Grafton Notch State Park wilderness guide
State Park · ME

Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park offers rugged natural beauty in Western Maine, ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing dramatic gorges and waterfalls.

State Park3,1294+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area3,129
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Grafton Notch State Park

Grafton Notch State Park offers rugged natural beauty in Western Maine, ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing dramatic gorges and waterfalls.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Grafton Notch State Park, located in the Mahoosuc Range of the Appalachian Mountains, spans over 3,000 acres and offers visitors a striking landscape of steep cliffs, deep gorges, and stunning waterfalls. Its diverse ecosystem hosts species such as moose, black bears, and a variety of birds, providing ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Historically, the park has been a travel route, with Native American paths evolving over time into today's recreational trails. Visitors are drawn to the park's diverse recreation options, including the famous Appalachian Trail that weaves through this area, offering challenging hikes and rewarding vistas. Noteworthy landmarks include Screw Auger Falls, with its cascading waters, and Old Speck Mountain, which stands as one of Maine's highest peaks. The park's rugged terrain, panoramic views, and serene natural settings have made it a favorite for outdoor adventurers.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Grafton Notch State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Old Speck Mountain - offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.✦ Screw Auger Falls - known for its beautiful cascading waterfalls and geological formations.✦ Appalachian Trail section - a famous trail that brings many thru-hikers each year.✦ Moose Caves - a unique geological feature with a series of deep gorges and mini-caves.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Grafton Notch State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
Park Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

Available in Grafton Notch State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Grafton Notch State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; campground fees may apply.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Grafton Notch State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Mahoosuc Campground

Located near Old Speck Trailhead, providing easy trail access and basic amenities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Grafton Notch State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Newry, Maine
⌖ 10.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Newry, Maine

Newry, ME is a haven for adventure lovers with skiing at Sunday River Resort, scenic hikes in Grafton Notch State Park, and paddling on the Androscoggin River. Ideal for year-round outdoor activities.

Year-round
Explore Town
Milan, New Hampshire
⌖ 11.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Milan, New Hampshire

Milan, NH is a quiet outdoor destination featuring peaceful hiking, paddling on the Androscoggin River, and winter snowmobiling. Ideal for travelers looking to escape crowds and explore northern New England’s forests and waterways.

Late spring to early fall, and winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Dummer, New Hampshire
⌖ 12.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dummer, New Hampshire

Dummer, NH is a quiet rural town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking low-key hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching in the scenic Northeast Kingdom region. Ideal for a peaceful nature escape with seasonal snowshoeing and fishing.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Gilead, Maine
⌖ 12.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gilead, Maine

Gilead, Maine offers peaceful wilderness adventures with hiking, paddling, and backpacking in the scenic Mahoosuc Range and along the Androscoggin River. Visitors enjoy quiet campsites, wildlife sightings, and true off-grid experiences year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snowshoeing
Explore Town
Berlin, New Hampshire
⌖ 13.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berlin, New Hampshire

Berlin, NH offers authentic four-season adventure amid the White Mountains. Hike rugged trails, paddle scenic rivers, and enjoy snowmobiling or cross-country skiing in a peaceful, less crowded northern wilderness.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling, Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Shelburne, New Hampshire
⌖ 13.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shelburne, New Hampshire

Shelburne, NH offers quiet forests, easy paddling, and peaceful trails in the White Mountain foothills. Ideal for outdoor travelers seeking less crowded hiking, wildlife viewing, and winter snow sports.

Late Spring through Fall for warm-weather activities, Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Grafton Notch State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Single Kayak with Shuttle Service (West Bethel)
ADVEXPEDITION
Bethel, Maine
KayakADV Bookable

Single Kayak with Shuttle Service (West Bethel)

Paddle the scenic Androscoggin River with Bethel Outdoor Adventure. Perfect for families and beginners, enjoy safe, tranquility-filled kayaking in western Maine’s natural beauty.

KayakAges 10+ • 1-2 HoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Standard Tube with Shuttle Service (West Bethel)
ADVEXPEDITION
Bethel, Maine
River TubeADV Bookable

Standard Tube with Shuttle Service (West Bethel)

Float down the scenic Androscoggin River with Bethel Outdoor Adventure. A perfect relaxing day on calm waters bordered by stunning natural beauty.

River TubeAges 5+ • Approximately 3 HoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Double Kayak with Shuttle Service (Gilead)
ADVEXPEDITION
Bethel, Maine
KayakADV Bookable

Double Kayak with Shuttle Service (Gilead)

Enjoy a scenic 3-4 hour kayak float down the Androscoggin River right in Gilead with Bethel Outdoor Adventure. Perfect for all skill levels, this trip offers stunning views, wildlife encounters, and easy shuttle service for a hassle-free adventure.

KayakAges 5+ • 3-4 HoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
3 Day Cross Country Rental
ADVEXPEDITION
Bethel, Maine
SkiADV Bookable

3 Day Cross Country Rental

Discover the perfect cross-country skiing experience in Bethel, Maine, with premium rental gear from The Great American Ski Renting Company. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this three-day rental package equips you to explore scenic Nordic trails in comfort and style.

SkiStarting at $57 | Packages Available with Boots & Poles!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Three Days of Rental-Ready Turns in Bethel: Premium Gear, Expert Fitting
ADVEXPEDITION
Bethel, Maine
RentalsADV Bookable

Three Days of Rental-Ready Turns in Bethel: Premium Gear, Expert Fitting

A three-day rental package from The Great American Ski in Bethel, Maine provides current ski and snowboard models plus boots and poles, professionally custom-fitted by a shop with 30 years' experience; this guide explains what’s included and the pickup/return flow.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Bethel’s Custom-Fit Edge: 30 Years of Premium Ski & Snowboard Rentals
ADVEXPEDITION
Bethel, Maine
Winter ActivitiesADV Bookable

Bethel’s Custom-Fit Edge: 30 Years of Premium Ski & Snowboard Rentals

Custom-fitted skis and snowboards from The Great American Ski Renting Company in Bethel — pick up equipment after 8:00 a.m. and return by the end of business (5:30 p.m.) — available in sizes and settings for all ages and abilities.

Winter ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip