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Grafton Notch State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,074 Google reviews · Running trail in Newry, Maine · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Grafton Notch State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Expansive, scenic park, with cross-country skiing & hiking trails, plus hunting & fishing.
What runners say about Grafton Notch State Park
“Past the walkable "slot" in the enormous boulder, there is a waterfall/pool with gorgeous variations of color in the rocks under the clear water.”
(Grafton Notch/Screw Auger Falls) This is a really cool place! We didn't have any expectations, only that it's "worth a look around" by some friends. Past the walkable "slot" in the enormous boulder, there is a waterfall/pool with gorgeous variations of color in the rocks under the clear water.
Grafton Notch State Park is an absolutely stunning part of Maine. My family has been visiting for many years and we always enjoy our time there. The state park sits along the Bear River, and the Appalachian Trail. It is a beautiful spot for hiking, picnicking, just relaxing and Moose and Bird watching.
Easy to get to the waterfalls. Very nice area. Handicap accessible path to the small fall. Not difficult to access if you have limited mobility. We went in the rain and the water was shallow in many areas so my daughter enjoyed walking on the rocks and dipping her feet in.
Trip to this place will be worth it. It was an amazing experience.. loved the vibe and fall season is the real beauty of the place. The screw sugar falls is amazing. You can take some amazing pictures there. The falls is right near the parking so it’s not a long trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Past the walkable "slot" in the enormous boulder, there is a waterfall/pool with gorgeous variations of color in the rocks under the clear water.”
“There are a few picnic areas and a parking lot with access to the Appalachian Trail and other hiking trails.”
“Then we continued down the path, which was fairly moderate with some tree roots and boulders.”
Plan your run at Grafton Notch State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemaine.gov
- Phone+1 207-824-2912
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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