Grafton Notch Scenic Byway
Newry to Upton
Western Maine · Maine · United States
Key measurements
- Distance
- 20.7 miles
- Elevation gain
- 1,455 ft
- Elevation loss
- 346 ft
- High point
- 1,779 ft
- Low point
- 639 ft
- Net change
- 1,110 ft (639 ft to 1,749 ft)
- Route type
- point-to-point
Route Overview
This 20.7-mile ride on Route 26 connects the low valley of Newry with the remote high country of Upton, Maine. Carving northwestward through the Mahoosuc Range, the route follows the Bear River before ascending dramatically through Grafton Notch State Park. It transitions from rural valley bottomlands to a tight, forest-hemmed mountain pass, topping out near 1,800 feet as it reaches the timberland plateau surrounding Upton near the New Hampshire border.
Key Segments & Geographic Transitions
Grafton Notch Highway — Miles 0.0–20.7
Starting at the Route 2 junction in Newry (639 feet elevation), the route heads north along the floor of the Bear River valley. The road initially offers gentle curves framed by farmland and working forests, but the topography narrows quickly as the river guides Route 26 toward the Mahoosuc Range. Beyond mile 7, the climb intensifies as you enter Grafton Notch State Park, flanked by Old Speck Mountain to the west and Sunday River Whitecap to the east. The road bends along rock cuts, passing natural geological features like Screw Auger Falls and Moose Cave. After clearing the notch's crest, the road levels out slightly into dense boreal forest, ending at the high elevation of Upton (1,778 feet).
Seasonal & Environmental Context
Spring and early summer bring significant road-surface challenges due to severe freeze-thaw cycles, leaving behind frost heaves, pavement cracks, and residual winter sand, particularly in shaded mountain corners. Spring melt also fills the Bear River, making pull-offs damp and muddy. Late summer provides the cleanest asphalt, while autumn foliage brings heavy visitor traffic through Grafton Notch, causing slow-moving sightseers and congested turnout parking lots. Temperatures drop noticeably as you gain over 1,100 feet of elevation from Newry to the pass; early morning fog in the river valley is common.
Logistics & Services
Top off fuel before leaving the Route 2 corridor in Newry or nearby Bethel. Once traveling north on Route 26, fuel and commercial services are non-existent through the notch and extremely limited in Upton until reaching Errol, New Hampshire, further west. Cell service drops out quickly after leaving Newry and remains unreliable or absent throughout Grafton Notch. Basic vault toilets and parking lots are available within Grafton Notch State Park trailheads during the operational season.
Important Considerations
Active Timber Transport: Route 26 is a major commercial haul corridor; expect fully loaded logging trucks operating in both directions year-round. * Large Wildlife: Oxford County has a dense moose population. Moose are frequently encountered standing on or near the roadway in Grafton Notch, particularly around dawn, dusk, and damp bog areas. * Surface Irregularities: Deep frost heaves and quick-fix asphalt patches are common north of mile 10.
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