Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park occupies a dramatic mountain pass in western Maine, running through the Mahoosuc Range along Route 26 between Newry and Upton. The park draws visitors from across the Northeast for its concentration of waterfalls, gorges, and glacier-carved geology packed into a compact and accessible corridor. The Appalachian Trail cuts directly through the park, and the surrounding Mahoosuc Range is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and rewarding stretches of the entire AT. Whether you stop for an hour to see a single waterfall or spend days hiking deep into the backcountry, the park delivers genuine mountain wilderness at the edge of the road.

Waterfalls and Geological Features

The waterfalls are the reason most people pull off Route 26, and they earn every bit of their reputation. Screw Auger Falls is one of the park’s most popular roadside features, where Bear River carves through a series of smooth granite potholes before dropping into a deep gorge. The short trail from the parking area reaches the falls in minutes, making it accessible to almost everyone. Step Falls, located just outside the park boundary but commonly visited alongside it, cascades down a wide granite shelf for several hundred feet.

Moose Cave Gorge is a short loop trail that descends into a narrow, moss-covered slot canyon formed by a glacial meltwater channel. The air is noticeably cooler inside the gorge, and the trail crosses small bridges over the stream. Mother Walker Falls offers another view of the river cutting through carved granite. All four of these features have dedicated parking areas along Route 26 and are well-signed. Plan at least two to three hours if you intend to visit all of them.

Appalachian Trail and Backcountry Hiking

The AT enters the park from the south and passes through the notch. From Route 26, hikers reach Mahoosuc Notch by following the Appalachian Trail south over Old Speck toward Speck Pond and the Mahoosuc Arm; the AT north from Route 26 heads toward Table Rock and Baldpate Mountain. Mahoosuc Notch is often called the hardest mile on the entire Appalachian Trail, requiring scrambling through a boulder jumble, and it is not a casual outing. Hikers attempting it should be experienced, in good physical condition, and carrying overnight gear if they plan to go deep into the range.

For day hikers, Old Speck Mountain is the most prominent summit accessible from the park. The trail climbs roughly 2,600 feet over about 3.7 miles to a fire tower with views across the White Mountains and into Canada on clear days. The hike is strenuous; official Maine trail information lists the Old Speck Trail as 7.6 miles round trip and says to allow about 7 hours. Table Rock, a shorter but still demanding climb, rewards hikers with an exposed ledge overlooking the notch and an optional cave scramble on the descent via the Eyebrow Trail.

Trail conditions vary significantly by season. Snow can linger on upper elevations into May, and the AT through the Mahoosucs is known for muddy, wet trail surfaces well into summer. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.

Pet Policy

Leashed pets are welcome throughout Grafton Notch State Park on all trails and at all day-use areas. Pets in the park must be leashed and attended or under the physical control of the pet handler, and their waste must be cleaned up immediately. Given the active bear and moose activity in the park, keeping dogs under close control is particularly important. Dogs that react strongly to wildlife could create dangerous encounters on narrow trails or in brushy areas near the road.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Black bears are active throughout the park and surrounding forest. Never leave food, coolers, or scented items unattended in vehicles or at trailheads, as bears in high-use areas can become conditioned to associate parking lots with food. If you encounter a bear on the trail, make noise, give it space, and do not run.

Moose are frequently seen along Route 26 and near Moose Cave, particularly at dawn and dusk. A collision with a moose can cause serious or fatal injuries to vehicle occupants because the animal’s height and mass can send its body into the windshield or roof area. Reduce speed through the park after dark, and treat moose sightings along the road with the same caution you would use for any serious traffic hazard. On trails, give moose a wide berth. A cow with a calf or a bull in rut can be unpredictable.

Deer ticks are present on all forested trails throughout the warm months. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are a genuine health concern in Maine. Wear long pants and light-colored clothing, use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin, and do a full-body tick check after every outing.

Practical Information

Grafton Notch State Park is located on Route 26 between Newry and Upton, with the primary trailhead approximately 14 miles north of Bethel. The main parking areas are spread along Route 26 through the notch, with individual lots serving each major feature. There is no centralized entrance gate. The nearest full-service town with gas, food, and lodging options is Bethel, approximately 14 miles south of the primary park trailhead.

Day-use fees are charged at Grafton Notch State Park: $3 for adult Maine residents, $4 for adult nonresidents, and $1 for nonresident seniors; Maine residents 65 and older are free, children 5-11 are $1, and children under 5 are free. Fees are payable at self-service fee stations at designated trailhead and day-use parking lots. A Maine State Park annual pass is available for visitors who plan to use the state park system frequently.

The park may be visited year-round unless otherwise posted, but Maine’s current state parks guide lists Grafton Notch’s season as May 15 to September 30. Winter visitors use the area for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, but no facilities or services are maintained off-season. Cell service is limited or absent through much of the notch. Download maps and inform someone of your plans before hiking into the backcountry.