Grafton Notch State Park

Sightseeing and backcountry hiking amidst spectacular peaks and gorges await you!

Way up the Appalachian Trail, just across the Maine state line is an area of natural beauty that just calls for exploration.

Grafton Notch State Park and the Mahoosuc Public Lands are a premier recreational destination lying amidst some of Maine’s most spectacular mountains the Mahoosuc Range. These lands offer rugged terrain for backcountry hikers and include 12 of the most challenging miles along the entire Appalachian Trail. Hikers who negotiate the steep summit trails are rewarded with spectacular views, particularly on Old Speck (4,180 feet).

Those who seek tamer adventures can find short walks leading to impressive waterfalls and gorges. The renowned Grafton Notch Scenic Byway bisects the Park and several pull-offs highlight interesting natural features. In Grafton Notch State Park, part of the Maine Birding Trail, birdwatchers can observe peregrine falcons, a wide variety of songbirds, and – at higher elevations – northern forest species. At lower elevations, visitors commonly observe large mammals, even in the vicinity of Route 26. Hunters come in search of deer, bear and grouse, while fishermen try their luck for brook trout in many area streams.

Grafton Notch State Park

The park’s mountain scenery includes the Screw Auger and Mother Walker waterfalls and Moose Cave.^[8] Recreational opportunities include fishing, hunting, and picnicking. Hiking trails include a rugged 12-mile (19 km) stretch of the Appalachian Trail.^[3] The ice climbing in the area is extensive and offers a variety of climbing for the beginner as well as the advanced.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grafton_Notch_State_Park

Maps

download park guide & map – in color, two 24×18-inch pages (PDF 1.5MB)

Area Info

Situated in the fertile Androscoggin River valley surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Maine, the town of Bethel traces its origins to a 1768 grant made by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to men whose ancestors had fought in a campaign to conquer Canada in 1690. Originally named “Sudbury Canada,” in honor of these early grantees from the town of Sudbury, Massachusetts, and their campaign against Canada, Bethel was first settled by people of European descent in 1774. 

Bethel Area History