Grafton Loop Trail parking notice

[dRitter]

Please be advised that all trailhead parking for the southern end of the Grafton Loop Trailhead is to be at the lot at the southern end of the previously existing eastern side. I stumbled upon the recently opened wester leg of the loop this week while on vacation. Set out for a quick morning jaunt today and since the western leg is only a month+ old figured I would grab a quick out and back to Stowe Mt. while the family slept in. I was unaware of any parking restrictions so I chose a wide shoulder near where the trail heads west from Rte 26.
I was just about to leave my car when a gentleman pulled over and explained that part of the negotiation for the trail on the western side of Rte 26 was that all parking would be at the lot at the southern end of the eastern leg (.7 miles north on Rte 26). He was very polite and after a chat he let me know that he owns a good part of the south end of the newly opened trail. I thanked him for letting the trail come into being and moved to the lot.
Since he asked me to pass this info along I am posting this message. The word from AMC has not gotten out about trail parking, and since the ability to continue use hinges on people abiding by parking (and camping) rules I hope people will play by the rules.
Great trail by the way...
Damon

 

[Waumbek]

This is important, and I don't understand why the word hasn't gotten out. Why haven't the AMC and MATC posted this info on their websites, put up signs, etc? AMC does include some good advice about trail etiquette in this area, particularly because private owners are involved, and the trail map shows parking ("P") further north on the east side of 26. MATC doesn't seem to note this parking issue either. It shouldn't take somebody riding around in their car to inform you. It would be good to avert the problem now rather than irritate land owners first and then have to appease them later. In any event, thank you for posting it here. When I was there last, before the land dispute halted opening the west side, it looked like it was OK to pull off the road in front of, but not blocking, the gates to the west entrance. Oviously not, however, based upon your experience.