Old Speck Out and Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views

A great way to explore Grafton Notch State Park is to hike one of the summits. This hike starts along the Eyebrow Trail which takes you up a steep trail with cable rails, iron rungs and a metal ladder. There are open ledges along this trail which offer amazing views but can also be dangerous; just use caution. This joins the Appalachian Trail (AT: Maine Appalachian Trail Club (ME)) which winds through the forest up the mountain, with there are some amazing viewpoints along the way. The trail takes you to the summit of Old Speck Mountain and a fire tower where you can get panoramic 360 degree views.

From the parking area in "The Notch" take the AT: Maine Appalachian Trail Club (ME) a short distance until you reach the junction with Eyebrow Trail. Take the Eyebrow Trail up as it's a bit harder coming down it. The trail gets very rugged and steep and is not for the faint of heart. There are cable handrails, iron rungs and even a metal ladder in one spot. There trail traverses right along the edge of the Eyebrow cliffs where you'll get amazing views of the surrounding area. This spot is especially stunning in autumn.

When you rejoin the AT, follow it up the mountain through the thick woods. Keep an eye out for wildlife and birds along the way! There are some great viewpoints on the way up but the best is at the summit. You can climb the Old Speck fire tower which gets you above the forested summit. From here, enjoy the outstanding panoramic 306 degree views of the area. After a nice lunch at the summit, head back the way you came, only this time, follow the AT all the way back as the descent is a bit easier than going down the Eyebrow Trail.