Grafton Notch

In the vast wilderness of eastern Maine—where the mountains and rivers seem endless—one may wonder, who owns all of this? At Grafton Notch, the answer is simple: the public. This 3,688-acre landscape is home to Old Speck Mountain, one of Maine’s highest peaks, at 4,180 feet. It also famously contains a key stretch of the Appalachian Trail—a final stage of the south-to-north route before the trail ends at Mount Katahdin.

This expanse of protected land and the trails within it were driven largely by the Mahoosuc Initiative, a collaborative effort to conserve the recreational, scenic, and economic value of this unique environment. In 2007, it was the nation’s top-ranked U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Program project, receiving $2 million for its protection. These funds enabled the construction of the Grafton Loop Trail, one of Maine’s most popular backpacking options.

Trust for Public Land is proud to have helped protect this important land for generations to come. Along with recreational opportunities, the project also safeguards diverse habitats and furthers sustainable forestry—reflecting Maine’s commitment to protect working forests for locals and visitors alike.