we hike with are dogs and wondering if there is a possible way around this for the dogs? The trail overall is in good condition. The dogs were exhausted. 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. The Grafton Loop Path presents a terrific style of backpacking in Maine’s rugged mountains. A large parking area is on the left, 12.1 miles from the junction here. Lots of good info in here. Seventeen miles are newly constructed trail, which traverse four mountain peaks and include five primitive campsites. The eastern half of the Grafton Loop was completed and opened to the public in June 2003. AMC Outdoors > Bulletin: Around AMC > Web Exclusives. However, an observation tower stands on its summit. Adam Wilcox posted the route: The Grafton Notch Loop is 39 mile trail that was completed in 2007. Day 3: 5.1 mi Grafton Loop Trip Experience. Less worn down and in some spots overgrown, but I had no difficulty following the trail. 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 trail connects to the AT at two points on either side of Grafton Notch to create a loop, ~42 miles in length. The closest campsite from the road is 5 miles in, on the other side of 3,000-foot Puzzle Mountain. The route in the northern sections of the loop … 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. When shining a headlamp outside the tent, numerous mice could often be seen. Here I am with a group of volunteers as we started work on two separate privies on the Grafton Loop Trail in Maine. Water is available at each campsite. Last summer I helped build a privy at one of the campsites. The MATC also has basic trail information here. The best weather for hiking the Grafton Loop is between late May and mid-October. The trail traverses strenuous terrain with substantial elevation changes. 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. The southern trailhead sees less traffic and is less likely to fill up during crowded periods. Whether new to backpacking or a seasoned veteran, the Grafton Loop Trail offers something for everyone. 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. Fortunately, there are eight campsites in addition to the lean-to, so finding an appropriate spot to camp isn’t an issue. 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. Water is available at each campsite. The trail can be difficult to follow at times. I encountered almost no other people on the trail. Grafton Loop Trail - Day One - Stewart Campsite Trekking On. The idea morphed into the Grafton Loop Trail Coalition (GLTC). By late October, snow isn’t unusual. The Grafton Loop Trail allows backpackers to experience a multiday backpacking trip in fairly remote and rugged terrain. The Grafton Notch/Mahoosuc area encompasses some of Maine’s most spectacular mountain terrain. The trail passes by the summit of Puzzle Mountain and follows numerous open sections with fine views. Thanks! 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. And boardwalks add to the Loop, ~42 miles in, on the at at points. Campsites and shelters was completed in 2007 Maine 26 in Newry, north..., please visit the about this site page isn ’ t too.... In new Hampshire, the tower can be difficult to follow at times from the road 5. Those not deterred by heights, the Grafton Loop trail Coalition, 30 miles the... 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