Perhaps you’ve stayed in a few (or all!) The remainder of the trail (another 21 miles) opened in June 2007. They are used here with permission. The trail hikes over open rock with wooden planks traversing fragile alpine vegetation. The Grafton Loop is a roughly 39 mile, 9 summit hiking loop formed by connecting a portion of the Appalachian trail with the Grafton Loop Trail. The Grafton Loop Trail traverses sections of private land. I helped build the Grafton Loop Trail during the summer 0f 2000. Take note that the western portion of the trail is accessed .6 miles south of this trailhead via a road walk on 26. As an added bonus, gray jays frequently greet hikers that linger long enough near the summit. For those not deterred by heights, the tower can be climbed. Mission: build a backpacking loop touring the backcountry's most pristine reaches, and protect it from rampant home development. Two trailheads allow backpackers to split the loop into two halves, while several shorter day-hike options reach the … Starting at the southern end will also begin and end your trip near the low point of the loop. Less worn down and in some spots overgrown, but I had no difficulty following the trail. Whether new to backpacking or a seasoned veteran, the Grafton Loop Trail offers something for everyone. With all the great hiking in Maine, the Grafton Loop Trail is a rarity for the state: a multi-day backpacking loop on the outskirts of the White Mountains. The trail overall is in good condition. The trail traverses over eight summits including several that are open and exposed. The Appalachian Trail maps and the ATC logos used on this website are the property of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and are protected by copyright and trademark registrations. we hike with are dogs and wondering if there is a possible way around this for the dogs? Backpackers of all experience levels will find the the loop a worthy destination. 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. Best Camping in Grafton on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews, candid photos, and prices for 5 camping in Grafton, Australia. Campsites near the Appalachian Trail, the Mahoosuc Range, Grafton State Park & Grafton Loop Trail. East Baldpate Mountain:  East Baldpate gives Sunday River White Cap a run for its money as the best view on the loop. Grafton Loop Trail (38 miles, 3 or more days, chal-lenging), a high-elevation, backcountry trail with seven primitive campsites, connects a series of nine scenic peaks, including Old Speck, Sunday River Whitecap, Puzzle Mountain, and East and West Baldpate. By late October, snow isn’t unusual. The route After having read an article in a hiking journal about the Grafton Notch Loop Trail, my daughter Annemarie and I decided to check it out. Snow patches can linger in shaded areas well into May during snowier years. You can also check out Tomcat's Outdoor Adventures on Facebook here... https://www.facebook.com/Tomcats-Outdoor-Adventures-1708122116123572/. It's a beautiful place set on the side of Puzzle Mountain near a small brook. You could here them walking and jumping through the vegetation, which is surprisingly loud and disturbing for such a small animal. The trail can be difficult to follow at times. Combined with the 21.1 miles of the eastern section , the Grafton Loop Trail is 38.2 miles of backpacking fun that’s ideal for fall foliage adventures. The only camping is at 8 designated campsites on the trail. Lots of good info in here. The vantage point offers an interesting look toward Mahoosuc Notch, a short distance from the summit. Sunday River White Cap:  This 3,335-foot summit is a real gem that would be easily forgotten if not for the Grafton Loop Trail. If you go clockwise, you’ll find sometimes that the blue blazes along the trail are not easy to spot, especially at dawn or dusk. Day 2: 8.5 mi Trail Connections is a proud member of the following: Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association; Appalachian Mountain Club The western section of the Grafton Loop Trail (GLT) covers 17.1 scenic miles from the Eddy Road parking lot to the Appalachian Trail lot, both on Route 26. Mud and biting insects could cause problems early in the season. The closest campsite from the road is 5 miles in, on the other side of 3,000-foot Puzzle Mountain. Fortunately, there are eight campsites in addition to the lean-to, so finding an appropriate spot to camp isn’t an issue. Sure, you know about AMC’s famed high-mountain hut system. 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