Grafton Notch State Park
Basic Information
Overview: Grafton Notch State Park anchors western Maine’s Mahoosuc Mountains just north of Bethel. Granite cliffs, glacier‑carved gorges, and a string of waterfalls line Route 26, while the Appalachian Trail weaves through high ridges and up Old Speck Mountain (4,170 ft). Spring runoff fuels dramatic cascades, summer brings cool forest shade, fall explodes with color, and winter turns the notch into a quiet snow‑shoe paradise.
Key Highlights:
- ✅ Screw Auger, Mother Walker, and Moose Cave Falls all roadside within 3 mi.
- ✅ Old Speck fire‑tower panorama (7.6 mi round‑trip, 2,700 ft gain).
- ✅ 38‑mi Grafton Loop Trail for multi‑day backpacking.
- ✅ Route 26 Scenic Byway pull‑outs for leaf‑peeping and stargazing.
Activities:
- 🥾 Hiking classics: Table Rock Loop (2.4 mi, moderate), Eyebrow Loop (2.1 mi, steep), Old Speck Trail (7.6 mi, advanced).
- 🧺 Picnic spots with grills & vault toilets at Screw Auger Falls and Spruce Meadow.
- ❄️ Ungroomed winter trails for snowshoeing & back‑country skiing.
- 🦌 Wildlife watching—keep an eye out for moose, black bear, and peregrine falcon.
Amenities:
- Seasonal parking lots & information kiosks
- Pit toilets, picnic tables, charcoal grills
- Primitive campsites along the Grafton Loop (permit required)
- No potable water—pack your own or treat back‑country sources
Trail Snapshot:
- Old Speck Trail – 7.6 mi out‑and‑back, 2,700 ft gain, advanced
- Table Rock Loop – 2.4 mi loop, 900 ft gain, moderate
- Grafton Loop Trail – 38.6 mi loop, strenuous, 2–4 days
Best Season: Late May – mid‑October for full facility access; winter adventures December – March (roadside lot plowed).
Insider Tips:
- Arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends to grab parking at Screw Auger Falls.
- Bug spray is a must in June; blackflies fade by mid‑July.
- Download the park PDF map—cell service is spotty inside the notch.
Nearby Hotspots: Sunday River Resort (18 min), Step Falls Preserve (5 min), Frenchman’s Hole swimming hole (10 min), Bethel Historical Society (25 min).
Average Reviews: TripAdvisor visitors score the park 5 / 5 with 200+ reviews praising easy waterfall access and summit views.