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Grafton Notch State Park wilderness guide
State Park · ME

Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park offers rugged natural beauty in Western Maine, ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing dramatic gorges and waterfalls.

State Park3,1294+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,129

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park offers rugged natural beauty in Western Maine, ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing dramatic gorges and waterfalls.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Grafton Notch State Park, located in the Mahoosuc Range of the Appalachian Mountains, spans over 3,000 acres and offers visitors a striking landscape of steep cliffs, deep gorges, and stunning waterfalls. Its diverse ecosystem hosts species such as moose, black bears, and a variety of birds, providing ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Historically, the park has been a travel route, with Native American paths evolving over time into today's recreational trails. Visitors are drawn to the park's diverse recreation options, including the famous Appalachian Trail that weaves through this area, offering challenging hikes and rewarding vistas. Noteworthy landmarks include Screw Auger Falls, with its cascading waters, and Old Speck Mountain, which stands as one of Maine's highest peaks. The park's rugged terrain, panoramic views, and serene natural settings have made it a favorite for outdoor adventurers.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Grafton Notch State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Waterfalls of Maine: Discovering Screw Auger Falls★ 8.0⌖ 2 miHiking
Screw Auger Falls

Waterfalls of Maine: Discovering Screw Auger Falls

Explore Screw Auger Falls in Grafton Notch State Park, Maine. This easy-to-access area is ideal for family-friendly hiking and scenic photography. Perfect for spring and fall visits, enjoy a relaxing picnic by the waterfall.

Waterfall Wonders at Grafton Notch★ 8.2⌖ 2 miHiking
Grafton Notch State Park

Waterfall Wonders at Grafton Notch

Explore Grafton Notch State Park, known for its stunning Screw Auger Falls. Ideal for hiking and photography, with scenic views and tranquil settings. Drive-in access near Newry, ME. Best visited in Spring and Fall.

Discover Nature's Beauty: Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land★ 8.5⌖ 3 miHiking
Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land

Discover Nature's Beauty: Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land

Explore the challenging Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land near Newry, ME. Known for its extreme terrain, including the tough Mahoosuc Notch, the area offers hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Late spring to early fall is best for this remote adventure.

Scenic Haven: Grafton Loop Trailhead★ 8.2⌖ 7 miHiking
Grafton Loop Trailhead

Scenic Haven: Grafton Loop Trailhead

Explore the Grafton Loop Trailhead near Newry, Maine—a 38-mile route offering diverse landscapes and wildlife encounters. Ideal for avid hikers and campers, this scenic trail provides tranquility and breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.

Mount Will Town Forest: A Natural Haven in Bethel, Maine★ 6.5⌖ 10 miHiking
Mount Will Town Forest

Mount Will Town Forest: A Natural Haven in Bethel, Maine

Explore the scenic trails of Mount Will Town Forest near Bethel, Maine. Enjoy a 3-mile loop with spectacular views of the Androscoggin River Valley, ideal for hikers seeking adventure and stunning fall foliage. A local favorite for both casual walkers and experienced hikers.

Biking at Bethel Village Trails in Bethel, Maine★ 7.5⌖ 12 miBiking
Bethel

Biking at Bethel Village Trails in Bethel, Maine

Explore the Bethel Village Trails near Bethel, Maine. Suitable for bikers of all levels, these trails are open year-round, offering activities like hiking and fishing. Enjoy scenic views with a quiet, community-focused vibe.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Old Speck Mountain - offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.✦ Screw Auger Falls - known for its beautiful cascading waterfalls and geological formations.✦ Appalachian Trail section - a famous trail that brings many thru-hikers each year.✦ Moose Caves - a unique geological feature with a series of deep gorges and mini-caves.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Grafton Notch State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Grafton Notch State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; campground fees may apply.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Grafton Notch State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Mahoosuc Campground

Located near Old Speck Trailhead, providing easy trail access and basic amenities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Grafton Notch State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Newry
⌖ 10.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Newry, Maine

A charming town perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting year-round activities with picturesque scenery in the Mahoosuc Range.

Year-roundExplore Town
Milan
⌖ 11.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Milan, New Hampshire

Milan offers quiet, rugged outdoor experiences with expansive forests, pristine rivers, and winter snowfields, perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Late spring to early fall, and winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Dummer
⌖ 12.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dummer, New Hampshire

A quiet, rural town offering tranquil outdoor adventures with forested areas, rivers, and gentle terrain ideal for low-impact exploration and seasonal activities.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Gilead
⌖ 12.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gilead, Maine

A quiet wilderness gateway offering rustic outdoor experiences with access to pristine forests, rivers, and mountains in western Maine.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snowshoeingExplore Town
Berlin
⌖ 13.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berlin, New Hampshire

A rugged northern New England town offering genuine wilderness access with strong four-season outdoor recreation opportunities in the White Mountain region.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling, Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Shelburne
⌖ 13.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shelburne, New Hampshire

A quiet, rural town offering peaceful outdoor experiences in the foothills of the White Mountains, ideal for nature lovers seeking uncrowded trails and waterways.

Late Spring through Fall for warm-weather activities, Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Grafton Notch State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.