6 Beautiful Hikes in Grafton Notch, Maine

Grafton Notch State Park is one of the most beautiful Maine state parks, in my opinion. The state park has over 3,000 acres and includes one of the tallest mountains in Maine, Old Speck Mountain.

Grafton Notch has many things to do, including scenic drives, waterfalls, and hikes, but the best way to experience the area is to hike. I love hiking in Grafton Notch because the views are unmatched!

And the best part? Grafton Notch has hikes for all levels! This guide has everything you need to know about the best Grafton Notch hikes you need to add to your bucket list!

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Tips for Hiking in Grafton Notch

Hiking in Grafton Notch is one of the best ways to experience the state park. Here are some tips and things to consider when you hike in Grafton Notch:

Every Grafton Notch hike is rugged. The Grafton Notch trails have roots and rocks, so it is important to wear supportive shoes with traction. Even the easy hikes have obstacles. If you want more information on the trail and its current conditions, you should read recent trail reviews.
The weather in Grafton Notch can change quickly. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable. It could be a sunny and warm day in the morning and change into a windy and rainy day within a few hours. It is essential to check the weather before starting the hike.
The parking lots in Grafton Notch can fill up quickly, especially in the summer and fall. Many of the parking lots in Grafton Notch are small and fill up quickly, especially on weekends. I recommend arriving at the most popular trails early to secure a parking spot.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

Best Time to Hike in Grafton Notch

Summer is one of the best times to hike in Grafton Notch because the weather is beautiful, and the trails are free of snow. Because the summer has optimal hiking conditions, it is the most popular time to hike, and the trails will be busy. You should pack more water and food than you think you need to fuel your body on the hike, especially when it is hot! Mosquitoes are also annoying in the summer, so you should pack bug spray.
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to enjoy Grafton Notch hiking because the fall foliage is stunning! Early fall is the busiest time in Maine, so there will be traffic and crowds. The earlier you start your hike, the better! Winter conditions can begin in late fall, so you should read recent trail reviews so you can pack the appropriate layers and gear.
Winter is a beautiful time to enjoy Grafton Notch hikes if you are okay with cold weather and snowy conditions. The trails are less crowded because the trail conditions require much more caution and preparation. If you want to hike in the winter, you should make sure to pack the appropriate layers and gear. You should also read recent trail reviews and keep an eye on the weather because it changes quickly in the winter.
Spring is a great time to hike in Grafton Notch as everything begins to bloom! However, winter conditions can last through spring, and the trails become very muddy when the snow melts. If you want to hike in the spring, you should read recent trail reviews so you can pack the appropriate gear. Mud season in the mountains makes the trails vulnerable, so please remember to stay on the trail. You want to ensure you don’t create more erosion, damage vegetation, or widen the path. Some trails close during mud season, so you should check for trail closures.

What to Pack for Hiking

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

The Best Grafton Notch Hikes

Step Falls

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 220 feet

If you want to hike to a beautiful waterfall in Grafton Notch, you are in luck! One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area is Step Falls. The 1.1-mile round trip trail travels through a beautiful forest along a stream with waterfalls.

Once you reach the top of the waterfall, you also get gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains! If you visit in the summer, you can also enjoy swimming in Step Falls. The preserve is beautiful, and you will quickly realize why it is one of the best Grafton Notch hikes!

Old Speck Mountain

Difficulty: Difficult

Length: 7.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet

Old Speck Mountain is one of the tallest mountains in Maine and is one of my favorite Grafton Notch hikes! The 7.4 miles round trip trail to Old Speck Mountain is challenging but worth the effort for the beautiful views at the top.

The trail steeply ascends along the Appalachian Trail to the summit, which has an old fire tower. The views at the top are stunning, overlooking the White Mountains, Mahoosuc Mountain Range, and the surrounding area. If you are up for a challenging hike, you will not be disappointed with this beautiful hike in Grafton Notch!

Eyebrow Loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

The Eyebrow Loop is a lesser-known hike in Grafton Notch but does not lack beautiful views! Although the 2.7-mile round trip loop is on the shorter side, it is steep and has cables and rungs that hikers can use to help them. I recommend hiking the Eyebrow Loop counterclockwise to ascend the steep cable sections and descend the more gradual trail.

The effort is worth it once you reach the beautiful overlook with unmatched views of Grafton Notch. The Eyebrow Loop has one of the best views in Grafton Notch! If you are looking for a short and challenging hike in Grafton Notch, the Eyebrow Loop is perfect!

Baldpate Mountain

Difficulty: Difficult

Length: 8.3

Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet

Baldpate Mountain is one of the best hikes in Grafton Notch and rivals the beauty of Old Speck Mountain. Although it’s not one of the tallest mountains in Maine, it has stunning 360-degree views. The 8.3-mile round trip trail follows along the Appalachian Trail (make sure to say hi to any thru-hikers!) and travels over West and East Baldpate Mountain.

Both summits offer stunning views, and the trail between the two mountains is fun and beautiful. Although it has some steep sections, the elevation gain overall is pretty gradual. Baldpate Mountain is a fantastic hike in Grafton Notch if you want to hike to beautiful views!

Table Rock

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 900 feet

Table Rock is easily one of the most beautiful Grafton Notch hikes, and it is one of my favorites. It is across from Old Speck Mountain and offers expansive views of Grafton Notch.

There are two ways to hike to Table Rock. The first is a 2.1-mile round trip loop that ascends steep rock slabs as the trail approaches the summit, which is difficult for small children and dogs.

If you hike the loop, you should follow it counterclockwise because the steep section is difficult to descend. If you want to avoid the steep trail, you can hike the western half of the loop as an out-and-back via the Appalachian Trail. The 2.4-mile round-trip trail is much more gradual and easier to ascend.

Puzzle Mountain

Difficulty: Difficult

Length: 7.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet

Puzzle Mountain is a beautiful hike in Grafton Notch and rivals the beauty of Old Speck Mountain, in my opinion. The 7.3-mile round-trip trail ascends steeply before reaching the summit of Puzzle Mountain.

The strenuous climb rewards you with stunning views at the top, overlooking Bear Valley, the Mahoosuc Mountain Range, and the White Mountains. The views make it one of my favorite hikes in Grafton Notch!

When you visit Grafton Notch, you need to add these beautiful hikes to your itinerary! I love each of these hikes, so I know you will enjoy them. This guide has everything you need to know about the best Grafton Notch hikes for all levels.