Pleasant, basically moderate fall hike from Grafton Notch to the flat wooded summit of Old Speck Mt, Maine's 3rd highest peak, where there is a viewing platform, converted from an old fire tower. Excellent extensive views of Maine/New Hampshire mts near and far. 3.8 miles one way, 7.6 total, w/about 2500' elevation gain. Peak foliage. Bring lunch, snacks, 2 liters water, (I'll bring the hot chocolate. No joke!), weather appropriate clothes...fleece, cap, light gloves, polypro or long pants even if you choose to wear shorts, rain jacket.

Take Me RT26 north out of Newry, Maine. A well signed parking lot is on the left at the height-of-land (that's what the guidebooks always say) in Grafton Notch. This is also the AT crossing and is 2.7 miles beyond Screw Auger Falls. Trails start on the north side of the parking lot. I have a Nissan frontier 4X4.