Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park is a rugged “gateway” to the Mahoosuc Range, offering some of the most dramatic mountain scenery and challenging terrain in the eastern United States. Located along the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway (Route 26), this park is a sanctuary for those who seek the raw, vertical beauty of the Maine wilderness.

While exploring this cornerstone of Western Maine adventure, you can experience:

  • Dramatic Geological Wonders: Discover the power of glacial carving at roadside stops like Screw Auger Falls, where the Bear River has sculpted deep potholes and twisting chutes into the granite. Visit Mother Walker Falls and the Moose Cave to witness narrow gorges and hidden subterranean passages formed over millennia.

  • Challenging Alpine Hiking: Tackle the ascent of Old Speck Mountain, Maine’s third-highest peak. The trails here are part of the legendary Appalachian Trail and offer a strenuous climb through high-elevation forests, rewarding hikers with a fire tower view that stretches across the White Mountains and the Maine Highlands.

  • The Mahoosuc Notch: For the truly adventurous, the park provides access to the “hardest mile” of the Appalachian Trail. This boulder-filled notch requires hikers to scramble over and under massive granite blocks, providing a unique physical challenge found nowhere else in the state.

  • Wildlife & Birdwatching: The park’s varied elevations create a haven for diverse species. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs of Eyebrow Trail, or spot moose and black bears in the dense hardwood forests and marshy lowlands.

  • Photography & Scenic Vistas: Whether you are capturing the vibrant fall foliage reflecting in the mountain streams or the stark beauty of the snow-covered peaks in winter, the park offers endless inspiration for professional and amateur photographers alike.

Whether you are pausing for a picnic at a roadside waterfall or embarking on a multi-day backpacking expedition, Grafton Notch State Park remains one of Maine’s most awe-inspiring natural treasures.

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