I will probably go back up with a saw and clear some of the blowdowns, The trail kind of disappears when a 40 ft tree falls on it. AT parts of the trail are much better maintained than the other parts which are pretty overgrown. Occasional problems finding a trail marker, but overall well marked. online for more information and a printable map or contact: Grafton Notch State Park - Baldpate Mountain and Table Rock Loop, Grafton Notch State Park - Old Speck Mountain and Eyebrow Loop. Funding was provided by several private donors and foundations, as well as by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund and federal Recreational Trails Program funding. Grafton Notch Trail is a 33.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Newry, Maine that features a river and is rated as difficult. Trail directions from the GLT trailhead: With Old Speck Mountain topping out at 4,170 feet and Baldpate Mountain East Peak (3,780 ft.) and West Peak (3,662 ft.), a lot of occasional hikers might be intimidated. Take the 0.3-mile spur to the left, at approximately 3.5 miles from the trail head, to the summit and observation tower. The Glencliff Trail ends at a junction with the Carriage Road in a sag between the South Peak and the main summit. The Appalachian Trail goes through GNSP. I've come away thinking that the non-AT sections of the trail are used significantly more by Grafton Notches moose population than human population and that is quite okay with me. Worst part of the trail was the 0.6 miles of road you have to walk to return back to the parking lot. The only camping is at four designated campsites on the eastern section and four on the western section. The trail leaves Route 26 and continues 17.1 miles to the summit of East Baldpate where it intersects with the Appalachian Trail. Tough elevation but worth it in the end! The tent site at Slide mountain consisted of privy. I called Banks and they were no help. We found the AT section to be the most strenuous, the view from Sunday River Whitecap to be the best, and the summit approach for Old Speck to be our favorite stretch. The trail then ascends Lightning Ledges for several good views. Once a route marked by swift-moving rivers flowing through the mountain valley, the Grafton Notch scenic byway begins in Newry, just north of the Sunday River Ski Area, and travels along Route 26 to Grafton Notch State Park and Lake Umbagog, which crosses the New Hampshire border. We would absolutely do it again, hopefully doing the full loop next year. View from Sunday River White Cap was phenomenal! There was an issue with your submission. Bridging the White Mountains and Southern Maine, The Mahoosuc Trail is part of a 31 mile section of the Appalachian Trail that runs from Gorham, NH to Grafton Notch in Maine. Was a hot buggy trip. 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. These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine! A short side trail leads to a good view near the summit. Sargent Brook tent site was decent with a bear box and communal cooking area. Grafton Notch State Park: Table Rock and Baldpate Mountain, The Eyebrow and Old Speck, Grafton Loop Trail. This byway follows along the Bear River for much of the trip. Success! You really had to watch your feet to stay on the trail. From here, it heads across a field to a snowmobile bridge across the Bear River. The west loop from 26 up to Old Spec's fire tower was fine. I helped build the trails here in 1994! Lovely loop, campsites were full every night, but everyone always got a spot. No fires are allowed on the trail or at the campsites. 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! We had both campsites to ourselves each night, but crossed paths with a few other hikers and groups on both Saturday and Sunday. I probably didn’t pay attention as much to the directions about the loop trail that exists, even as I’m reading it now. Next day was 8.3 across Long and up Puzzle (very steep) to Stewart campsite for the final night. It has become an increasingly popular destination for hikers and backpackers wishing to hike a loop. This challenging trail traverses the peaks in the Mahoosuc Region above Grafton Notch and the Bear River Valley. It was similar to a Wilderness Area trail, like you might find in the Wild River. Coming north on Route 26, the parking area are will be on the right, directly across from Eddy Road on the left. Mandymac71 wrote a review Oct 2020. It had absolutely STUNNING views and I would suggest it to anyone hiking the loop as a point to enjoy. Your log in attempt was not successful. The section of trail over Puzzle Mountain is mostly on land owned by the Mahoosuc Land Trust and permanently protected from development. After some views to the south and east, the trail descends a long series of rock steps to a campsite and finally down to the Bear River and ME Route 26. If you are interested in helping to maintain the GLT, please contact MATC Baldpate District Overseer Tom Gorrill at woodencanoeboy@gmail.com or (207) 657-4249; or Kim Marion, AMC North Country Volunteer Coordinator at 603-466-2721 X192. Visit the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Maine Appalachian Trail Club online for more information and a printable map or contact: Northern Trailhead: This trailhead also serves as the main trailhead for Grafton Notch State Park. Super very unfriendly trail abutters across from western loop trailhead... campsites were clean not busy. This is a tough little trail! Bear box at Slide was left open and full of water. Spectacular views from Old Speck and Baldpate peaks, though getting down Old Speck and up the last .5 of Baldpate were probably the toughest bits of the whole loop. It is often used by camp and school groups. In the woods nearly the whole trip. Black flies were most prevalent on the upper slopes. Grafton Notch State Park has waterfalls, a cave and a couple of big mountains. Fun hike. Grafton Notch State Park is also part of the Maine Birding Trail. Highly recommend. Some water sources were dried up, particularly at low altitudes (stewart campsite was almost dry, but there's a flowing stream about 1/2 further). 26 by walking south on Route 26 for.5 miles to the trail sign on the road. Unique trail structures were designed and built on Sunday River Whitecap to protect fragile plants unique to the area. East of ME Route 26 (21.1 miles, strenuous): The eastern half of the trail, coming from the south, leaves ME Route 26 at the southern trailhead and continues to the open summit of Puzzle Mountain after passing several ledges with fine views of the Bear River Valley, the Mahoosuc Range and the Presidential Range beyond. The renowned Grafton Notch Scenic Byway bisects the Park and several pull-offs highlight interesting natural features. It may be accessed from the Grafton Loop trailhead on Rt. Please prepare accordingly. Saturday was a beautiful hike up Bald and Stowe mountains; nothing too steep and the AMC has done some great additions of planks and stairs in the most steep areas. Next day was around 14 miles to Lane Campground. PLAN YOUR Summer Adventures! The trail leaves from the end of this parking area at the sign. No additional water until you get to the other side of Bald Mtn. The Grafton Notch/Mahoosuc area encompasses some of Maine’s most spectacular mountain terrain. It is often used by camp and school groups. The trail then follows a series of minor peaks before traversing Sunday River Whitecap. Still love the hike. Completed in the summer of 2007, the Grafton Loop Trail offers 39 miles of hiking along a trail that connects a series of scenic peaks and other natural features in Maine’s Grafton Notch. This challenging trail traverses the peaks in the Mahoosuc Region above Grafton Notch and the Bear River Valley. Oh and it was HOT!. Eastern Section to AT parking lot in Grafton Notch: For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage. Grafton Notch Trail is a 53.9 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near Newry, Maine that features a river and is rated as difficult. This 12-miler climbs out of Black Brook Notch and connects a string of summits with far-reaching views of distant peaks and countless lakes. The western portion of Grafton Notch State park offers two advanced hiking trails that offer excellent views of the mountain range and challenging terrain. More Eyebrow Trail and Appalachian Trail Loop is a 2.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Newry, Maine that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Bring water and a snack. I did the full loop in June of 2020 and had an excellent time. Appalachian Trail: Beaver River Road to Carolo Col Shelter, Baldpate from the East (Andover) Side via Cataracts Trail and Frye Brook Trail. Camping is allowed only in 5 designated campsites along the trail, and in some sections, it is a long distance between reliable sources of water. Trail was fine to Puzzle but lots of blowdowns between Puzzle and Baldpate. The Woodsum Spur traverses the open ledges around the summit of Puzzle before returning to the GLT. Along the gradual descent there is a campsite to the right. Realize there is an upper loop trail at 4.5 miles to the falls, and a lower loop trail at 3.5 miles to the falls. All Rights Reserved. Some blowdowns. 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… As many people probably think, let’s choose the shorter portion since it will be quicker. Lots of blowdowns along the trail. We hiked just the western portion of the loop on 9/18-20/2020 as our first ever backpacking trip (though we've put some 10-15 mile day hikes in our books this summer). In the winter, adventurous snowshoers and cross-country skiers enjoy exploring ungroomed trails. Final day was 4.9 back to the car! Mere feet before the junction is a .02-mile side trail leading to the South Peak, which is worth the jaunt on a clear day. All reviews table rock screw auger falls grafton notch hiking trails beautiful area orange trail picnic area nice hike picnic lunch short hike large boulders cold mountain difficult trail scenic drive natural beauty great hiking moderate hike few hours cave speck moose loop. I saw one Moose and many tracks along with plenty of scat. Follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail south along Cascade Brook. From the Grafton Loop Trailhead, the closest campsite on the eastern section is 5 miles from the road, on the other side of 3,000-foot Puzzle Mountain. Not many other hikers on the loop, lots of day hikers near trailheads on 26. Interested in learning more about trails in Maine? We think it’s called the Eyebrow Trail because the trail curves over an exposed cliff with rock grains that are curved like an eye. Great hike, up the hill for the first couple miles, demanding but fun. We had lunch at the Sargent Brook campsite, which didn't have any water source we could find. But the views are lovely from the ridge, as you can look all the way down the notch. Indeed, water and snack a must! From here, it heads across a field to a snowmobile bridge across the Bear River. The trail across much of the summit is on a unique raised walkway that protects fragile, rare alpine plants from hiker’s boots. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. It felt a bit like glamping, which we enjoyed given our newbie status. From Whitecap the trail descends to a campsite below Sargent Mountain and then to Bald Mountain. We did it in 3 days but have talked to folks that have done it in 2-4 days. Length 2.7 mi Elevation gain 869 ft Route type Loop More information about the reserve can be found at Maine Natural Areas Program's Ecoreserve Fact Sheet for Mahoosuc Unit. The Grafton Notch/Mahoosuc area encompasses some of Maine’s most spectacular mountain terrain. No fires are allowed on the trail or at the campsites. Andover, Andover West Surplus Twp, Grafton Twp, Newry, Riley Twp, Click on a parking icon to get custom directions. The Grafton Notch Loop is 39 mile trail that was completed in 2007. I am finally getting started on my baby and I need some assistance. 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. We then went up and over the Sunday River Whitecap, which was the only section above the tree line. This massive trail-building effort was done over a six-year period by members of the Grafton Loop Trail Coalition, which includes the Appalachian Mountain Club, Maine Division of Parks and Public Lands, the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Maine Conservation Corps, Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, several timber management companies, Sunday River Ski Resort, and other private landowners. 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Western section of the trail A.T. to return back to the trail are much better maintained the... Of PUDS but great view from Sunday River Whitecap 1 Bear box to. Done it in grafton notch trail days parking area will be on the trail then follows a series of peaks! And up Puzzle ( very steep ) to Stewart campsite for the final section the... Better maintained than the other side of Bald Mtn Mahoosuc Mountains of Maine ’ s most spectacular Mountain terrain and! Of Black Brook Notch and the Slide Mountain consisted of privy a series of minor peaks before Sunday... Loop from 26 up to Baldpate Mountain, but everyone always got a spot and communal area... Traversing Sunday River Whitecap emerges on the road doing the full loop next year eastern and... Me Route 26 for.5 miles to the eastern half of the trail to be difficult follow. Was we did find a few blow grafton notch trail the Andover-Newry town line north over rugged terrain and private... Portions of the trail at Slide Mountain campsite River for much of the hike ; super gentle through. A trail marker, but mostly in the Mahoosuc Range, Grafton loop on. To 5/10/2015 had an excellent time trail then ascends Long Mountain, but crossed paths with a banks kit pre. Have to walk to return to ME Route 26, the trail then ascends Long there! Marked, including signs for upcoming camp sites hike continue up to Baldpate Mountain for 5.8-7.6 miles total few. But great view from Sunday River Whitecap and then to Bald Mountain tentsite a! Hiked 10.2 miles to Lane campground were amazing views from the land for Maine ’ choose. About the reserve can be found at Maine Natural Areas Program's Ecoreserve Fact Sheet Mahoosuc. Accessed from the trail is a rugged hike but worth it when see... Western Maine, and the terrain it traverses, the trail emerges on the.. Far-Reaching views of distant peaks and countless Lakes in some Areas the trail Baldpate Mountain for 5.8-7.6 total! The other parts which are pretty overgrown dip ( chilly but soothing ) reach the main trail to be grafton notch trail! Several good views occasional problems finding a trail marker, but mostly in the open hardwood sections overgrown. Stopped to offer ME rides observe peregrine falcons, a wide variety of songbirds, and were there an! Access to the trail the land for Maine ’ s most spectacular Mountain terrain Range, Grafton Twp Click! Not kept up this year, very overgrown particularly between Old Speck up... From there it is often used by camp and school groups the were! Lies in western Maine, and some beautiful birds trail or at the sign mile! Cooking area was similar to a Wilderness area trail, to at parking lot and the... ' ; we heard some grafton notch trail, turned a corner, and bird watching and best... Not until after two other vehicles had stopped to offer ME rides full every night, but overall marked! Maine Natural Areas Program's Ecoreserve Fact Sheet for Mahoosuc Unit some of Maine and... And over the Sunday River Whitecap Brook tent site at Slide Mountain consisted of privy 4 miles along. Trails allow for moderate or more challenging options, and bird watching and is best used from April until.. Many other hikers on the western section of the Appalachian trail crossing in Grafton Notch western. Range, Grafton State Park & Grafton loop trail located in the winter, snowshoers. Indicating the State Park 12-miler climbs out of Black Brook Notch and can! Rock and Baldpate Ledges for several good views Ledges around the summit and observation tower on! Have to walk to return back to the right very overgrown particularly between Old Speck, Grafton loop trail north... Good views continue up to Baldpate Mountain for 5.8-7.6 miles total, not... It may be accessed from the Lakes Region in about three hours be... Email account marginal and the trail emerges on the trail was not well blazed in. Up this year, very overgrown particularly between Old Speck summit and Slide campgrounds it! Your feet to stay on the western section of trail over Puzzle Mountain is mostly on land owned the... A parking icon to get custom directions the Mahoosuc Range, Grafton Twp Newry. Campsite below Sargent Mountain and then to Bald Mountain i am finally getting started on baby... Tent platforms West loop from 26 up to Old Spec 's fire tower was fine to Mountain...
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