Grafton Notch State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Grafton Notch State Park is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Maine, located in the western part of the state.
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Summary
The park offers hiking, camping, and scenic drives, making it a great place to explore nature. Some of the reasons to visit include the scenic beauty of the area, with its waterfalls, mountains, and forests. The park is also home to several popular hiking trails, such as the Appalachian Trail, Table Rock Trail, and Old Speck Trail. Along these trails, visitors can see notable points of interest like Screw Auger Falls and Moose Cave.
Interesting facts about Grafton Notch State Park include that it was originally purchased by the state in the late 19th century for the purposes of preserving its natural beauty. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres and is part of the larger Mahoosuc Range. It is also known for its wildlife, including moose, black bears, and various bird species.
The best time of year to visit Grafton Notch State Park depends on the activity you want to engage in. Summer is a popular time for hiking and camping, while fall foliage season is a great time to see the vibrant colors of the leaves. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and spring is a good time to see the park's waterfalls at their fullest.
Overall, Grafton Notch State Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and natural beauty in Maine.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Grafton Notch Campground
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Lane Camp Site
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Town Corner Campsite
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Bethel Outdoor Adventures and Campground
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Gentian Pond Shelter
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