Grafton Notch State Park Tours

Maine featuring mist or fog and mountains
Maine showing forests
Maine showing signage and forests
Maine showing forest scenes
Grafton Notch State Park featuring forests and mountains


Walk along a piece of the Appalachian Trail and enjoy stunning views from atop Old Speck in Newry’s mountainous patch of wilderness.

Backcountry hikers and daytrippers alike will appreciate the beauty of Grafton Notch State Park. The Maine state park extends for 3,192 acres (1,292 hectares) surrounding Grafton Notch, the mountain pass between Baldpate and Old Speck Mountains.

The Appalachian Trail snakes for 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) through Grafton Notch State Park. Trek along steep summit trails and enjoy the stunning vistas that unfold around you. You will also be able to say that you hiked a portion of the longest hiking footpath in the world. Note that the trail is very challenging and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.

Grafton Notch State Park offers plenty of hikes for those who don’t wish to tackle the Appalachian Trail. Take the whole family along the 0.4-mile (0.6 kilometer) trail to Screw Auger Falls. Take a dip in the Bear River or enjoy a shore-side picnic. The trail to Mother Walker Falls is similarly short, simple and scenic. Located 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometers) north of Screw Auger Falls, the dramatic V-shaped gorge cascades for nearly 100 feet (30 meters) into a series of small pools below. Continue along to Moose Cave. Follow the trail through mossy beds along the deep granite gorge.

Hike along the intermediate-level 2.4-mile (3.9-kilometer) Table Rock Loop Trail to reach some of the best views in the park. When you reach Table Rock, see Old Speck Mountain, the Eyebrow and Grafton Notch stretching out into the distance.

Experienced hikers may want to continue beyond the Table Rock Trail to Baldpate Mountain. Hike to either the West Peak or East Peak for breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Grafton Notch State Park is part of the Maine Birding Trail. Keep watch for songbirds, falcons, migratory birds and even the occasional eagle as you explore. Larger animals, such as bear and moose, may cross your path as well.

Visit Grafton Notch State Park between mid-May and mid-October. It is open during daylight hours.

Plan a trip to see Grafton Notch State Park

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Flagship Inn and Suites
Greenleaf Inn
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Best Lodging Options Near Grafton Notch State Park

Beautiful Off-the-Grid Cabin. Next to A.T. in Andover Notch.

Beautiful Off-the-Grid Cabin. Next to A.T. in Andover Notch.

Andover West Surplus
Beautiful Off-the-Grid Cabin. Next to A.T. in Andover Notch.
Jordan Hotel

Jordan Hotel

3 out of 5
27 Grand Circle, Newry, ME
Jordan Hotel
Black Bear Chalet – Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Mtn Views, Game Room

Black Bear Chalet – Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Mtn Views, Game Room

Newry, ME
Black Bear Chalet – Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Mtn Views, Game Room
13 Beds, 17 Guests -Hot tub- 15 mins to Sunday River!

13 Beds, 17 Guests -Hot tub- 15 mins to Sunday River!

Newry
13 Beds, 17 Guests -Hot tub- 15 mins to Sunday River!
Pool, 4K Movie Theater, Game Room, Pet Friendly

Pool, 4K Movie Theater, Game Room, Pet Friendly

Newry
Pool, 4K Movie Theater, Game Room, Pet Friendly
Save Now! Mtn Views, Hot Tub, Game Rm, Pets OK

Save Now! Mtn Views, Hot Tub, Game Rm, Pets OK

Newry
Save Now! Mtn Views, Hot Tub, Game Rm, Pets OK
Sunday River MTN Views! Slps 12! HotTub! Lux home

Sunday River MTN Views! Slps 12! HotTub! Lux home

Newry
Sunday River MTN Views! Slps 12! HotTub! Lux home
9 Bdrm Premiere Luxury Estate Sleep 26 Movie Theater, Pool,Spa,Game Rm,Steam Rms

9 Bdrm Premiere Luxury Estate Sleep 26 Movie Theater, Pool,Spa,Game Rm,Steam Rms

Newry
9 Bdrm Premiere Luxury Estate Sleep 26 Movie Theater, Pool,Spa,Game Rm,Steam Rms
Safety Certified luxury private, dog-friendly new home, 3 miles to Sunday River.

Safety Certified luxury private, dog-friendly new home, 3 miles to Sunday River.

Newry
Safety Certified luxury private, dog-friendly new home, 3 miles to Sunday River.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, including breathtaking hikes and exciting outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy skiing in the winter, swimming in the summer, and golfing nearby. The Grafton Notch Campground provides a perfect base for exploring the park's natural beauty and engaging in various outdoor experiences year-round.

Shopping

In Grafton Notch State Park, enjoy charming local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Berlin Farmers Market, located 14 miles away, offers a vibrant public market experience with local goods and a bustling atmosphere perfect for gift shopping.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Sunday River Golf Club, where you can enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes, only 8 miles from Grafton Notch State Park. For a lively atmosphere, visit 49 Franklin, a music venue 20 miles away, offering great entertainment vibes. Lastly, unwind at Tuckerman Ravine, 29 miles away, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Explore the Grafton Notch Trailhead, located 0.1 mile from Grafton Notch State Park, for a thrilling hiking experience amidst stunning scenery. For skiing enthusiasts, the Quantum Leap and Jordan Mountain Ski Lifts, both 9 miles away, provide exhilarating slopes and adventure vibes in the beautiful mountains.

Nightlife

While Grafton Notch State Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, nightlife is limited. For a cozy evening, consider heading to one of the local lodges or bars in nearby Newry, where you can enjoy live music or a warm drink by the fire after a day of adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park in Newry, Maine, offers a fantastic blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore ski resorts, pristine lakes, and the stunning landscapes of the state park. Whether you're seeking thrilling hikes, relaxing beach experiences, or nearby sights, Grafton Notch caters to every traveler's desire for adventure and nature. Enjoy the diverse recreational opportunities that this enchanting area has to offer.

  • Sunday River: Experience the thrill of skiing at Sunday River, a premier ski resort located 9 miles from Grafton Notch State Park. With its diverse terrain and vibrant outdoor atmosphere, it's perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers seeking adventure.
  • Speck Pond: Enjoy a romantic day at Speck Pond, just 2 miles away, where you can relax on the beach and take in the stunning scenery. This tranquil lake is ideal for picnicking and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
  • Screw Auger Falls: Discover the breathtaking Screw Auger Falls, located 7 miles from the park. This picturesque waterfall offers an adventurous setting for hiking and photography, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Best time to go to Grafton Notch State Park

The best time to visit Grafton Notch State Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grafton Notch State Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Grafton Notch State Park falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January17.4°F (-8.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
February19.2°F (-7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
March27.5°F (-2.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July67.5°F (19.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
August65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
October46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November34.2°F (1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December24.8°F (-4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grafton Notch State Park

To save money on your trip to Grafton Notch State Park, consider visiting during the off-peak months of April to May or November, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the best days for cheaper stays, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Lastly, explore free outdoor activities in the park to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grafton Notch State Park are April to May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grafton Notch State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Grafton Notch State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels at the top. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Grafton Notch State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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