Grafton Loop Trail info??

[MEB]

Hi All,

I've recently been reading about the Grafton Loop Trail and I'm wondering if any of you have hiked it yet. If so, how long did it take you and which direction would you recommend going. Would hiking all 21 miles in one day be doable? Any input, suggestions or advice is welcome!

Thanks
-MEB

 

[spencer]

I was on it last weekend, although we only went to Puzzle and back. It was rainy and cold but I could tell there are awesome views from it. It's superbly designed by Mike Cooper!

I can't wait for decent weather to go back and take it all in along the whole route.

the other half (the so-called western half) is slated to open next spring I think. It will be awesome! (I've hiked parts of it)

spencer

 

[arghman]

I was on it last weekend, although we only went to Puzzle and back. It was rainy and cold but I could tell there are awesome views from it. It's superbly designed by Mike Cooper!

I can't wait for decent weather to go back and take it all in along the whole route.

ditto, ditto, ditto, and ditto.

(p.s. thanks Spencer for your directional skills)

 

[spencer]

Jason and I were of course hiking there together.

thanks for a fine morning, Jason!

spencer

 

[onestep]

Hi All,

I've recently been reading about the Grafton Loop Trail and I'm wondering if any of you have hiked it yet. If so, how long did it take you and which direction would you recommend going. Would hiking all 21 miles in one day be doable? Any input, suggestions or advice is welcome!

Thanks
-MEB

Hi MEB - I've hiked it twice. Once Northbound as part of a backpacking trip from RT 26 to Rangeley, and the second time Southbound as a one day traverse. It's a wonderful trail that I look forward to hiking again. I'd suggest that if you do it as a day hike to start from the North end at the Grafton Notch Hiker Parking lot. Youl'll have less elevation gain that way. - Onestep

 

[Michelle]

I hiked it (eastern side) last summer.......or the summer before, one night out, plenty of water, beautiful trail with some nice views and soft trail underfoot. Can't wait for the other side to open up next year, I'll definately be out there checking that out! We started by Puzzle Mtn and left a vehicle in the Grafton Notch parking lot, thumbing a ride down the hill to start was pretty easy.

I have pictures on a webshots account, if you are interested.

click here!

sure hope that link works!

 

[MEB]

Thank you!

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for the information about this trail. I think I'm going to wait until spring when the other half opens up and do the whole trail at that time. It sounds so nice and with the dwindling daylight I'd rather go when I can see everything!

-MEB

 

[SherpaKroto]

MEB: the views from Puzzle are the best in teh aera IMHO. I climbed up this past summer asn was lucky enoug hto meet Bob Stewart who donated he upper 7 or 8,000 acres to the Mahoosuc Land Trust. I hiked further north to the Stewart Tentsite with him and we bushwhacked down to the highway from there. A memorable day on a memorable little peak!

 

[Nate]

If the western portion of the trail isn't completed yet, where does it end at this point? Onestep had mentioned before how it gets within the vicinity of Sunday River White Cap. Does it get out to Slide Mountain yet? Plus, for the eastern half, does it cross over the true summit of Puzzle Mountain? If so, is the register there still intact?

 

[onestep]

Hi Nate - The GLT does not go over the summit of Slide, it's my understanding it contours around the W side. As far a Puzzle goes, no the trail does not go to the true summit, and yes the cannister is still intact. - Onestep