Grafton Notch State Park occupies 3,129 acres (1,266 hectares) surrounding Grafton Notch, the mountain pass between aldpate Mountain and Old Speck Mountain. The drive to it along ME 26 was beautiful, despite the intense and brutal heat on the day of our first visit. There are roadside turnouts for both Mother Walker Falls and Screw Auger Falls; the water flow at the falls was markedly curtailed due to the current drought conditions. You'll find signage that explains this area's glacial and geologic history. The trails leading to the waterfalls are short and well-marked, with uneven rock and forest flooring. Tip: Apparently Screw Auger Falls is so named because it looks as like someone took a giant auger and drilled large quantities of rock out of this quite sizable granite rock formation formation Tip: Dogs are allowed here for no additional fee. They're permitted throughout the park and on the trails; but not on the beaches I totally enjoyed everything I saw here on my first visit, and have already gone back a week ago. I expect to make visiting this very special destination a regular habit :-) read more

See all

Grafton Notch State Park, one of Maine's scenic byways, is always going to have a really special place in my heart: it's the first time I stepped on the Appalachian Trail! And, I don't know, you don't forget that do you? Screw Auger Falls - Anytime I get the chance to play on rocks and waterfalls, I'm going to! The Bear River has areas of expansive smooth rocks that may or may not be accessible (depends on how much water is flowing). On one side, there's a tinier waterfall; the other side, the gorge where Screw Auger spills down. The rocks here are so interestingly carved and worn because of the years and years (and years) of water washing over them. Mother Walker Falls Turnout - I think this is where The Abandoned Road is, an interesting stone stairway, a wee cave, and some information about "this section of Bear River in the deep gorge below is called Mother Walker Falls. Roaring over broken rocks and falling into little pools, the river gradually drops a total of 98 feet." You can't see much because of the density of the trees. Moose Cave - This is a 1/4 mile loop of mostly packed surface, stairs, some boardwalks and planks, and a few steep drop-offs. There's a reindeer moss garden before Moose Cave which was formed when a great slab of granite broke away from the mountainside. Supposedly at some point an unlucky moose got trapped here. Eyebrow Trail/Table Rock - So now we get to some hiking. I did some research that suggested Table Rock (2380°, 2.4 miles; specifically going orange to blue to white [AT]) was slightly easier than Eyebrow (2600°, 2.1 miles; specifically going orange to white [AT]). Either way, you get to spend some time on the AT, and some folks are here just to step foot, snap a photo, and move on. We decided to do Eyebrow Trail and it was one of the toughest hikes I've ever been on in the best way possible; it ignited a passion in me I didn't know I had! There were areas where you had to scale the mountainside with an iron cable bolted into the ground; other areas where you had to climb vertically on a rock surface via an iron ladder. The summit's views reminded me of areas of the Highlands in Scotland; and, I don't know that I've ever smelled pine so raw and cold and crisp before. I will never forget this hike; maybe sometime I can come back and do Old Speck (4180°)! Spruce Meadow Turnout - We stopped here to have lunch. If you walk a little further then where most of the picnic tables are, there's a lone table facing an expanse of stunning mountain. It's a good place to have a good meal with a good friend. Scenic Turnout - There's not much that here, a trio of signs/placards that talk about the area. What a beautiful Maine spot this is! read more

this is an absolutely beautiful state park; you'll find nothing like it in southern new england. the water was crystal clear, and it was perfect to explore in water shoes read more

See all

What a lovely way to spend a few hours and enjoy nature. This park has several picnic areas and pit stops with small natural attractions and paths. Their main hiking trails can connect to parts of the Appalachian trail. Just visiting all of the smaller stops, we were able to spend about 2 hours in the park. We really enjoyed the Spruce Meadow Picnic area. We took our dogs and were able to follow the signs for the park very easily. Great views and pictures are awaiting at Grafton Notch! read more

See all

I really love this park. Grafton Notch includes some gorgeous hiking and fun exploring. I recently climbed Old Speck Mountain, the fourth highest peak in Maine, via the AT. It was beautiful - I must add, it was a pretty lengthy hike. We went on a sunny day in August, which made the forest light up and the mosses glow - it was truly beautiful. There is a waterfall on the trail, as well as plenty of mushrooms, flowers, and berries. I'd rate this trail as moderate - it is not particularly difficult or intimidating in any spots. Last year I did the Eyebrow Trail, which breaks off from the AT .1 miles from the parking lot. It was gorgeous and a bit more thrilling than the AT. The summit includes a fire tower, which is a bit scary to climb up, I must say! However, I was glad I did, and it was a lot of fun to get the views (it's a wooded summit). Also gorgeous in this park are Moose Cave and Screw Auger Falls. Very beautiful, scenic areas that really make you appreciate Maine. This park is not frequented as much as the other somewhat nearby parks - this is what makes it so special. We passed only a few others on the trail, and we enjoyed the summit all to ourselves for fifteen minutes or so. Driving through the notch itself is beautiful - be sure to keep looking in your rearview mirror to catch glimpses of the amazing peaks! read more

See all

Beautiful park, but some parts are terrifying as someone who's afraid of heights! I grew up in Connecticut and have explored a bunch of trails over the years. I was staying at a B&B in Bethel and thought that I could take a quick hike at Grafton Notch. Driving through the roads in late September was beautiful... some of the leaves had already begun changing colors. First stop was Moose Cave: a simple walk with a unique gorge. I probably visited the area for 20-30 minutes. Afterwards, I climbed the Eyebrow Loop Trail, which, oh boy... I saw the 2.2 miles round trip and thought, this is totally manageable, right? I should've done my due diligence and realized that this is a CHALLENGING trail with ladders and steel rungs! All I can say is that this is a very, very steep trail that is not for those who don't feel comfortable hanging over slight edges. I was basically trembling as I navigated from steel rung to steel rung. I thought the descent would be a lot easier, but unfortunately the steep nature of the trail made it almost as difficult. The good news is that the view at the top of the Eyebrow Loop was stunning, but I was so on edge that I couldn't really enjoy it! Definitely goofy of me to be afraid of heights and hiking challenging trails, but I'm glad that I made it through safely. If you're not afraid of heights, check out the Eyebrow Loop! read more

See all

What a beautiful State Park! Plenty of sites and trails to hike so plan wisely. This should literally take you several weeks to see everything, and hike all the trails including parts of the AT! The trails that aren't part of the roadside stops should not be started in the mid afternoon or by those not accustom to steep, rutted, rocky and slick conditions as these trailed are not maintained for Easy Access. read more

See all

Wow, Grafton Notch! What a gem my wife and I found as we traveled through the state park on our way to visit family at their camp in Lincoln Township, Maine. The park is located off route 26 near Newery, Maine. My wife and I, didn't have lots of time however my wife really loves water falls and, since it was her birthday we decided to stop and visit the Screw Auger Falls. What a fantastic site with the sun and fall trees full of vibrant colors in the background. So, if you are near Newery Maine and have some time to spare for visit to the falls or a day to hike, I would surely make your way to Grafton Notch. My wife and I will certainly visit again when we have a bit more time. read more

Grafton Notch State Park - Screw Auger Water Falls - Hiking Near Me - Newry, Maine

See all

Dear Richard, One day my brother and I will climb Springer with you. We still have a couple of sections to go up here in the north and after catching Lyme from the tick in the Shenandoah last season I daresay I'm in no hurry to head south. I wonder if a fellow can get double Lyme. Doc sez I got the antibiotics in time, but still. The north has been kinder. At least in that regard. We finished the White sections maybe six years ago then flipped south and are about seven days below Harper's Ferry. Not right now. Right now I'm in California. Virginia is where our bootprint stops for the time being. We returned to the NH/Maine line this year, mostly slack-packing save for one stretch where we had two nights in shelters due to the distance between road crossings. This year was going to be a treat, a vacation also for our folks, day hikes and evenings with them. More like multiple tumbles, sadness and tears in my eyes from the insane grade, a hole in my sleeping pad thanks to one particularly brutal slide. The days were gorgeous (see photos), don't get me wrong, but these mountains make you work for it. These mountains take no prisoners. Here's the Useful part: 1) Many small towns for supply/resupply and friendly ppl to take you to the trailheads. 2) Many road crossings for miles in either direction so planning loops and day-hikes is easy peasy. 3) Grafton Notch parking lot is welcoming, though there was a ton of auto glass and it made me feel like I was back in Oakland for a second. 4) Grafton Notch south takes you over Old Speck Mountain then down into the Mahoosic Notch, a mile-long scramble over under around rocks the size of boxcars. No kidding. They don't call this the hardest mile on the Appalachian Trail for nothing. Nimble hikers can make it through in an hour. It took us over two. 5) Bald Pate Mountain is to the north of the notch parking lot. For day visitors I'd offer that this is the better of the two directions. Clear granite balds with views for days. Up and back with a little lunch and a sunny nap at the top is a lovely day well spent. 6) Watch your weather. On our second day the temperature at the top of Goose Eye was easily 30 degrees colder than the valley with rain and 50 mile an hour gusts blowing me off the bog bridges into unhappiness. We're about 1,100 miles complete; 1,000 more to go. We might need walkers by the time we get to you, Richard, but mark my words, we're a'coming. read more

See all

Outstanding state park - route 26 runs the length, only drawback is the number of logging rigs blasting through, they are moving. Hiked the eyebrow loop today with my son - pulled in at 08:35 and promptly greeted by a golden retriever and 6 "hipster hikers" blocking the entrance to the parking lot, I waited as they glared at me, could have been the big truck, NY veteran licence plate or the utter disdainfull glare I gave them, anyway hipsters suck. My son was concerned the hipsters would hike the same trail we were and I assured him they couldn't with the dog. So we threw some water in the pack and marched on...............past the hipster hiker chick who looked like Sir Edmund Hillary ready to summit Everest. It should be noted, not at one time did any of the hipster hikers say hello or make eye contact, you can bet I wasn't about to say hi to these DB's First part of eyebrow is gradual - then it gets fun and steep. Some cool rungs and a nice pitch that is aided by a cable/pole set up. It's a slog that is rewarded by some stellar vistas and sense of accomplishment when you get to the top. Map indicated it was a 3 to 4 hour round trip - did it in 90 minutes ( not bragging, just providing some metrics ) We arrived at the parking lot that had 2 cars when we left to several more cars with more hipsters milling about seemingly doing nothing - again no contact with any of them. All in all - a great park - spotless as well. Recommend screw auger falls on a hot day. read more

What a cool park so much to see her but hands down the coolest thing is the water hole

What and where? Grafton Notch State Park, a day park within driving distance of Bethel and is located between the townships of Newry and Upton on Rt. 26. Rt. 26 is the only road through the park. What is there to see or do? It is mostly a drive-through state park with several "points of interest" to see water falls and other glacial formations (Auger Screw Falls, Mother Walker Falls and Moose Cave) within an easy short hike of Rt. 26 (less than 0.3 miles off the route). We stopped and looked at several and all were wheelchair accessible up to a point. There were places to bring your own picnic with some barbeque pits available for barbecuing at the "points of interest." The points of interest would be excellent for small children. All places inspected were clean. There are no camping facilities available inside the park, but several are located just outside the perimeter. There are four hiking trails available in the park: The Table Rock Loop, Old Speck Trail, The Eyebrow Loop, and Baldpate Mountain Trail. All are day hikes, some long, some short. All four are in association with the Appalachian Trail where it crosses through the park on its southern journey from its northern origination point at Baxter State Park. There is the multi-day hike, Grafton Notch Loop, which follows the outside perimeter of the notch and is doesn't seem to be under maintenance by the State Park but it nonetheless available to hike. (You can pick it up off of Rt. 26 on the southern end of the park.) Amenities: There is no running water anywhere in the park, so bring your own water. There also is no park amenities stand, so bring your own food. There are toilets, but they are the equivalent of permanent port-o-potties, so bring your own handwipes for after. Cost: Free, except for the hikes which range between free for geriatric Maine residents (over 65) and a $3 fee for non-resident youngsters. See the park's website for more info on all of the above. Note on Hiking: We took "The Eyebrow" loop. It is not a beginner's hike, but nor is it expert level. A 2.2 mile loop, it rises steeply to a 2900 ft "eyebrow" shelf on Old Speck Mountain within the first 0.9 miles of the trail and then joins the Appalachian trail for the 1.3 mile descent to return to its origination point at a parking lot just off Rt. 26. The ascension is much more difficult on the non-Appalachian Trail side of the loop and there are 3 or 4 places were you will need to scramble up or down the mountainside using your hands, a wire guiderail or ladders. So if you are going to do the whole loop, I HIGHLY recommend starting out in this direction unless descending DOWN a mountainside using ladders and wire guiderails appeals to you (ie. you are an expert hiker). If using wire guiderails and ladders during a hike isn't appealing at all but still want to catch the awesome views of Grafton Notch at the top, then take the Appalachian Trail up to where the two trails meet at the top of the mountain (see the Appalachian National Trail Marker set in stone at the juncture) continue along The Eyebrow trail until it starts to descend to enjoy the view, then retrace your steps along the Appalachian Trail to go down the mountain via the same route you came up to complete a 2.6 mile "up and back" trail. The Appalachian Trail side of the loop is still extremely steep and requires careful footing choices, but is no means unmanageable by those who are slightly out of shape, but in good physical health. You can do the loop in good running or tennis shoes with some grip (as I did), but I would HIGHLY recommend having hiking boots (or anything with grip and stability for the ankle) and hiking poles. The trails are maintained, but NOT well-maintained (of course, we were hiking in the park 4 days after it opened for the year too) and several times we lost track of the trail markers and had to retrace our steps. I wouldn't recommend doing the trail if it's wet as there are several places on both sides of the loop that require good grip from your shoes to keep from falling (ie. traversing up barefaced rock on a 45% slope). We were the only people on the trail and there were no ranger or ranger stations either at the base or along the hike (of course, we were there really early in the season). The whole loop took us a little under two and half hours to do. I would easily do this trail again. Why? Because the views of Grafton Notch at the top of the eyebrow are astounding, especially at sunset, Two, it's clear from the lack of trail wear and the maintainence that not a lot of people hike this trail so very few people get the satisfaction of seeing what's at the top. I like that. read more

Ok, this is gonna be a half assed review because I didn't hike at all. We stopped at Screw Auger Falls (packed with swimmers, beautiful, picnic/BBQ area), Mother Walker Falls (kinda boring, smaller and less to look at) and Moose Cave (love! Great walk, beautiful scenery, peaceful!). We also drove the length of 26 that passes through Grafton Notch State Park, it was so lovely. The views are delightful. read more

I did this trail over 6 yrs. ago & I am looking forward to return to it next week. Last time I had a hike partner & 2 dogs but this time I'm doing it alone. Moon Spotlight MAINE HIKING lists this as a 4 out of 5 difficulty hike & 9 out of 10 quality rating. There is a magical quality here. The non AT right ascent features tree roots that become something that you find yourself grabbing onto when the ascent becomes 45 degrees - & there is a beautiful green moss that proves that not many are treading over this walkway. The quick right onto the first cliff face is striking because of the downward slant & a ladder (difficult carry for the 2 dogs last time) 1 of my dogs ran out onto the downward slanting cliff face it in a playful manner & it almost caused me an anxiety attack! Signs were a little unclear at the top descent which followed a rocky dry creek type trail that is part of the AT & not as unique/magical (at least for this Hudson Highlands regular hiker.) I encountered 2 other hikers along this trail. One that had a baby in their backpack & another that had a large poodle. At the top you can look down & see the parking lot 1,000 ft. below & it brought tears the 1st time. Looking forward to repeating this because it had been such a highlight the 1st time. I'll follow up with a return evaluation. :-) Return evaluation: Visiting after Tropical Storm IRENE found soggy lower ground but a nice 2nd visit. Decided to go for TABLE ROCK instead of EYEBROW again but missed the main trail where it went to Orange blazes & instead of a loop did an up the usual descent & then back down it after the Extraordinary view. Encountered about 12 people on trail with an overabundance of hippies hanging out in the parking lot with no clear hiking goals who were looking for car rides. Little to no staff in this park & a surprising lack of visible wildlife - but clearly one of my favorite places. Grocery Store in Bethel Village was a good place to pick up inexpensive pre-made Chicken Ceasar salads in the refrigerated section to the right of their Deli in the back. read more

We've been here once so far. Nice area to go in the summertime. When you arrive at Screw Auger Falls you basically walk about 200 feet from your car and the waterfalls are right there. You can walking in the river before the first waterfalls drops. The water is so clean. If you like waterfalls this place is the place for you. You can have a picnic or hike the park if you so desire. Great family place to go read more

Old Speck Mountain- this is a pretty challenging hike with water falls and an amazing view at the top. Not for the novice or family day hike though. Its roughly 4 miles each way (little less) with a few areas where you are scrambling up rocks and crossing rivers. I noticed the other reviews talk about the short scenic hikes here in Grafton. Those are great for a quick walk in the woods. The Old Speck hike is really nice though. Pack a lunch and get on the trail by 9 am. Then take your time, and enjoy lunch at the top or one of the many side look out spots on the walk up. Hiking boots a must and if you go in the fall or spring be ready for water and slippery spots. It goes along the AT so thats kind of fun too. You can see Mt Washington NH from the top as well as up into Maine. And don't forget to head into Rumford to the Bistro for dinner! You'll feel like you earned a munch out after this hike! read more