Trip Report: Grafton Loop Backpack (Maine) August 2009

Despite reports of the approaching Tropical Storm Danny, 4 stalwart backpackers consisting of (Leader) Debbie Melita, (Co-Leader) Ed Goldstein, Vladimir Kotlyarevsky and George McLachlan set out on Friday, August 28, 2009 to tackle the new 39-mile Grafton Loop Trail in the Mahoosuc Mountains of Maine. 

Day 1 (11.7 mi.) started sunny and warm, after having temperatures drop to 36 degrees the night before. We traveled the loop in a counter-clockwise direction, beginning at Grafton Notch State Park and immediately starting with a climb up Old Speck mountain on the AT, which the GLT shares for 8 miles from East Baldpate to Old Speck. After 4 miles and 2670 ft. of elevation gain, we climbed up the tower on the summit and enjoyed the excellent view of the peaks across the away and the valley below.

The trail then gradually descended down the south side of the mountain and the hiking was a pleasure on this new trail, with a luxurious level of dirt to cushion our feet, as it had not yet been worn away by thousands of footsteps, unlike the rocky AT.

We stopped at Slide Campsite for lunch and then continued on to climb up to Sunday River Whitecap, whose summit lies in the alpine zone and has undergone extensive trailwork to preserve the fragile ecosystems there. The peak was one of the highlights of the loop, with 360 degree views of the Mahoosuc Range and White Mountains to the south and west, Puzzle and Long Mts. to the east and surrounding lakes and rivers to the north.

A short descent brought us to Sargent Brook Camp where we set up our tents to spend the night.

Day 2 (11.2 mi.) started with rain, which began during the night, but we stayed dry under the large tarp over our kitchen area. After breakfast, we headed south over rolling hills and the weather improved enough for Vladimir and George to take a quick swim in a large stream. We crossed Route 26 near Eddy Rd. and started to climb Puzzle Mountain, the approximate halfway mark of the loop. Unfortunately, the sky was foggy and the viewpoints were totally socked in, so we would not enjoy any of the lovely vistas from Puzzle - a good reason to hike the loop again (perhaps clockwise next time? :). A short distance later we came to Stewart Campsite and set up our tents again, though we had to place them carefully since many of the tenting areas were very soggy from the rain. Dinner and a hot beverage under out tarp helped to make the semi-soggy, chilly conditions much more bearable.

Day 3 (10.1 mi.) dawned sunny and getting warmer by the minute. We knew this day covered the easiest terrain, so we decided to take a few extra minutes to allow our gear to dry - definitely time well spent! We lunched at the viewpoint on Long Mountain and then followed a lovely stream past a number of campsites, taking time to enjoy a dip in an excellent swimming hole along the way! We made it to East Baldpate Campsite and set up our tents for our last night on the trail.

Day 4 (6.5 mi.) started early with a pleasant 2 mile walk that led to a climb up the southern side of East Baldpate mountain. The sky was fairly clear at lower elevations, but as we neared the 4,000 ft. level the morning fog started to surround us. At the top, the wind whipped fiercely and we quickly snapped our photos at the summit marker. We bid goodbye to the blue blazes of the Grafton Loop and now would follow the familiar white blazes of the AT again for the last 4 miles of the loop. As we approached the northern end of East Baldpate's massive summit, the sky started to clear and opened up some spectacular views to the north and west, including an up-close-and-personal view over to West Baldpate. We descended over the open rock face, following cairns and trying not to be blown off the peak by the strong wind. Our route dipped briefly down for a short while, then back up to a gradual climb of West Baldpate, only to drop steeply down the rugged trail over it's west side. By this time, the day was growing quite sunny and warm with a pleasant breeze, and improving exponentially as we passed into lower levels of elevation.

The last mile of the trail was extremely pleasant, following another stream and very moderate terrain. Upon reaching the Grafton Notch parking area, after donating some left-over food to a small group of AT thru-hikers taking a break, we congratulated each other with much enthusiasm and decided to celebrate at the nearest restaurant. The Grafton Loop trail was a true backpacker's trail, and a welcome addition to the roster of AMC backpack trips past and future!

Map and Brochure about the Grafton Loop Trail

AMC Webpage about the Grafton Loop Trail

Maine Appalachian Trail Club Webpage about the Grafton Loop Trail