Grafton Loop Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by John Dancy on Unsplash

Grafton Loop Trail

~3 days · 33.6 mi · hard · Loop

Quick facts

Distance33.6 mi
Days out3
Elevation gain10,758 ft
Gain / mile320 ft
High point4,163 ft
Difficulty index40/100

What the Grafton Loop Trail is known for

A loop advertised at 39 miles (our mapped route measures 33.6) around Grafton Notch in western Maine, climbing Old Speck and a chain of open ledges with designated backcountry campsites spaced a day apart.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Grafton Loop Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 738 ft to 4,114 ft over 33.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 14.6 mi · 43%
  • Downhill 14.4 mi · 43%
  • Flat 4.6 mi · 14%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Grafton Loop Trail?

40 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Grafton Loop Trail scores 40/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Grafton Loop Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Grafton Loop Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 33.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Grafton Loop Trail?

The Grafton Loop Trail climbs roughly 10,758 ft total — about 320 ft per mile, topping out near 4,163 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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