Speck Pond, near the top of Old Speck Mountain by Linda Woods
In 2007, the Grafton Notch Conservation Project was completed to preserve this parcel of pristine, heavily wooded land that is located in one of New England’s top hiking areas. The property encompasses the southeast slope of Old Speck Mountain, four miles of the Grafton Notch Loop Trail, and a popular snowmobile path. These 3,688 acres of deep forest and recreation land are also a great location for snowshoeing, hunting, nature study, and even dogsledding.
A sizable grant from the Land for Maine’s Future program, as well as federal and private funding, helped to ensure the Grafton Notch Conservation Project’s success in preserving this area. It was announced that the parcel was to be permanently protected in 2007. This is part of a larger effort to preserve the land in and around Grafton Notch, with further expansions occurring in 2009 and 2022.
This parcel was also the subject of conservation efforts partially because of its proximity to two important sites: Mahoosuc Notch, a notably demanding section of the Appalachian Trail, and Grafton Notch State Park, famous for its gorgeous waterfalls, excellent hiking, and diverse wildlife. Therefore, the conservation project’s success in preserving this 3,688-acre parcel directly to the State Park’s south will help to protect the natural majesty of the entire Grafton Notch area for future generations of Mainers and visitors alike.
Closest Town: Grafton Township
Activities: Hiking, Bird Watching, Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Hunting, Wildlife Watching
Region: Western Mountains – Oxford, Franklin, Somerset
Acreage: 3,668
Directions: Both the Grafton Notch Conservation Project land and Grafton Notch State Park can be accessed via State Route 26 (Bear River Road).
