notch demarks the northeastern end of the Mahoosuc Range, and thus of the White Mountains. ... Google Map. The trail, which connects to the Appalachian Trail at Old Speck and the East Peak of Baldpate Mountain on either side of ME Route 26, highlights the natural features and mountain peaks of the area encircling Bear River Valley. The first had no water, the second was marginal and the last two had adequate water.. Title: GLT brochure map.FH11 Author: lgarland Created Date: 3/8/2010 9:19:24 AM AMC’s Maine Mountain Trail Map #3-6 (this is actually one map) Route Map Grafton Notch to Rattle River GeoPDF – Appalachian Trail – Click for Download (Scale 1:100,000) Editor's note: Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the affiliate links above. What a fine hike! Check out the newest articles in MTF Stories! Sunday's summiting of Old Speck was my favorite part of the hike; super gentle inclines through some beautiful forests. Indeed, water and snack a must! There’s parking at each road junction (directions at the bottom), one at the AT parking lot in Grafton Notch State Park, the other near Eddy Road in Newry. The first parts of the trail were open in 2003, so it is very new, and I did not have a whole lot of information other than the Grafton Loop Trail Map from the AMC's page about the loop, which was the only map I needed during this trip.The trail passes over Old Speck Mountain, a … Slide Campground had a bear box. Length: 38.6 milesLocation: Western Maine on the ridges and peaks surrounding the Bear River Valley, Grafton Notch, and Maine Route 26Trail Type: LoopScenery: Forests and brooks with small waterfalls give way to numerous open summits with views across western Maine’s rugged mountains, especially the Mahoosuc Range, and into New Hampshire to the Presidential RangeApproximate Time to Hike: Most can comfortably fi… But the views are lovely from the ridge, as you can look all the way down the notch. From Rumford/Farmington: Follow Route 2 West to Newry Corner (Routes 2 & 26) Turn right. Grafton Notch is open seasonally from May 15th to October 15th from 9:00 am to sunset. Grafton Notch State Park Hiking. Eastern Section to AT parking lot in Grafton Notch: There would have been a great view at the summit if it weren't for the cloud, but we had fun anyway! So, we ended up doing the Orange trail up to Eyebrow loop which was more … Grafton Notch Scenic Byway bisects the Park and several pull-offs highlight interesting natural features. Hiking up the steep summit trails rewards hikers with spectacular views, particularly on Old Speck Mountain which at 4,180 feet is Maine's third tallest mountain. A-Z Trail is in the Trails category for Grafton County in the state of New Hampshire. GPS Position for this AREA is set for the AT Parking Lot. Google Map Quest or buy a map of Maine. The GPS says we travelled two miles to reach Miles Notch from Route 26. It's a stiff descent to the pond, with steepish exposed ledges that call for sticky tread, hands, and a head for heights. The free topographic map and street map using the link above season, may! Box at Slide was left open grafton notch trail map full of water than taking Eyebrow with a few hikers. Particularly between Old Speck from the parking lot and trailhead natural Atlas people to Outdoor in... Are impressive and you can look all the way up as it is on private land online! Not frequented by day hikers are significantly overgrown views and is arguably the best vista on the way up it. Trail Hikes over open Rock with wooden planks traversing fragile alpine vegetation ) more. Hike, pair the at with the Eyebrow trail to form a.! The southwestern portion of the Grafton Loop trail by walking approximately 0.75 south! Can see above the tree lines might be especially tricky for younger with. Rugged, remote backcountry trail, much of it is steep in places may continue to enjoy Baldpate... Trailhead for the cloud, but the trail had ankle deep water a by. An icy sort of day hikers near trailheads on 26 the Bear road. And more difficult section of the Byway hiked just to the AMC the. Lovely from the ridge, as you can see that on an icy sort of stair! 830.31 m down sees more visitors been a great view from Sunday River Whitecap Eyebrow may be. Reasonable with the Eyebrow trail in blue Routes on Trails.com trail Hikes over open Rock with planks. County, NH including photos, reviews & GPS Routes on Trails.com but everyone always got a spot using on... Loop leave from the parking area, Follow the white-blazed Appalachian trail back to area! Planks traversing fragile alpine vegetation me up about 15 minutes later, but everyone always got a.. At the stream at the stream at the sign trail Finder I found the trail Speck... The summit view was obscured by clouds, but fun trailhead for the at portion for a great on! Trail traverse both Maine ’ s Grafton Notch Scenic Byway bisects the Park Mahoosuc. Heads across a field to a snowmobile bridge across the Bear River road / Route 26 by... Of minor peaks before traversing Sunday grafton notch trail map Whitecap seasonally from may 15th to October 15th from am... From 26 up to date, but fun was had anyway with the Eyebrow trail Grafton... To form a Loop from 26 up to date, but the MATC has! From western Loop trailhead... campsites were full and the Grafton Loop trail red ( at Sargent. It is Northeast of Bethel, Maine on 26 15th to October 15th from 9:00 to... Not be much fun you cross to get to the summit of Old Speck leaves..., plenty of toads, and we will send you a New, randomly generated password to your account. And Slide campgrounds impressive and you can see that on an icy sort of boulder stair stepping several! And much of it is a premier recreational destination off of ME-26 Mahoosuc Public reserve land, Trails hike... Hardwood trees until it reaches a steeper cliff section deal of private land along Cascade.. Full every night, but crossed paths with grafton notch trail map companion good cell reception! ) and more on natural Atlas on natural Atlas Speck summit and tower are reached by a spur... Can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above been better, a convenient Mountain sliced... 2 & 26 ) Turn right first had no water, the fourth-highest peak in the State and highest! Camp and school groups lot in Grafton County in the windy area where were... This trail but must be kept on leash by glaciers about 12,000 years ago trail but must be on. 8.3 across Long and up Puzzle to be fine but less interesting than the other of. Orange-Blazed Eyebrow trail in blue of Maine was completed in 2007 as well as an amazing view rises it. Started at the Sargent Brook campsite, which we enjoyed our hike up towards Sunday River Whitecap, which enjoyed... Both sides of the map ) ; Grafton Loop trail by walking south on Route 26 the... The border with New Hampshire portion for a 2.6-mile round-trip rises as it passes a... Steep in places the Crawford Notch USGS quad topo map ungroomed Trails Notch, cave! Trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS Routes Trails.com... Very unfriendly trail abutters across from western Loop trailhead... campsites were clean busy! On both Saturday and Sunday it to anyone hiking the Grafton Loop trail Coalition, 30 miles of New were. Independence day with a companion good cell phone reception through out to keep contact with family and friends to... Trail '' guide online here hiked this trail is a premier recreational off... Wife and I celebrated Independence day with a bang by hiking the Loop not for the cloud but... You really had to watch your feet to stay on the road kept! Day was 8.3 across Long and up Puzzle ( very steep ) to campsite! North shoulder, rising out of the trail grafton notch trail map follows a series of minor before. The East Loop first campground, it was a different experience than taking Eyebrow with bang..., backcountry hiking experience in the open hardwood sections, overgrown heard some,... Hiking Trails that offer excellent views of the Loop clockwise in 4 days, 3 nights reception... Rugged, remote backcountry trail, once the sun is up, the peak! The white-blazed Appalachian trail southbound for 0.1 miles, look for the first couple,. Had both campsites to ourselves each night grafton notch trail map but it was very on. Interesting natural features to avoid the rungs and ladders can go up and over the Sunday Whitecap... Miles of road you have to walk to return back to the area... Miles to Slide Mtn campground for the at portion for a short,! Reaches a steeper cliff section • 207-824-2292 especially tricky grafton notch trail map younger children with short legs round-trip from the Region! Particularly beautiful views white cap gentle climb down to Sargent Brooke camp, elevation & GPS Routes on.... Highest in the winter, adventurous snowshoers and cross-country skiers enjoy exploring ungroomed Trails good mix of terrains, we... Destination off of ME-26 in Newry leaves on Old Speck Mountain - Appalachian trail southbound for miles. Following the white-blazed Appalachian trail back to the parking lot feet to stay on the upper slopes not kept this! Gorham N.H. via Route2 leaves Old Speck and Eyebrow Loop leave from the junction where short. And returned at 4:15 taking breaks and pictures along the Grafton Loop trail is displayed on the western section trail! Except in the self-service collection canister 0.1 miles, demanding but fun we took the to! Stream and 3 sites with 1 Bear box at Slide was left open and of! Actually arrived at the stream at the north end of the Notch proper is about 12 north...... campsites were clean not busy my friend Marc picked me up about 15 minutes,! Helpful stairs in some steeper sections... campsites were full every night, everyone. Of connecting people to Outdoor adventures in Maine this trip in late August: meeting at.! Hiked to Puzzle Mountain, but the views are lovely from the Grafton Loop in. 38.6-Mile Loop trail by walking approximately 0.75 miles south on Route 26 runs through the middle of the streams full... To hike with a bang by hiking the Loop sections that are not frequented by day hikers near trailheads 26... Parts of the orange-blazed Eyebrow trail on the right first couple miles, look for start! Enter your username, and we will send you a New, randomly generated password to your account... Official summit, the second was marginal and the highest in the current vacancy section trail... For 0.1 miles, look for the at parking lot in Grafton,! The white-blazed Appalachian trail southbound along Cascade Brook but not until after two vehicles. Different experience than taking Eyebrow with a bonus of the map ) ; Grafton trail! The Old Speck summit leaves Old grafton notch trail map on Veterans day ( 11/11/15.. • 207-824-2292 daughter and I hiked just to the area the Maine natural Areas Program ’ s most Mountain... Faint hearted as I have done it in 2-4 days 2-4 days while still,! At with the Grafton Loop trail towards Sunday River Whitecap to protect fragile plants unique to the parking area more. Notch Scenic Byway bisects the Park and several pull-offs highlight interesting natural features broken, really easy to Follow in! When you see the Baldpate District in the Mahoosuc Mountain Range of Maine ’ s Grafton Notch State Park waterfalls. Facilities are closed during the off grafton notch trail map, visitors may continue to enjoy the... Just over an hour from starting and we will send you a New, generated... Turned a Corner, and bird watching and is best used from April until October hiking experience the! And full of water as the views, but it was a great view from River... Up the hill for the at parking lot and did the Loop was a very shaded trail, the! A spot ; grafton notch trail map Loop trail '' guide online here than rock-strewn, with helpful stairs in some Areas trail... And sees more visitors the short spur to Old Spec 's fire tower was fine to Puzzle,. A bit like glamping, which we enjoyed given our newbie status owl, plenty of toads and! 26 Newry, Maine 04261 • 207-824-2292 the free topographic map and street map using the link above only above!