The eastern half of the Grafton Loop Trail has been open to hikers for three seasons now, but I couldn't seem to get my backpacking butt up there to do it.

Until a week ago.

The wait was worth it. It's beautiful. And rugged.

We opted to travel from the south end, making the long climb up to the spectacular alpine summit of Puzzle Mountain. There the trail strikes north and generally follows the Newry-Andover town line over Long Mountain under a thick canopy of hardwoods, with occasional outlooks.

After 12 miles on the go, we skipped across Wight Brook and pitched camp at Knoll Campsite, one of five primitive campsites along the way.

The following day we hiked over Lightning Ledge with nice views of the Bear River Valley, Sunday River Whitecap and East and West Baldpate just ahead. That afternoon we topped out on East Baldpate and joined up with the Appalachian Trail.

After lunch and a nap on the open summit, we pushed on, completing the hike with a tough, knee-pounding descent of the ledges on East Baldpate and the heavily eroded trail on West Baldpate.

An easy hitchhike from the parking lot at Grafton Notch got us back to the car. And the Sunday River Brew Pub wasn't long after...

If you go, be prepared. This is a tough weekend hike through desolate country. Campsites are rough with only one privy (at Lane Campsite). Practice Leave No Trace! Carry plenty of water, especially between Puzzle Mountain and Knoll Campsite, as water sources are iffy.

The GLT provides 21 miles of great hiking and backcountry solitude where you're unlikely to see many other people. So go and enjoy! And I may see you out there again this fall when the leaves start to change.

I haven't heard when the western loop will open, supposedly later this summer. I'll update you when I hear something (or vice versa).

The completed portion of the Grafton Loop Trail extends 21 miles along the east side of Grafton Notch.

Sunday River Ski Resort from the summit of Puzzle Mountain.

Along the GLT.

Score!

Puzzle Mtn. from Long Mtn.

Bunchberries and Reindeer Moss.

Sunday River Whitecap, over which the western loop of the GLT will go.

Facilities along the GLT are primitive at best. Practice Leave No Trace and keep it pristine!

Color on the forest floor.

Climbing steeply on the way to Baldpate Mountain.

Wood sorrel.

The GLT meets the AT atop the alpine summit of Baldpate, with Old Speck in the distance.