After a week of inactivity due to rain and the beginning of the end of a school year, I jumped on the opportunity to meet up with two nieces (and a boyfriend - not mine) for an exploration of Grafton Notch. It had been nearly a decade since I'd played tourist in this state park that is basically in my back yard and my husband had never visited any of the smaller attractions. We usually bicycle the road or drive through on our way to bigger adventures on the AT.
Given all the recent rain I had high hopes for the several waterfalls we'd be visiting, and I was not disappointed. We began our explorations at Screw Auger Falls, which was plunging enthusiastically into its gorge. We worked our way up the notch, stopping at Mother Walker Falls which provided more water and an assortment of flowering and other plants. At Moose Cave water thundered into a hole, eased through the cave, and then settled peacefully into lovely and calm stretch of river. We continued up through the cold and blustery notch to Spruce Meadow picnic area which I find to be quite beautiful with its eponymous trees, its watery meadow, and its view to a ridge of Old Speck. The mist enhanced this magical spot. Reversing direction we headed back down the hill and pulled into the car park for Step Falls. There were several other vehicles here - apparently others thought the rain would be good for waterfall watching. We made our way over slippery roots and rocks along the stream to the preserve boundary near the top of the falls. The sun broke out on us and gave some warmth to the chilly afternoon. A stop at the Good Food Store to grab a snack rounded off the day before we headed to our respective homes.