Grafton Notch State Park is one of Maine’s finest and most accessible natural areas — a dramatic mountain pass through the Mahoosuc Range on Route 26 between Bethel and Upton, offering waterfalls, gorges, caves, and some of the best hiking in western Maine within easy reach of a paved road. For a state park that can be experienced at multiple levels — from a 10-minute roadside waterfall visit to a full-day summit hike — Grafton Notch delivers exceptional value for every type of visitor.
Getting There
Grafton Notch State Park is located on Route 26 approximately 20 miles north of Bethel. Individual attractions are accessed from roadside parking areas along Route 26 as you drive through the notch. A day use fee of $4 per adult ($1 children) is charged for non-Maine residents — self-pay stations are at major parking areas. Maine residents enter free.
Screw Auger Falls
Screw Auger Falls is the park’s most visited attraction and one of the most photographed natural features in western Maine. The Bear River drops through a series of smooth granite gorges carved into a distinctive spiral formation. A short, level walk of about 0.2 miles from the parking area leads to the falls — suitable for all ages. The falls are most dramatic in spring but beautiful throughout the season. The carved granite pools below are popular for wading in summer.
Mother Walker Falls
About 1.5 miles north of Screw Auger Falls on Route 26, Mother Walker Falls is a quieter and less visited waterfall reached by a short trail from a roadside pullout. Smaller than Screw Auger but the surrounding gorge is equally dramatic. Worth a stop if you’re driving the full notch — you often have the falls to yourself.
Moose Cave
Moose Cave is one of Grafton Notch’s most unusual attractions — a narrow gorge and cave formation created by a massive boulder that came to rest against the canyon walls. A short loop trail of about 0.4 miles leads to the cave. Ice persists inside well into summer and the microclimate is noticeably cooler than the surrounding forest. Well-suited for families with children.
Table Rock
Table Rock is the park’s best moderate hike — a 2.4-mile round trip trail climbing steeply to an exposed ledge with sweeping views of the Grafton Notch valley. The trailhead shares a parking area with the Appalachian Trail crossing on Route 26. Elevation gain is approximately 1,000 feet over 1.2 miles. From Table Rock, the notch road is visible as a thin line through the forest with the Mahoosuc Range rising on both sides. Allow 2-3 hours round trip.
Baldpate Mountain
Baldpate Mountain (3,812 feet East Peak) is the park’s most demanding destination, with spectacular open ledge views from above the treeline. The AT heads north from the Route 26 parking area, climbing through forest before breaking onto open ledge for the upper portion of the hike. The West Peak is approximately 3.7 miles from the trailhead (7.4 miles round trip) — allow 5-7 hours for the full round trip to the East Peak. One of the finest summit views in western Maine.
The Appalachian Trail Through Grafton Notch
The AT crosses Route 26 within the park — one of the few places in Maine where a paved road intersects the trail. Northbound thru-hikers pass through heading toward Mahoosuc Notch (2.5 miles north). During thru-hiking season (June-September) you may encounter trail magic in progress at the Route 26 crossing.
Wildlife
The boggy sections of the Bear River valley north of the waterfalls are good moose habitat — Route 26 through the notch produces regular sightings at dawn and dusk. Black bears are present throughout the park’s forest. Peregrine falcons have historically nested on Baldpate’s cliff faces. See our Maine moose watching guide for tips.
Visiting in Winter
Route 26 is plowed and accessible year-round. Screw Auger Falls partially freezes into dramatic ice formations popular with photographers. Snowshoeing to Table Rock in winter delivers spectacular snow-covered mountain views. Microspikes or crampons are strongly recommended for winter hiking on the exposed ledge sections.
Practical Information
- Day use fee: $4 adults, $1 children for non-Maine residents. Maine residents free
- Hours: Open year-round. Main facilities are seasonal
- Dogs: Allowed on leash throughout the park
- Cell service: Limited in the notch — download trail maps before arriving
- Nearest services: Bethel (20 miles south) for gas, groceries, restaurants, and lodging
Plan Your Visit
Ready to visit Grafton Notch? Browse Bethel lodging for your base camp. For more on the Bethel area, see our complete guide to Things to Do in Bethel Maine. For more Maine hiking, see our Maine hiking guide. Visiting in fall? Read our Maine fall foliage guide for the best western Maine foliage drives.
MaineGuide.com has been helping visitors plan their Maine trips since 1995.