Trail Stats
Location: Grafton Township
Difficulty: 
Distance: 7.6 miles, round trip
Duration: 4-5 hours
Managed by: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands: Grafton Notch State Park
Old Speck
What to Expect
Old Speck is the highest point in Oxford County and the third highest mountain in Maine, and it is also the only 4000-foot mountain in the county. It is a fitting conclusion for anyone completing all nine Second Nature hikes.
There is a large parking area on the west side of Route 26 in Grafton Notch State Park. The parking lot is commonly full on summer weekends.
The hike up Old Speck follows the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and takes the hiker along a high ridge through a deep spruce/fir forest while climbing steadily towards the side trail leading to the summit. The summit is tree covered, but a high platform allows the hiker expansive views in all directions across three states and two countries. On the way to the summit of Old Speck, hikers will pass by junctions with the challenging orange-blazed Eyebrow Trail, which leads to a steep cliff section with ladders and rungs.
The trail up Old Speck follows the Appalachian Trail and is within Grafton Notch State Park. Please only camp in designated spots within the park.
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Adventurers' Log
Adventurer:
Completed Old Speck on:
10/20/2019
Trail Notes:
Lowell and college friends came over from UVM to do this hike. Tried to access from the road to hike to Speck Pond, but had to go back to the eyebrow trail in Grafton Notch. Beautiful early winter scenery.
Adventurer:
Completed Old Speck on:
09/25/2019
Trail Notes:
We took the Eyebrow trail up and the AT back. Stunning views from the eyebrow, but we were disappointed to discover that views from the summit were completely obscured by clouds. We did see some lovely American Mountain Ash trees with their clusters of red berries and the moss covering the rocks made it feel like an enchanted forest. Will definitely complete this hike again on a clear day!
Adventurer:
Completed Old Speck on:
09/22/2019
Trail Notes:
Probably the most sloping bedrock I’ve ever hiked on
Adventurer:
Completed Old Speck on:
09/22/2019
Trail Notes:
Awesome hike. Also did the eyebrow trail. Summer conditions.
Adventurer:
Completed Old Speck on:
04/17/2019
Trail Notes:
A beautiful hike, but still snowy in April! Hiking to the top provided amazing views, although we did not dare to venture to the top of the tower, as it was still covered in a layer of snow/ice. If there's snow, you'll definitely need snowshoes/ice walkers/poles. Bring lots of water - it is a steep climb!
Adventurer:
Completed Old Speck on:
07/08/2019
Trail Notes:
A long hike, but a great view at the top.
Adventurer:
Completed Old Speck on:
09/19/2015
Trail Notes:
It was a great day for this hike. We had beautiful weather and the energy to push through to the fire tower. It was a birthday hike and worth every step!
Completed Old Speck on:
08/02/2018
Trail Notes:
I hiked this on my 42nd birthday and found it to be quite challenging.
Completed Old Speck on:
07/30/2018
Trail Notes:
Very difficult for me but well worth it.
Adventurer:
Completed Old Speck on:
10/03/2017
Trail Notes:
This was my first solo hike and my first trip up Old Speck. The trail is fantastic, but you definitely have to climb the fire tower for the reward of the vista at the top; otherwise your views are obstructed by trees. I did the Eyebrow Loop on the way down, which had some steep parts that I will do going up next time.