Moose Cave loop & Mother Walker Falls via Bear River Road

While komoot categorizes this route for jogging, both the Moose Cave loop and Mother Walker Falls are generally better suited for short, leisurely walks rather than continuous jogging. The Moose Cave loop features stairs, narrow passages, and uneven terrain, making it challenging for a continuous run. Mother Walker Falls is a very brief walk to a viewpoint, too short for a dedicated jog.

The primary attractions are the unique geological formations of Moose Cave and the scenic Mother Walker Falls. Moose Cave features a 600-foot-long gorge carved by glacial meltwater and a 45-foot-deep canyon. Mother Walker Falls showcases the Bear River cascading 98 feet through a dramatic V-shaped gorge.

The Moose Cave loop is a 0.3 to 0.4-mile trail with varied terrain. Expect stairs, boardwalks, narrow passages, and some steep slopes. The path winds through rock gardens and boulder fields, offering an interesting geological experience.

Both attractions are easily accessible from Route 26 within Grafton Notch State Park. There are designated parking areas for both Moose Cave and Mother Walker Falls directly off Bear River Road, making them convenient quick stops.

Yes, Grafton Notch State Park typically requires an entrance fee. You can find current fee information and any permit requirements on the official Maine State Parks website. It's always a good idea to check before your visit.

Grafton Notch State Park generally welcomes dogs, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Given the narrow passages and stairs on the Moose Cave loop, ensure your dog is comfortable with such terrain.

These attractions are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is typically from late spring through fall. In spring, the waterfalls are often at their fullest. Fall offers stunning foliage. Winter visits are possible but may involve snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear.

Both are relatively short walks. The Moose Cave loop takes about 20-30 minutes, and Mother Walker Falls is a very quick stop, often just 10-15 minutes. You can easily visit both within an hour or so, allowing for leisurely exploration and photos.

The Moose Cave section is a loop trail. Mother Walker Falls is a very short walk that can be done as a round trip or a small loop to viewing areas.

Yes, this route also passes through sections of the Chase Hill Drive/Snowmobile ITS 82 trail.

Yes, both Moose Cave and Mother Walker Falls are considered easy and are generally suitable for families. However, the Moose Cave loop has stairs and narrow sections, so supervise young children closely. Mother Walker Falls is a very accessible, short walk.