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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Flagship Inn and Suites
Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Ellsworth / Bar Harbor
Greenleaf Inn

Popular places to visit


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
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!
Spacious & Private | Stunning Views | Hot Tub

Spacious & Private | Stunning Views | Hot Tub

Newry
Spacious & Private | Stunning Views | Hot Tub
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
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
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.
Eight minutes to Sunday River! Two bdrm apartment. Ski, hike, bike & relax.

Eight minutes to Sunday River! Two bdrm apartment. Ski, hike, bike & relax.

Newry
Eight minutes to Sunday River! Two bdrm apartment. Ski, hike, bike & relax.
Powder Ridge Mountain Retreat | 5 Bed, 3 Bath

Powder Ridge Mountain Retreat | 5 Bed, 3 Bath

Newry
Powder Ridge Mountain Retreat | 5 Bed, 3 Bath
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 in Newry, Maine, offers a range of outdoor activities, including skiing, swimming, and golfing. Explore scenic byways and enjoy breathtaking hikes along picturesque trails. Don't miss the local attractions like Jaycee Park, where you can relax and take in the natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Grafton Notch has something for everyone to enjoy.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local flavors, visit the Gorham Bar Harbor in Oquossoc, near Andover. Enjoy fresh seafood and classic Maine dishes. For a cozy experience, Tripp Lake offers rustic dining options that highlight the region's culinary heritage.

Shopping

In Grafton Notch State Park, you can enjoy local shopping experiences. Check out the Berlin Farmers Market, located 14 miles away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local goods and unique finds. If you're up for a drive, visit LocalWorks, a public market with a community feel.

Recreation

Experience a round of golf at the Sunday River Golf Club, located 8 miles from Grafton Notch State Park. Enjoy the stunning mountain views and fresh air as you engage in outdoor sports, perfect for relaxation and wellness amidst nature.

Adventure

At Grafton Notch Trailhead, experience exhilarating hiking amidst breathtaking outdoor scenery, only 0.1 mile from the park. For ski enthusiasts, the Jordan Mountain Ski Lift, located 9 miles away, offers thrilling slopes. Further afield, Black Mountain, 16 miles away, provides fantastic skiing and sports vibes.

Find the best attractions near Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park in Newry, Maine, offers an array of outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery for all types of travelers. Explore stunning points of interest like the spectacular Baldpate Mountain, picturesque waterfalls, and the serene Lake Umbagog. Whether you're seeking hiking trails or simply want to soak in the natural beauty, Grafton Notch promises an unforgettable experience in nature's playground.

  • Sunday River: Just 9 miles from Grafton Notch State Park, Sunday River is a premier ski resort offering thrilling outdoor adventures. With its diverse terrain and stunning mountain views, it's perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and year-round activities.
  • Speck Pond: Located a mere 2 miles away, Speck Pond is a picturesque lake ideal for romantic getaways. Enjoy serene beach vibes amidst breathtaking scenery, perfect for picnicking, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water.
  • Screw Auger Falls: About 7 miles from the park, Screw Auger Falls is a stunning waterfall that captures the essence of outdoor adventure. With its scenic beauty and surrounding trails, it’s a perfect spot for exploration and photography.

Best time to go to Grafton Notch State Park

The best time to visit Grafton Notch State Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnyHighSlightly High
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
October46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November34.2°F (1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December24.8°F (-4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grafton Notch State Park

To save money on your trip to Grafton Notch State Park, consider visiting in April or November to December, when accommodations are cheaper. Booking a hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can lead to great savings. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Bundle your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive offers and OneKeyCash rewards for future bookings. Don't forget to explore free outdoor activities in the park!

  • 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 and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Grafton Notch State Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can organize your results by price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by bundling 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.