Grafton Loop Trail

MAINE TRAIL FINDER MAP

STRAVA DATA - WEST SIDE
STRAVA DATA - EAST SIDE 

DFL Ultrarunning Podcast Interview w/ Adam Wilcox and Ryan Welts about their FKT run of this route in 2014

Description from Maine Trail Finder:

The Grafton Loop Trail is a 38.6 mile, backcountry hiking experience in the Mahoosuc Mountains of Maine. The trail, which connects to the Appalachian Trail at Old Speck and the East Peak of Baldpate Mountain on either side of ME Route 26, highlights the natural features and mountain peaks of the area encircling Bear River Valley. Because of its length and the terrain it traverses, the trail is strenuous and requires appropriate equipment and preparation.

This week I ran the Grafton Loop Trail. I first ran the 17.5 mile west side and two days later ran the 21.1 mile east side. (My GPS said more like 16 and 19 miles.) It was hot with zero wind when I did the east side, and very humid but slightly cooler with cloud cover when I did the west. I ran both routes starting at the southern parking area across from Eddy Rd. I left my truck at the northern Grafton Notch State Park parking area and biked the 7.5 miles back. Almost all downhill which was nice but the logging trucks and lack of shoulder were a bit sketchy. As for hiking, I felt like I was going uphill the entire time on the west side, where the east felt more runnable. It's all pretty technical. The footing was always tricky even in the more runnable sections. Both had sections that were slightly over grown, but the east side was much less cared for with many blowdowns, especially between Long Mountain the Baldpates. Plenty of water sources along the entire trail even in a dry late August. I didn't take many pictures as the sweat on my phone wouldn't allow me to open it up a lot of the time. Here are a couple. This entire trail is beautiful and doesn't see a lot of traffic. If planning a full loop I would recommend traveling counter clockwise. 

From Sunday River White Cap looking north up the notch with view of highway 26. Old Speck on the left. Baldpates off to the right.

Fire tower on top of Old Speck.

I only used water and tailwind both days but carried a lot of extra emergency gear.  I always like to be prepared for at least 24 hours out there if something goes wrong. Especially traveling alone with spotty cell coverage. 

Puzzle Mt. in the clouds.

From East Baldpate