Settled in 1781, NEWRY, on Maine Route 26, is the gateway to some of the state's best hiking, including the Appalachian Trail and, for the less adventurous, a loop trail to the top of Puzzle Mountain.

We recommend a scenic drive on Route 26 North with breathtaking views of Maine's natural resources. Grafton Notch State Park features the Notch formed by Old Spec Mountain and Bald Mountain. In the Notch, Screw Auger Falls has worn deep holes into solid rock by the swirling water of the Bear River.

The Step Falls Preserve was the first preserve of the Maine Chapter of the Nature Conservancy - with 24 acres of cascades and pools which drop 200 feet in a quarter-mile.

HIKING Grafton Notch State Park (Western Maine) The park has 3,100 acres close to the towns of Newry and Grafton. There are many scenic areas and short walks in the area. Step Falls which consist of water cascades that drop 200 feet can be found along Maine route 26. Screw Auger Falls can also be found along route 26. One mile north of Screw Auger Falls along route 26 is Mother Walker Falls which has some great short trails and overlooks. Looking for a challenge? Old Speck mountain might be for you. It is the third highest mountain, at 4180 feet, in the state. You will find the trailhead along route 26, which is a well signed parking area. Follow the Old Speck Trail, which is also the Applachian Trail. The trail gradually climbs and crosses a few trails along the way. At the top of Old Speck you will find an observation tower.

GREAT BROOK PRESERVE is also next to another exciting opportunity, THE GRAFTON LOOP GRAIL.

The Grafton Loop Trail is a demanding weekend hike that traverses some very scenic backcountry. If you're seeking solitude, you'll surely find it here.

Because it's a remote enough area, the trail attracts a fairly select group of hikers, those with pretty good skills, making for an uncrowded experience. It's a rugged trek.

Some travel from south to north, making the long climb up Puzzle Mountain, gaining a healthy 2,300 feet in elevation from the highway.

From the open summit, you can trace the route of the trail over Long Mountain and on to the twin peaks of the Baldpates. The steep flanks of Old Speck stand out at the head of Grafton Notch. And the treeless slopes of Sunday River Whitecap beckon across the pastoral valley of the Bear River.

From PUZZLE MOUNTAIN, the trail turns north and follows the yellow paint marks of the town line between Newry and Andover, weaving back and forth under a thick canopy of hardwoods.

It's easy walking over Long Mountain, with occasional outlooks before reaching Town Corner, where the trail turns west. Then onto another couple of miles to the deserted Knoll Campsite, where you can pitch camp above a branch of Wight Brook.

After a good night's rest, continue on, and stop at the cozy Lane Campsite tucked into the spruce and birch. A side trail leads downstream to a terrific swimming hole.

At Lightning Ledge, enjoy fine views and a bountiful crop of blueberries before tackling the long uphill grind to East Baldpate, at more than 3,800 feet, the high point of the Grafton Loop Trail.

At the top, the GLT joins the Appalachian Trail. The descent of East Baldpate on its open ledges is spectacular.

The GLT is well-marked with blue blazes and signs. The five campsites are first-come, first served and are primitive. With the exception of the West Baldpate lean-to on the Appalachian Trail, there are no shelters on the GLT. Tents are a must. Fires are prohibited, so a cook stove is necessary. Plan to carry plenty of water, especially between Puzzle Mountain and Knoll Campsite, as water sources are sparse and questionable.

The GLT exists because of the vision and hard work of many dedicated people, as well as the good will of the private landowners, whose land the trail crosses. Employ common sense and courtesy while on the GLT.

"Practice 'Leave No Trace' and be considerate of the land and other visitors.

The southern trail head of the GLT is located on Route 26 in NEWRY, five miles north of the intersection with Route 2. The northern trail head can be found seven miles ahead at the intersection with the Appalachian Trail at Grafton Notch.

For more information on the GLT, go to the Maine Appalachian Trail Club Web site at www.matc.org, where you can download a trail map, trail description with mileage and trail etiquette reminders.

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