Grafton Notch State Park


Sitting astride the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway within the Mahoosuc Range, this rugged park is a stunner. Carved by a glacier that retreated 12,000 years ago, the Notch is a four-season playground, chock-full of waterfalls, gorges, lofty viewpoints and hiking trails, including over 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail (www.appalachiantrail.org).

Peregrine falcons build nests in the cliffs, helping the park earn its spot on the Maine Birding Trail (www.mainebirdingtrail.com); the best viewing is May to October.

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers enjoy the park in winter. If you're short on time, simply wander the path beside Screw Auger Falls, at the main parking lot. This 23ft waterfall crashes dramatically through a narrow gorge. If you have more time, try the 2.5-mile round-trip hike up to Table Rock overlook or the 2.2-mile Eyebrow Loop Trail. There's also the all-day Old Speck Trail, a 7.6-mile round-trip hike that takes you up to an observation tower with magnificent views over the Notch.

There are excellent picnicking opportunities within the park; the Spruce Meadow picnic area is signed off ME 26. There are no campgrounds, however. The park is located around 17 miles northwest of Bethel.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Sunday River Covered Bridge

8.47 MILES

So photogenic it's a hot spot for wedding photographs, this 87ft-long covered bridge dates from 1872 and is worth the short detour if you're in the area…

2. Milan Hill State Park

13.75 MILES

How often do you get to spend the night in a purple yurt? Yep, that’s an option at this park, also known for its cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails…

3. Maine Mineral & Gem Museum

14.82 MILES

The biggest thing to hit Bethel in years, this well-designed geology museum is still a work in progress (but should be open by the time you read this) but…

4. Height of Land

20.64 MILES

The expansive view of island-dotted Mooselookmeguntic Lake (the largest of the Rangeley Lakes) as it sweeps north toward distant mountains is astounding…

5. Extreme Mt Washington

28.23 MILES

Housed atop Mt Washington in the Sherman Adams Summit Building, this museum gives visitors a hands-on look at Mt Washington's claim as 'home of the world…

6. Mt Washington Observatory

28.23 MILES

Perched atop New England's highest summit, this observatory is staffed year-round by scientists who measure the mountaintop's extreme weather conditions;…

7. Mt Washington State Park

28.26 MILES

The crescent-shaped Sherman Adams Summit Building is the nerve center for this 60-plus-acre park atop Mt Washington. Inside you'll find the private,…

8. Santa's Village

29.35 MILES

Just west of mountain-ringed Jefferson is this theme park. Look for Santa’s 26 elves as you enjoy the kiddie-focused rides, a Ferris wheel and the Jingle…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "usa/new-england/bethel/attractions/grafton-notch-state-park/a/poi-sig/1011270/361998",
      "position": "superzone"
    }