Please join us for a spectacular, 38 mile backcountry backpack in Maine’s Mahoosuc Mountains this Labor Day weekend.  We will hike the Grafton Loop Trail and a section of the Appalachian Trail, traversing rugged terrain over 9 peaks including Old Speck, Stowe, Long and Baldpate Mountains, numerous, spectacular outlooks and secluded swimming spots.   Total elevation gain is approximately 12,000’.  We are planning to hike approximately 11 miles per day starting early Friday, August 29 and finishing Monday, September 1.  
For more information on the Grafton Loop go to the AMC websites at the following addresses:
• http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/trails/work/grafton/overview.cfm
• http://www.matc.org/for-hikers/grafton-loop-trail/
Following in the footsteps of a previous GO adventure, we will start at Grafton Notch State Park in Newry, Maine, where Route 26 meets the AT and then will hike south and summit Old Speck Mountain (4140’).  Following the Grafton Loop Trail over Sunday River Whitecap (3325’) we will make camp the first night at Sargent Brook Camp (11.7 miles).  Day two we summit Puzzle Mountain and camp at Stewart Campsite (11.2 miles).  Day three is a lunch stop at Long Mountain viewpoint and camping at East Bald Campsite (10.1 miles).  Day 4 we ascend East Baldpate (3812’) and West Baldpate (3680’) and rejoin the AT back to our cars.
The August 2014 issue of Backpacker Magazine describes West Baldpate as very challenging but, “Maine’s Stairway to Heaven … One of the best 360-degree views in Maine, with no roads or towns in sight and layers of peaks fading into the distance.”
This is a rugged, long and strenuous backpack with full packs requiring advance planning, teamwork, appropriate equipment and clothing, grippy hiking boots and provisions for 3 nights and 4 days. 
We are planning to spot a car at the Eddy Road parking lot on Route 26 with provisions, extra fuel and fresh clothing to lighten our loads for the full loop. 
Logistics: Meet at Grafton Notch Campground Thursday evening (http://campgrafton.com/) or Grafton Notch State Park parking lot, 9 AM sharp on Friday, August 29 (we will go to spot the car at Eddy first and then meet at the trailhead parking at 9). You will be responsible for your own campground reservation for Thursday evening (see campground information below).
Equipment: Backpack, 3 season backpacking sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpacking tent or bivy, 10 + essentials for hiking, filled water bottles (2-3 liters), water filtration or purification, backpack stove, cookware and utensils, bear bag, provisions for 4 days/3 nights, trail snacks, headlamp, layered clothing for expected conditions and rain gear, toiletries (suntan lotion, insect repellent). Sharing of gear (stoves, fuel, water treatment and tents) is highly suggested. 

Water is expected to be available at each campsite.

NO fires are permitted on the private land portion of the hike.

Grafton Notch Campground:  1472 Bear River Road / Route 26, Newry, Maine 04261 Phone: (207) 824-2292
From Bethel: Follow Route 2 East to Newry Corner (Routes 2 & 26)
Turn left. Go 7 miles north on Rt. 26 (Bear River Rd.) Campground is on the left.
From Rumford/Farmington: Follow Route 2 West to Newry Corner (Routes 2 & 26)
Turn right. Go 7 miles north on Rt. 26 (Bear River Rd.) Campground is on the left.
From Errol, New Hampshire (Routes 16 & 26)
Travel 24 miles south on Rt. 26. Campground is on the right.
Eddy Road Parking Lot: 985 Bear River Rd (Rt. 26); Newry, ME 04261  (44.538936, -70.829642).
Grafton Notch State Park Parking Lot: Rt. 26: Newry, ME 04261 (44.589773, -70.946678)