Grafton Loop West

[vegematic]

Well, not ALL of it. I had a few hours available this past Saturday, and a new GPS to play with so decided to check this out. We basically just hiked until our turnaround time without paying much mind to where we were. When I figured out how to download the GPS track I discovered we were nearly to the summit of Bald Mtn. Had we known we would likely have pushed on the last bit. Here is a link to our track, which includes the parking area on the East side of Rt 26 and the road walk. I've also included the elevation profile for our out-and-back trip.

The trail is lovely. It starts out on a snow machine path, crosses the Bear River on a suspension bridge, and then comes into an open area where it is not obvious where the hiking trail goes. Stay on the well signed snow machine trail. Where the hiking path turns right from the snow machine trail is clearly signed. The climb up Bald is quite nice and follows a stream valley. There are several minor crossings which were still frozen over although some care was needed to stay on good ice. The trail was a bit hard to follow in places but this is mostly because it is a new (unworn) trail with a patchy snow cover. There were no tracks to follow. The lower part of our hike was about half clear and half snow. Up higher it was all snow but only a few inches. We bare-booted the whole way. Stabilicers would have been handy lower down where there were some ice patches. We walked around them but some of the ice was hidden under leaves and we slipped a few times. Nothing major. Anyways I am definitely looking forward to exploring this trail more completely. Here is a link to our track and elevation profile. I hope it doesn't take too long to load.

GraftonWest

-vegematic

 

[onestep]

Wow... thanks for the info! Another one added to my to-do list.

Onestep

 

[MichaelJ]

Nice – thanks! It looks like the route is nicely placed; I can't wait to try it!

 

[una_dogger]

, crosses the Bear River on a suspension bridge,

-vegematic

Awesome hike!!

So, there ARE bridges on trails in Maine?????

 

[vegematic]

I should have mentioned: You have to drive through a decent mud hole to get into the car park. I have a 4WD toyota rav4 and was able to make it by gunning through in 1st gear but it was dicey. If you're a dainty driver maybe give the mud a week or so to dry out. Or get somebody else to drive you.
-vegematic

 

[vegematic]

So, there ARE bridges on trails in Maine?????

Only because it's a snow machine bridge.

Hikers are encouraged to ford the river
-veg

 

[TDawg]

Hooraaayyy for new trails!!!

 

[una_dogger]

Only because it's a snow machine bridge.

Hikers are encouraged to ford the river
-veg

But of course! And I bet its labelled a "creek" on the map,too!

Ah Maine...120 miles of the AT two May's ago, my feet were never dry once.