Grafton Loop Trail

Grafton Loop Trail is a rugged, remote backcountry loop in western Maine with a total mapped hiking distance of 52.97 km (about 33.61–56.01 km depending on the route data used). The full loop is commonly planned as a multi-day backpacking hike.

The loop links an Appalachian Trail segment with newly built trail in the Grafton Notch area, creating a circuit that totals roughly 36–39 miles in typical trip descriptions. It was completed in 2007 and was designed to take pressure off the nearby Appalachian Trail corridor and heavily used campsites.

Expect steep, rocky hiking and sustained climbs over multiple summits. The route includes backcountry footpaths and has sections with suspension bridges, plus steep assisted moves on the rocky terrain (including wooden ladder/iron-rung style features reported on the loop).

Trail marking is a mix: blue blazes on the Grafton Loop Trail and white blazes where it overlaps with the Appalachian Trail. Because much of the route traverses private timberland via easements, access is governed by strict rules and campsite locations are mandatory across the loop.

The loop crosses into Maine Rt 26 near the midpoint, so a short road hike between parking and the trailhead is part of many itineraries. A commonly used eastern trailhead area is off Maine Route 26 (near the intersection with Eddy Rd), close to Grafton Notch.

Seasonally, this is primarily treated as a summer hike (commonly mid-August in trip accounts). Plan for variable water reliability: designated campsite placement is tied to water sources, but flow can be weak during drier periods.

For route scope, trip summaries describe eight summits and a gross elevation gain on the order of 12,000+ feet, with typical completion taking about 3–4 days for most backpackers (some groups choose 4 days to better distribute steep terrain and ladder/rock sections).

More information: Map, Backpacking Old Speck Mtn and the West Grafton Loop, Hammock Camping Gone Wrong on the Grafton Loop - Sintax77