Hiking Table Rock
Trail Name: Table Rock
Location: Grafton Notch State Park
Distance: 1.8 miles (loop trail)
Elevation gain: 869 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Allowed
Grafton Notch State Park is easily my favorite Maine state park. It brings back so many memories of summers spent swimming in frigid waterfalls and natural pools, hiking strenuous, yet picturesque trails, and taking sunset convertible cruises through its winding roads.
Due to its outstanding views and amenities, it has become quite an attraction for Maine tourists in the summertime. Some days, the parking lot will fill up as early as 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. For that reason, I have gradually spent less time hiking its trails during the summer (unless I start very early in the morning), and saved most of them for my winter hiking schedule. After all, Winter has become my favorite season.
Because we were in the Newry area for Christmas, my fiancé and I decided that our last hike of 2019 should take place in Grafton Notch. So on the day after christmas (I know— we’re those people) we stuffed our day packs full of warm layers and water and set out to conquer the Table Rock Trail.
In the Winter, I would definitely recommend taking the white/blue trail in and out, due to the fact that the front trail (also called the orange trail) is mostly rock climbing/scrambling, which can be dangerous and icy in the winter, especially if you don’t have the right gear. The trail was packed down quite well, there were only a few icy spots, which meant winter hiking boots and Yaktrax’s would suffice. We had the whole summit to ourselves, and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. It took us about an hour to summit and twenty minutes to get back down to the parking lot (we enjoy running down the mountains in the winter, it can be such an adrenaline rush and you don’t have to worry about rolling your ankles on rocks or uneven ground). If you find yourself in the Western Maine area this winter (or summer!) definitely add this hike to your to-do list.
