Maine Route 26
Right from the start at the US Route 2 intersection, Maine Route 26 is a scenic byway that deserves a good look. STEP FALLS PRESERVE About 7.5 miles from Route 2 on Me Route 26, is Step Falls Preserve on the right. Although there is signage, it is small and hard to see. Step Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls. There is plenty of free parking and trails are well marked. Take your bathing suit (or an old pair of cut offs) because there are several natural water slides near the top of the falls. The water is cold and the friction on the rocks will cause clothing to wear out quickly. GRAFTON NOTCH STATE PARK
Maine Route 26 bisects this state park. With its variety of outdoor activities, Grafton Notch offers something for all abilities. Right off Route 26 are: Screw Auger Falls A 23-foot waterfall flowing through a narrow gorge along the Bear River.
Mother Walker Falls A V-shaped gorge more than 40 feet wide and 980 feet long. Moose Cave This 200-foot-long gorge, lies within a 45-foot-deep canyon The river disappears temporarily into a cave beneath a huge granite slab. The loop trail to Moose Cave is a quarter-mile long. Spruce Meadow Picnic Area is in the park's picturesque northern portion. The picnic area offers tables (with grills) overlooking a wildlife-rich marsh and Old Speck Mountain. HIKING TRAILS Grafton Loop Trail (38 miles, 3 or more days, challenging) Old Speck Trail (7.6 miles, 7 hours, challenging) Eyebrow Loop Trail (2.2 miles round trip, 2-3 hours, challenging) Table Rock Loop Trail (2.4 miles round trip, 2 hours, moderate) Baldpate Mountain Trail (5.8 miles round trip to West Peak; 7.6 miles round trip to East Peak; allow 7 hours round trip; challenging) Appalachian Trail (20+ miles, 4 days, challenging) BEYOND GRAFTON NOTCH STATE PARK Even after leaving Grafton Notch State Park, the scenery does not end. There are several views of mountains and nearer the New Hampshire border Umbagog Lake can be seen from a few vantage points. Continuing along Route 26 into New Hampshire will bring travelers to Errol. Turning south onto NH Route 26 will offer visitors a grand view of the Androscoggin River all the way to Gorham. In Gorham, take US Route 2 east back to Bethel.
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