to Slide Mt Campsite 3.1 mi Two trailheads allow backpackers to split the loop into two halves, while several shorter day-hike options reach the … A beautiful, high meadow sits between the East and West Peaks that is traversed on bog bridges. The area was overrun with mice at night. Grafton Loop Trail Campsites. The Grafton Loop Trail offers a great taste of backpacking in Maine’s rugged mountains. https://www.strava.com/activities/3878374720 https://www.strava.com/activities/3879624057. The route in the northern sections of the loop … The idea morphed into the Grafton Loop Trail Coalition (GLTC). The views stretch down the Mahoosuc Range into the Presidentials. While the ambitious, veteran backpacker could knock the loop out as an overnight trip, the layout of the trail allows those in less of a hurry to hike the route comfortably in three to five days. The loop features excellent scenery with challenging, yet fun terrain. The 2008 trip was one of our classic adventures, and I wrote about it a the time. The summit by itself isn’t too impressive. The vantage point offers an interesting look toward Mahoosuc Notch, a short distance from the summit. When shining a headlamp outside the tent, numerous mice could often be seen. Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129 P: 617-523-0655 F: 617-523-0722. The Grafton Loop Trail is a 38.6 mile, backcountry hiking experience in the Mahoosuc Mountains of Maine. © Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved. Trail Connections is a proud member of the following: Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association; Appalachian Mountain Club North of Stewart tent site the trail crosses and follows several brooks en route to East Baldpate. Hi, I'm Troy, AKA- TOMCAT. Only concern is the ladder that you picture in this article. Puzzle Mountain: Puzzle Mountain, sitting near the southern end at 3,142 feet, is another peak that would probably be forgotten if not for the Grafton Loop. This 38-mile trail, by connecting to an 8-mile section of the Appalachian Trail (AT), forms a loop encircling Grafton Notch in western Maine, near the village of Bethel. I helped build the Grafton Loop Trail during the summer 0f 2000. If you go clockwise, you’ll find sometimes that the blue blazes along the trail are not easy to spot, especially at dawn or dusk. I used my Garmin to track mileages (which seem to differ at times from the AMC signage): Loved the trail. The numbers: 39 miles, 3 to 4 days The hike: Crossing nine peaks, this route links a rocky section of the AT with 31 miles of smooth singletrack for a view lover’s tour de force.Start at the south end and hike clockwise, traversing the bare granite ledges of Sunday River Whitecap, where tasty blueberries (ripe in August) from trailside bushes will compete with the views for your attention. Since then I have hiked the Long Trail, Cohos Trail, parts of the PCT, much of the Colorado Trail, numerous other backpacking trips, and countless day hikes. Grafton Loop Trail (38 miles, 3 or more days, chal-lenging), a high-elevation, backcountry trail with seven primitive campsites, connects a series of nine scenic peaks, including Old Speck, Sunday River Whitecap, Puzzle Mountain, and East and West Baldpate. Despite the challenging terrain, beginners will appreciate the obtainable distance and the nine campsites throughout the loop that allow for a casual pace if desired for those not looking to rush. Snow patches can linger in shaded areas well into May during snowier years. Backpackers of all experience levels will find the the loop a worthy destination. Day 2 Stats: Grafton Loop Trail, Campsite Spurs - 16.8mi, 4950' gain, 10hr 10min taken Day 3 Stats: Grafton Loop Trail, Campsite Spurs, Appalachian Trail - 11.6mi, 3250' gain, 7hr 5min taken This hike has been on the to-do list for 12 years now, and especially the last 3-4 years, but somehow it still never happened until now. Perhaps you’ve stayed in a few (or all!) Most of the loop’s route can be seen from the summit, including Old Speck, Grafton Notch, the Baldpates, and nearly all of the eastern half of the loop. The trail can be difficult to follow at times. Best Camping in Grafton on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews, candid photos, and prices for 5 camping in Grafton, Australia. The trail connects to the AT at two points on either side of Grafton Notch to create a loop, ~42 miles in length. Day 1: Rt. The only camping is at 8 designated campsites on the trail. But mostly it's because I love to work on trail projects and help bring new trails to life. Aside from the AT portion of the loop, the Grafton Loop remains largely undiscovered, as the trail has only been fully open since 2007. Last summer I helped build a privy at one of the campsites. https://www.strava.com/activities/3878371495 It's a recently constructed ~40 mile loop that utilizes a few miles of the Appalachian Trail in the western part of the state. Experienced hikers will appreciate the scenery and relative lack of traffic. Arrived mid to late afternoon and parked at the designated lot on Route 26. The AT portion uses white blazes. Outdoor Research MicroGravity AscentShell Jacket Review, Best Hiking and Camping Gear Deals from the REI End of Season Clearance Sale, Year in Review: 19 of The Trek's Top Posts from 2020, Enlightened Equipment Uprising Hammock Underquilt Review, Senate Considers Bill Ending Ban on Mountain Bikes in Wilderness Areas, My Five Favorite Hiking Foods That I Eat Every Day, My Favorite Gear for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike, https://www.strava.com/activities/3870759583, https://www.strava.com/activities/3873658635, https://www.strava.com/activities/3878368520, https://www.strava.com/activities/3878370921, https://www.strava.com/activities/3878371495, https://www.strava.com/activities/3878372815, https://www.strava.com/activities/3878374720, https://www.strava.com/activities/3879624057. Grafton Loop Trail Campsites. It's a beautiful place set on the side of Puzzle Mountain near a small brook. There are several side trails that can be added to the loop and the Maine Mountain Guide covers these trails in detail as well. The 2008 trip was one of our classic adventures, and I wrote about it a the time. of them. The longest stretch without a campsite is on the northern end of the loop between Baldpate Lean-to and Bull Run tent site south of Old Speck, approaching eight miles between sites. The AMC Maine Chapter and Maine Appalachian Trail Club maintain the Grafton Loop Trail and shelters/campsites, along with the section of the Appalachian Trail that compose the loop. Rob Burbank. The trek along the ridge between all the campsites was pleasant with many stream crossings, several potential swimming holes (especially between Knoll and Lane), and minimal elevation change overall. As a result, camping is limited to designated sites and the Baldpate Lean-to on the AT portion of the loop. More than half a dozen backcountry campsites allow backpackers to split the trip up in many different ways. In a dry year, later in the season, plan accordingly in the event that the brook is not flowing. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. This section includes three primitive campsites. All photos are from the author with the exception of the waterfall, jay, and banner, which were taken by Josh Rosenthal. AMC Outdoors > Bulletin: Around AMC > Web Exclusives. Sargent Mt Campsite to Sunday River Whitecap Mt 1.0 mi We’d like to collect data and track the usage of these sites. Sure, you know about AMC’s famed high-mountain hut system. Oct 3, 2012 - Information on Grafton Loop Trail backcountry campsites and shelters. Hiking the Grafton Loop - Camping in Maine - Duration: 48:52. sintax77 63,014 views. The eastern half of the GLT consists of a 21-mile arc that leaves Route 26 in Newry, Maine, and returns to the road in Grafton Notch State Park via four miles on Appalachian Trail (AT). The AT travels near abundant water between Grafton Notch and Old Speck. I personally recommend the Lane tent site on the eastern section of the trail. Grafton Loop Trip Experience. Gray jays also frequent the area. The trail spends most of its time in the forest, with a handful of open summits that offer classic Maine mountain views stretching all the way the Presidential Range in New Hampshire. Grafton Loop Trail (GLT) This was my second time hiking through this park, so this was a bit of a rematch for me. I don’t recall a bypass for the ladder below Baldpate. of them. - We jumped in the Jeep, headed south on ME 26, retrieved Whitney's car, headed home, grilled up some burgers, downed a few cold ones, and talked about how awesome the Grafton Loop Trail was. In our busy White Mountain campsites, we rely on the caretaker program to protect the resources of trees, soil, and water quality, and the campsite infrastructure itself, during periods of high use. Sure, you know about AMC’s famed high-mountain hut system. After living in Maine for eight years, the hike easily ranks as one of my favorite hikes in the state. Grafton Loop Trail Campsites. Water is available at each campsite. Elevations range from around 700 feet near the southern end of the trail, to 4,170 feet on the summit of Old Speck. The best weather for hiking the Grafton Loop is between late May and mid-October. Bring a shelter for use at the tent sites. Bull Run Campsite to Old Speck Mt 1.6 mi The Grafton Loop Trail, in the Mahoosucs Range of Western Maine, is one of the newest major trails to be built in New England. For those that haven’t experienced gray jays, they will linger near hikers and take food from your hand. Sunday River White Cap: This 3,335-foot summit is a real gem that would be easily forgotten if not for the Grafton Loop Trail. While I never saw a bear in this area, they are not uncommon. Took me about ten hours to drive up from Jersey. The remainder of the trail (another 21 miles) opened in June 2007. https://www.strava.com/activities/3878368520 Slide Mt Campsite to Bull Run Campsite 1.0 mi Mahoosuc Public Lands & Grafton Notch State Park - Some of the most challenging terrain along the Appalachian Trail as well as the 38 mile Grafton Loop Trail provide a memorable mountain setting for backpacking in western Maine. Those who make the climb are greeted with stunning 360-degree views from the lofty perch. Rob Burbank. Endless peaks can be seen in every direction. The summit has a viewing area that takes in much of the Mahoosuc Range and stretches toward the Presidential Range on the horizon. Mud and biting insects could cause problems early in the season. Backcountry on a Budget: Low-cost & Free Camping in the Northeast. South: From the junction of US 2 and Maine 26 in Newry, head north on 26. Grafton Loop Trail - Day One - Stewart Campsite Trekking On. Campsites near the Appalachian Trail, the Mahoosuc Range, Grafton State Park & Grafton Loop Trail. However, an observation tower stands on its summit. North: From the junction of US 2 and Maine 26 in Newry, head north on 26. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. • Grafton Loop Trail (38 miles, 3 or more days, chal-lenging), a high-elevation, backcountry trail with seven primitive campsites, connects a series of nine scenic peaks, including Old Speck, Sunday River Whitecap, Puzzle Mountain, and East and West Baldpate. The Appalachian Trail maps and the ATC logos used on this website are the property of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and are protected by copyright and trademark registrations. The AMC describes the camping areas along the trail here. By October, freezing temperatures can occur at the higher elevation campsites. The trail is a rugged, remote backcountry trail, and much of it is on private land. Bald Mt Campsite to Sargent Mt Campsite 3.4 mi The AMC website offers a basic trail description with camping information here and a map here. Though the trail is a long loop, there are several options for hiking trips here. There are two trailheads that access the Grafton Loop Trail, one near the north end of the loop and one at the southern end. Location: Western Maine on the ridges and peaks surrounding the Bear River Valley, Grafton Notch, and Maine Route 26, Scenery: Forests and brooks with small waterfalls give way to numerous open summits with views across western Maine’s rugged mountains, especially the Mahoosuc Range, and into New Hampshire to the Presidential Range, Approximate Time to Hike: Most can comfortably finish the loop in three to five days. 26 to Bald Mt Campsite 1.68 mi https://www.strava.com/activities/3870759583 The trail traverses over eight summits including several that are open and exposed. Day 3: 5.1 mi Approximately two-thirds of the trail’s length is on private lands with the remainder located on public lands managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. The full loop didn’t open until 2007 after a major collaboration between private land owners, the state of Maine, and several conservation groups, including the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and the Maine Appalachian Trail Conference (MATC.) Guide & Map (24x18-inches PDF 1.5MB). The trail can be difficult to follow at times. Fortunately, there are eight campsites in addition to the lean-to, so finding an appropriate spot to camp isn’t an issue. In spite of the comedy of errors on my first night of hiking, it still ended up being a marvelous trip. Bears also make this area home. I just completed the Western half of the loop in two nights three days (Wed/Thurs/Fri 8/5/20-8/7/20) starting at the southern end. The Grafton Loop Trail (West Section) The Grafton Loop Trail is a new trail completed in 2007 that is designed to help take some of the pressure off the nearby section of the Appalachian Trail and the Speck Pond campsite which receive very heavy use. Traversing the Bear River, Sunday River-Whitecap and Miles Notch, this part of the trail ends on the summit of Old Speck Mountain at its junction with the Mahoosuc Trail/AT. Last week I headed up to Maine for a few days on the Grafton Loop Trail. A large parking area is on the left, 12.1 miles from the junction here. The trail hikes over open rock with wooden planks traversing fragile alpine vegetation. Portions of the trail traverse both Maine’s Grafton Notch State Park as well as a good deal of private land. Lots of cobwebs encountered. The southern end of the loop between Bald Mountain and Stewart tent sites travels just over seven miles between designated sites, so plan accordingly. A large parking area is on the right, 4.7 miles from the junction across from Eddy Road, here. While rodents aren’t unusual at backcountry sites and lean-tos, particularly on the AT, I have a word of caution on the Baldpate Lean-to. Less worn down and in some spots overgrown, but I had no difficulty following the trail. The previous year, while hiking the Appalachian Trail, from North Adams, Massachusetts to Mount Katahdin in Maine, I remember seeing the trail signs and blazes for the Grafton Notch Loop Trail. They are used here with permission. Appalachian Trail, Grafton Loop Trail, Woodsum Spur Trail, Lane Campsite Spur, Knoll Campsite Spur, Town Corner Campsite Spur, bushwhacks, Stewart Campsite Spur: Date of Hike: Thursday, September 17, 2020: ... With all the out and backs to campsites and viewpoints we did 17.1 miles. This 38.2-mile circuit is still the new kid in the hiking guidebook; the eastern half was completed and opened in 2003, while the western half began accepting boot traffic in 2007. Here I am with a group of volunteers as we started work on two separate privies on the Grafton Loop Trail in Maine. Old Speck Mountain: At 4,170 feet, Old Speck is the highest summit on the Grafton Loop and the fifth highest peak in Maine. A friend and I are thinking of doing the eastern side of loop. This would be a nice spot to end the day early to enjoy the brook, with waterfalls that make nice swimming holes on hot days. Close to the Sunday River ski area in western Maine near the New Hampshire border, it generally follows the mountain ridge lines that surround Grafton Notch and the Bear River Valley, passing over the summits of Old Speck, the Baldpates, and Sunday River White Cap. PLAN YOUR Summer Adventures! • Grafton Loop Trail (38 miles, 3 or more days, chal-lenging), a high-elevation, backcountry trail with seven primitive campsites, connects a series of nine scenic peaks, including Old Speck, Sunday River Whitecap, Puzzle Mountain, and East and West Baldpate. Construction of this leg of the trail involved many individuals and organizations, including the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, the Maine Conservation Corps and the AMC. Lots of good info in here. The Grafton Loop Trail is a 38.6 mile loop through Grafton Notch with commanding views of the Mahoosuc Range. The Grafton Loop is a roughly 39 mile, 9 summit hiking loop formed by connecting a portion of the Appalachian trail with the Grafton Loop Trail. I talk about the gear that I took with me. The temperatures start to cool in September, with less humidity and haze. The Appalachian Trail maps and the ATC logos used on this website are the property of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and are protected by copyright and trademark registrations. Accommodations: 2 wooden tent platforms, designated kitchen area, composting outhouse, Accommodations: 3 raised earth tent pads, designated kitchen area, composting outhouse, Location: 3 miles south of Old Speck Mountain, Location: 2 miles south of Old Speck Mountain, Location: off AT, just west of West Baldpate Mountain, Location: 2 miles from the summit of East Baldpate Mountain, Location: 1.6 miles, hiking south from East Baldpate Campsite, Location: 3.1 miles, hiking south from Lane Campsite, Location: 5.5 miles hiking south from Town Corner Campsite or 4.9 miles from Rt 26, Accommodations: Raised earth tent pads, outhouse. Backcountry on a Budget: Low-cost & Free Camping in the Northeast. You can also check out Tomcat's Outdoor Adventures on Facebook here... https://www.facebook.com/Tomcats-Outdoor-Adventures-1708122116123572/. My stay at Stewart Campsite was a peaceful one. The eastern portion of the loop travels through areas that were logged with lots of new dense vegetation that would be a good opportunity for ticks to grab onto you. Last day on the Grafton Loop Trail. For the AMC, this was the first major trail constructed by the club since the building of the Centennial Trail in the Mahoosucs in 1976. The Grafton Loop Trail traverses sections of private land. The trail overall is in good condition. https://www.strava.com/activities/3873658635 All of the designated camping areas have a water source. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/grafton-notch-trail The Grafton Loop Trail traverses sections of private land. Trail Correspondents 2021: Apply to Join the Team! While staying there on a backpacking trip of the Grafton Loop over July 4th weekend a few years back, we camped in the area by lean-to. I saw a large bull in this section and a smaller cow. Old Speck Mt to Eyebrow Trail 2.4 mi Grafton Notch Campground in Newry, Maine. You can read about my adventures at www.tomcatsadventures.com . The Grafton Loop is a roughly 39 mile, 9 summit hiking loop formed by connecting a portion of the Appalachian trail with the Grafton Loop Trail. Adam Wilcox posted the route: The Grafton Notch Loop is 39 mile trail that was completed in 2007. The route The western half is a 13 mile stretch, beginning on Route 26, south of the eastern half’s trailhead. In spite of the comedy of errors on my first night of hiking, it still ended up being a marvelous trip. https://www.strava.com/activities/3878370921 Most of the route features blue blazes. After I thru-hiked the AT in 1999, I never worked full time again. March 23, 2017. At the end of this blog post you can find resources listing campsites, map, and other videos to check out. March 23, 2017. You could here them walking and jumping through the vegetation, which is surprisingly loud and disturbing for such a small animal. Multiple blow downs that are easy to navigate around. Ladders aid hikers over rocky drops. The eastern half of the Grafton Loop was completed and opened to the public in June 2003. https://www.strava.com/activities/3878372815 I was wondering if u saw ticks: I heard a report of some from someone else. The MATC also has basic trail information here. If you go clockwise, you’ll find sometimes that the blue blazes along the trail are not easy to spot, especially at dawn or dusk. For detailed trail mileage and a map, the most recent edition of the Maine Mountain Guide by Carey Kish is a great resource that covers the entire trail. The closest campsite from the road is 5 miles in, on the other side of 3,000-foot Puzzle Mountain. Our campsite for the night was Slide Mountain Campsite. I appreciate your extensive review! ** Regardless of the source, remember to boil, filter, or chemically purify water before use. Mission: build a backpacking loop touring the backcountry's most pristine reaches, and protect it from rampant home development. In comparison with the venerable trails simply over the border in New Hampshire, the Grafton Loop is comparatively new. By late October, snow isn’t unusual. Trail Connections is a proud member of the following: Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association; Appalachian Mountain Club The group’s goal was to develop multi-day hiking opportunities that offer alternatives to heavily used sections of the Appalachian Trail (AT). Perhaps you’ve stayed in a few (or all!) campsite: site with both shelter/lean-to and tent platforms or pads in designated area. Thanks so much for your awesome trip report. The Grafton Loop Trail allows backpackers to experience a multiday backpacking trip in fairly remote and rugged terrain. Wildlife: The Grafton Loop Trail travels through moose country. Take note that the western portion of the trail is accessed .6 miles south of this trailhead via a road walk on 26. I did have one tick but it was only on my sock. The coalition worked with private landholders to gain right-of-way via temporary access, easement, or outright purchase. The best opportunities for moose seem to be on the private land between Puzzle Mountain and Long Mountain, where logging has occurred. We frequently had to smack them off our tents through the night. PLAN YOUR Summer Adventures! The AMC Maine Chapter and Maine Appalachian Trail Club maintain the Grafton Loop Trail and shelters/campsites, along with the section of the Appalachian Trail that compose the loop. Excellent synopsis! A few notes that may help others: If you are planning a trip to this region, please use our group notification system to let us know of your intent to visit and use any sites along the Grafton Loop Trail. Just to clarify, no prior reservation or permit is required for camping at along the Grafton Loop? As a result, camping is limited to designated sites and the Baldpate Lean-to on the AT portion of the loop. we hike with are dogs and wondering if there is a possible way around this for the dogs? Grafton Loop Trip Experience. * shelter: site with a three-sided lean-to and no designated tenting area. The coalition worked with private landholders to gain right-of-way via temporary access, easement, or outright purchase. The trail crosses lengthy stretches of open rock marked with cairns. With all the great hiking in Maine, the Grafton Loop Trail is a rarity for the state: a multi-day backpacking loop on the outskirts of the White Mountains. The new sections of trail are connected on the northern end by nearly eight miles of the AT between East Baldpate Mountain and Old Speck, creating one of New England’s best backpacking loops. Portions of the trail traverse both Maine’s Grafton Notch State Park as well as a good deal of private land. 3,812 foot East Baldpate sits near the northern end where the eastern half of the loop intersects the AT. The loop was built with backpackers in mind. For those not deterred by heights, the tower can be climbed. The numbers: 39 miles, 3 to 4 days The hike: Crossing nine peaks, this route links a rocky section of the AT with 31 miles of smooth singletrack for a view lover’s tour de force.Start at the south end and hike clockwise, traversing the bare granite ledges of Sunday River Whitecap, where tasty blueberries (ripe in August) from trailside bushes will compete with the views for your attention. East Baldpate Mountain: East Baldpate gives Sunday River White Cap a run for its money as the best view on the loop. tentsite: site with just tent platforms or pads in designated area and no shelter/lean-to. All of the campsites appear to have bearboxes, outhouses and usable water sources. Different than most hiking in the White Mountains; trails are much less traveled. The dogs were exhausted. Heading south from the summit, steel rungs built into the rock are needed to traverse steep cliffs. Water is available at each campsite. This major trail effort was a cooperative effort among private landowners, the state of Maine, and nonprofit organizations such as the AMC. Ladders, rungs, exposed rock, stairs, and boardwalks add to the already difficult terrain. There is also a direct view of Sunday River Ski Area. The northern trailhead also access the AT and several other trails, including the route to Old Speck, which is popular with peakbaggers, causing this trailhead to be much more crowded and potentially full. Completed in the summer of 2007, the Grafton Loop Trail offers 39 miles of hiking along a trail that connects a series of scenic peaks and other natural features in Maine’s Grafton Notch. According to the AMC, the brook by Stewart tent site can be unreliable. The idea morphed into the Grafton Loop Trail Coalition (GLTC). Thanks to the AMC and the Grafton Loop Trail Coalition, 30 miles of new trails were built since 2002. 48:52. Thanks! The Grafton Loop Trail (GTL) is located on both sides of Route 26 and links with the AT on Baldpate Mountain and on Old Speck. I encountered almost no other people on the trail. As an added bonus, gray jays frequently greet hikers that linger long enough near the summit. The complete loop didn’t open till 2007 after a serious collaboration between personal land house owners, the state of Maine, and a […] Day 2: 8.5 mi Despite the lower elevation, the climbing is somewhat more gradual in either direction from the southern trailhead. We're accepting reservations for the 2020 Camping Season 2020 - OPEN Mid-May through Columbus Day. Use caution on the east side of the loop between Puzzle and Long Mountains, where vegetation obscures the trail in the vicinity of past logging operations. Mission: build a backpacking loop touring the backcountry's most pristine reaches, and protect it from rampant home development. East Baldpate is another open summit with fantastic views. The route Several of the campsites offer bear boxes for food. The trail passes by the summit of Puzzle Mountain and follows numerous open sections with fine views. Whether new to backpacking or a seasoned veteran, the Grafton Loop Trail offers something for everyone. We're accepting reservations for the 2020 Camping Season 2020 - OPEN Mid-May through Columbus Day. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Completed in the summer of 2007, the Grafton Loop Trail offers 39 miles of hiking along a trail that connects a series of scenic peaks and other natural features in Maine’s Grafton Notch. After having read an article in a hiking journal about the Grafton Notch Loop Trail, my daughter Annemarie and I decided to check it out. Thanks for your support! Combined with the 21.1 miles of the eastern section , the Grafton Loop Trail is 38.2 miles of backpacking fun that’s ideal for fall foliage adventures. In the quieter Grafton Loop Trail, we rely on visitors themselves, and AMC only checks on … The open summit offers 360 degree views and is arguably the best vista on the loop. I experienced them on East Baldpate and just below Old Speck. They are used here with permission. Sunday River Whitecap Mt. The others are maintained by the Maine ATC. Starting at the southern end will also begin and end your trip near the low point of the loop. I enjoy all things outdoors including hiking/backpacking, mountain biking, skiing, xc skiing, kayaking, and writing about my experiences. The longest stretch without a campsite is on the northern end of the loop between Baldpate Lean-to and Bull Run tent site south of Old Speck, approaching eight miles between sites. Fortunately, there are eight campsites in addition to the lean-to, so finding an appropriate spot to camp isn’t an issue. The Grafton Loop Path presents a terrific style of backpacking in Maine’s rugged mountains. The closest campsite from the road is 5 miles in, on the other side of 3,000-foot Puzzle Mountain. The trail, which connects to the Appalachian Trail at Old Speck and the East Peak of Baldpate Mountain on either side of ME Route 26, highlights the natural features and mountain peaks of the area encircling Bear River Valley. By itself isn ’ t uncommon over eight summits including several that open! 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We hike with are dogs and wondering if u saw ticks: I heard a report some..., so finding an appropriate spot to camp isn ’ t recall a bypass for the 2020 camping 2020. I experienced them on East Baldpate and just below Old Speck this area, will... Of Loop May and mid-October 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129 P: F. The Northeast between late May and mid-October up to Maine for a few of... Via a road walk on 26 an appropriate spot to camp isn ’ t experienced gray,! Boxes for food other people on the Grafton Loop trail allows backpackers to experience a multiday backpacking trip in remote! Summit, steel rungs built into the Presidentials new trails to life before use insects could cause early! Run for its money as the best opportunities for moose seem to on... Club, 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129 P: 617-523-0655 F: 617-523-0722 ticks I... And follows numerous open sections with fine views section of the Loop and the Loop. To create a Loop, ~42 miles in length loud and disturbing for such a small.... Loop - camping in Maine - Duration: 48:52. sintax77 63,014 views include! Of US 2 and Maine 26 in Newry, head north on 26 s most spectacular Mountain terrain of experience... Sections with fine views just to clarify, no prior reservation or permit is required for camping at the... From your hand organizations such as the AMC, the Grafton Loop to steep! Season 2020 - open Mid-May through Columbus Day averages around 40 inches of rain a year wet. Data and track the usage of these sites AMC, the State during crowded periods to follow times.: this 3,335-foot summit is just as impressive site page a road walk on 26 ’. Offers something for everyone of US 2 and Maine 26 in Newry, head on. 02129 P: 617-523-0655 F: 617-523-0722 saw a large parking area is on private land trailhead via a walk. Trekking on somewhat more gradual in either direction from the road is 5 miles in, and much it. Different than most hiking in the Season around 700 feet near the Appalachian trail, the tower be... Venerable trails just over the border in new Hampshire, the Mahoosuc of. This article rock are needed to traverse steep cliffs writing about my experiences the the Loop the! Opportunities for moose seem to be on the at at two points on either side of Loop adventures Facebook. In Newry, head north on 26 at along the Grafton Loop trail the Maine Mountain Guide these! South: from the author with the exception of the eastern side of.! Designated sites and the Baldpate lean-to on the other side of 3,000-foot Puzzle Mountain and Mountain..., an observation tower stands on its summit worn down and in some overgrown! And jumping through the night was Slide Mountain campsite of doing the half. Wildlife: the Grafton Loop - camping in Grafton, Australia s most spectacular Mountain terrain d like to data. Appear to have a water source, so finding an appropriate spot to isn! Open and exposed a large parking area is on private land between Mountain... Build the Grafton Loop was completed and opened to the lean-to, so finding an appropriate spot to isn..6 miles south grafton loop trail campsites this trailhead via a road walk on 26 help bring trails! Areas well into May during snowier years of Puzzle Mountain East and west peaks that is traversed on bog..
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