Table Rock Trail in Grafton Notch State Park – Newry, Maine

Table Rock Grafton Notch State Park in Newry Maine

If you’re looking for a hike that mixes jaw-dropping views with a little sweat and adventure, the Table Rock Trail is a solid pick. It’s a moderate 2.3-mile loop with some steep sections and scrambles, enough to feel accomplished, but not so much you’ll question all your life choices.

Parking is across the street from the trailhead, with a small fee: $3 for Maine residents, $4 for non-residents. Worth it for the views (and hey, cheaper than a latte).

A hiking trail going through a dense forest with green trees and foliage. There is a black sign with white walking figures indicating a trail or walking path.
A trail map of Grafton Notch State Park showing various hiking loops, elevations, and landmarks including eyebrow, table rock, and Old Speck Mountain.

The trail itself is well-marked and easy to follow. I recommend going counter-clockwise. The beginning is flat, or as flat as a mountain ever lets you think it is.  Then you start going up, or as we call it a SUB: Straight Up Beast. Thankfully, it’s short-lived, about a half mile SUB. You’ll probably be huffing and puffing (I definitely was), but the built-in stairs and rungs make the climb feel like a fun adventure.

A person hiking in a dense forest with tall trees and green leaves. The person is wearing a cap, a backpack, and walking on a narrow wooden trail with some sections of planks.
A person hiking uphill on a rocky trail through dense green forest foliage, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
A person hiking through a rocky, forested trail with dense trees and large boulders, carrying a backpack and using trekking poles.

Partway up, you pass through a rock “hallway.” Not quite a cave, but still pretty cool vibes. Once you’re through you’re almost there. When the trail levels out, you’ve made it to the top, just under a mile from the start.

A person climbing a rock formation with metal ladder steps attached to the rock face. The climber is wearing hiking boots, shorts, and socks, with their left arm reaching out for handholds. The scene is outdoors with rocks, some greenery, and dirt visible.
A forest scene with a moss-covered rock and lush green fern plants at the base. Several tree trunks with peeling bark are visible, and a small stream runs through the background.
A person wearing a cap and outdoor gear climbing or exploring between large rocks and boulders.
A dense forest scene with tall trees, large rocks, and exposed tree roots.

The views? Absolutely stunning. You’ll get an epic look at the Mahoosuc Range, and if you squint off in the distance, the White Mountains are waiting to wave back.

We met a couple of hikers with a dog, and I’d say this trail is definitely dog-friendly, as long as your pup is used to climbing and listens to commands. Just be cautious at the top: there’s a very steep drop-off, so if you’ve got kids or a free-spirited dog, keep a close eye out.

The descent is much kinder than the climb. It’s gradual, knee-friendly, and even offered a little surprise: we stumbled across some trail magic. At first, we thought someone had left garbage (cue the judgmental side-eye), but then we realized the soda cans tucked into the cold river were full and waiting for thru-hikers. Instant redemption, and bonus respect.

If you’d prefer to skip the steep climb altogether, you can actually hike up the gentler side to reach Table Rock. But honestly, conquering the SUB makes the victory (and the snacks at the top) taste even better.

A man with sunglasses and a backpack standing on a rocky outcrop in a lush green mountain landscape with a blue sky and white clouds.
View from a mountain overlook showing green rolling hills, distant mountains, and a blue sky with scattered white clouds.
A sign on a tree in a forest that reads, 'Please Register. Hikers Please Register.' The sign has handwritten messages and graffiti on it.

Ratings:

  • 🏞️ Views: 10/10

  • ⛰️ Difficulty: 6/10

  • 🐶 Dog-friendly (for adventurous pups)

  • 👧 Kid-friendly (for older kids who can handle scrambles)

  • 🚻 Bathrooms: Yes, at the trailhead (a luxury worth mentioning!)

A man with a red backpack is hiking on a rocky trail in a dense forest with green trees and ferns.

PS if you see a sign that says: Pies, Pies, Pies. Stop. They sell the most delicious pies and sweet treats!

Outdoor bakery stand with shelves of pies and baked goods, signage for Puzzle Mountain Bakery, surrounded by trees, American flag in the top left corner.