Name: Grafton Notch State Park
Location: Newry, Maine
Activities: hiking, backpacking, waterfalls, picnic area, swimming, fishing.
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash.
Hours: 9:00a.m.-sunset
Season: Year-round
Camping: See park rules below
Fees: No
Nestled in the beautiful Western Maine mountains, Grafton Notch State Park is known for its rugged hiking trails, waterfalls, natural swimming holes, and gorges. Outdoor enthusiasts in particular are drawn to this park, as it provides them with a special opportunity to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail.
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before visiting Grafton Notch State Park—including what to pack for your visit, directions, park activities, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips for visiting the park and the best nearby eats.
History of Grafton Notch State Park
In the 1930s, volunteers and conservation groups worked together to construct trails in the Mahoosuc Range that would become a part of the 2,197-mile Appalachian Trail.
The land that makes up Grafton Notch State Park was conserved with support from several contributors, including but not limited to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, the Trust for Public Land, Land for Maine’s Future Program, and the Mahoosuc Land Trust.
Preparing to Visit Grafton Notch State Park
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the Maine hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
If bringing a pup, be sure to pack their leash and poop bags
Directions, Parking, and Restroom Information for Grafton Notch State Park
Driving Directions
For driving directions for Grafton Notch State Park, click here.
Parking
There are several paved parking lots in the park. Visitors must drive from one parking lot to the next to see each attraction. Walking on the main road is extremely unsafe and therefore not recommended. None of the lots are plowed in the Winter months.
Restroom Information
Pit toilets are available at the Old Speck/Table Rock, Screw Auger Falls, and Spruce Meadow Picnic Area parking lots. That being said, it’s always a good idea to have toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your car.
Park Rules for Grafton Notch State Park
Leave no trace in the park—carry out everything you carried in
Dogs are allowed, but must be on-leash at all times
Please stay on marked trails and refrain from picking flowers or any other vegetation
Do not feed or interact any animals you find in the park, give them space
Intoxicating beverages are not allowed in the park
Camping is only allowed at designated camp sites and lean-tos
Grafton Notch State Park Hiking Trails
Grafton Notch offers challenging, yet rewarding hikes that are not suited for beginners. Click here to view the detailed trail map that includes lean-to and tent site locations.
Eyebrow Loop (2.2 miles, moderate)
This trail begins on the orange-blazed Eyebrow Trail, which quickly inclines, requiring hikers to use ladders and steel rungs to move over some of the cliffs. The eyebrow itself is perched at 2,900 ft of elevation and provides amazing views of Grafton Notch.
Old Speck (7.6 miles, difficult)
One of the 14 Maine 4000’ peaks. This trail starts off gradual and then quickly inclines while passing over a water crossing, man made steps, and a small waterfall. After completing the first 1.1 miles, hikers are rewarded with distant views of Grafton Notch and Old Speck. The next 2.4 miles of trail are a moderate incline in a dense forest. After this, hikers will arrive at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Grafton Loop Trail. Continue left for 0.3 miles on the Grafton Loop Trail to reach the summit of Old Speck and the Old Speck fire tower. The fire tower provides breathtaking 360-degree views of Western Maine mountains and lakes as well as the White Mountains.
Table Rock (Distance varies, moderate)
Hikers can either do a loop hike by ascending via the steep 1.2-mile Table Rock Trail and descending on the gradual 0.9-mile Appalachian Trail or an out-and-back hike on either trail. I would recommend hiking the loop or out-and-back via the Appalachian Trail due to the steepness of the Table Rock Trail. It’s also important to note that in this trail requires some rock scrambling that may not be a good fit for some dogs or small kids. If you take the Table Rock Trail, be sure to check out the caves located underneath the summit ledges. Be sure to leash your dogs and keep a close eye on your kids on the summit, as it has a steep drop off. The summit provides excellent views of Old Speck Mountain and Grafton Notch.
Bald Pate (5.8 miles, moderate)
There are two trailheads for this trail, but only one is located inside Grafton Notch State Park. The white-blaze trail follows the Appalachian Trail, moving over small streams and gently climbing Hedgehog Hill before passing the Baldpate lean-to and arriving at the summit. Views of Western Maine mountain, lakes, and valleys are very rewarding.
Goose Eye, Speck Pond Trail, and Notch Trail (Success Pond Road Trails)
The trailhead for all three of these trails is located off Success Pond Road, which needs to be accessed via Berlin, New Hampshire. I haven’t personally hiked any of these trails, so instead of just reiterating what is written in the Grafton Notch State Park guide, I would recommend you click here and read directly from the guide.
Grafton Notch Loop Trail (38 miles, extremely challenging)
This strenuous trail connects nine peaks (including Old Speck) and features seven wilderness campsites. It typically takes at least three days to complete and only intersects with the Bear River Road once around the halfway point, which means hikers wishing to hike the trail must be extremely well prepared and experienced.
Grafton Notch State Park Swimming Spots
Old Speck Pond
This pond is a satisfying reward for completing a challenging hike. Located 1.4 miles from the Summit of Old Speck, this alpine pond is very cold and a bit murky.
Screw Auger Falls
The refreshing waters of Bear River make for good wading and swimming, just keep an eye out for slippery rocks or wear water shoes. I would recommend swimming in the large pools above the largest falls or in the wide river where the picnic tables are located.
Grafton Notch State Park Waterfalls and Caves
Screw Auger Falls
Features several scenic, rapid falls that plunge into a glacier-carved granite gorge.
Mother Walker Falls
A beautiful, v-shaped gorge that is 40-feet deep and 980 feet long.
Moose Cave
Kids and kids at heart love exploring the 600-foot gorge and caves.
Grafton Notch State Park Picnic Areas
Screw Auger Falls
Several picnic tables sit next to the banks of the Bear River, overlooking the water.
Spruce Meadow Picnic Area
Picnic tables and grills overlook a busy marsh with views of Old Speck mountain.
Fishing in Grafton Notch State Park
Before fishing, be sure to secure your Maine fishing license and review the Maine fishing laws and rules.
Old Speck Pond
The pond is stocked with brook trout, which grow to a nice size due to the lack of competition. Water quality is also decent due to the several small springs that pour into the pond.
Visiting Grafton Notch State Park in the Winter
The park may slow down during the Winter months, but there is still plenty to do. The Old Speck parking lot is usually plowed, which allows for year-round hikers to access the Old Speck, Eyebrow Loop, Baldpate, and Table Rock hiking trails. A local snowmobile trail, ITS 82, runs through the park and connects New Hampshire trails to local Western Maine trails. Note that the other parking lots are typically not plowed, which prevents access to Mother Walker Falls, Screw Auger Falls, and Moose Cave.
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 State Park information and tips? You can find them all here.
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My Maine
