Hiking Old Speck: The Crown Jewel of Grafton Notch State Park
Name: Old Speck
Location: Newry, Maine
Distance: 7.6 miles
Terrain: Dirt path, rocky path, rock scrambling, roots, uneven ground.
Elevation gain: 2847 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Pets: Allowed
Old Speck—located in Grafton Notch State Park, is one of Maine’s most beloved and picturesque hikes. One of the famous Maine 4,000-footers, this challenging trail features waterfalls, stream crossings, rock scrambles, and stunning 360-degree views of Western Maine and the Whites. Be sure to add this hike to your itinerary for your next trip to Bethel or Newry Maine.
In this blog post, I share everything you need to know before hiking Old Speck in Grafton Notch State Park—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips and the best nearby eats.
Preparing to Hike Old Speck
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to view my favorite pieces of hiking gear
Directions and Parking Information for Old Speck
Directions from Route 2
Drive North or South on Route 2 until you reach the intersection of Route 2 and Route 26 in Newry. Turn onto Bear River Road (Route 26) and continue driving for about 12 miles. You’ll enter Grafton Notch State Park and see signs for parking for Old Speck/Table Rock.
Parking
The Old Speck parking lot is large, paved, and has primitive restrooms (four walls with a pit toilet inside). It is also shared with the Table Rock and Eyebrow Loop trails, so it is extremely busy June through October, especially on weekends. If the lot is full, opt for a nearby hike like Puzzle Mountain or Mount Will.
Old Speck Trail Descriptions
Old Speck Trail (7.6 mies, challenging)
The Old Speck Trail follows the Appalachian Trail from the parking lot to the summit and is marked with white blazes. For the first 1.2 miles, the trail quickly ascends up rocky dirt trail, crossing streams and maneuvering over rock stairs until coming out to a scenic viewpoint that provides views of Grafton Notch. The next 2.7 miles of trail moves through dense forest and brings hikers over rock scrambles and steep sections of trail. Next, hikers will encounter the intersection of the Old Speck Trail (Appalachian Trail) and the Grafton Loop Trail. Continue left to hike the remaining 0.3 miles to the summit of Old Speck and the iconic fire tower.
Speck Pond (2.2 miles, challenging)
To reach Speck Pond—a small, swimmable pond with an overnight lean-to, take a left at the intersection of the Old Speck Trail (Appalachian Trail) and the Grafton Loop Trail and follow the white Appalachian Trail markers for about 1.1 miles. This will add about 2.2 extra miles onto the 7.6-mile hike, so be sure to give yourself enough time.
The Summit of Old Speck and the Old Speck Fire Tower
The summit of Old Speck is one of my favorites in Maine. From the ground, there is a partial Eastern-facing view of the beautiful Western Maine mountains. To get the coveted 360-degree view, you will have to climb an iron-rung ladder to the top of a wooden fire tower. The tower provides stunning views of the Whites, Grafton Notch, Western Maine mountains, and beyond.
Insider Tips for Hiking Old Speck
The best time to visit: July, August, or early September. In May and June, the trail will be very wet and buggy and in late September/early October, the trail gets overrun with leaf peepers.
There is no cell service in Grafton Notch State Park, so don’t rely on using your phone for communication. Tell a loved one your hiking plans and what time you plan to be back in service and/or be sure to bring a satellite communication device with you so you are able to communicate from the trail in case of an emergency. Personally, I love my mini Garmin inReach.
Best nearby eats: Le Mu Eats, Steam Mill Brewing, Kowloon Village Chinese Restaurant
Be sure to stop by Puzzle Mountain Bakery (located just outside Grafton Notch State Park) for delicious pies, cookies, Maine whoopie pies, etc., on your way home!
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
Want more Maine travel inspiration? Follow MyMaine on Instagram!
If you love spending time outdoors in Maine, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page (or click here) and subscribe to my e-mail list! By doing so, you’ll be the first to receive all of my latest and greatest outdoorsy Maine content straight to your inbox! And I solemnly swear that I won’t sell your e-mail to spammers or scammers living in their parent’s basement.
With love,
My Maine
