https://scottlivingston.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/grafton-loop-trail-one-day-adventure/
After we returned from a family hike on the Grafton Loop Trail this past weekend, we decided to finally submit our original 2008 FKT. We were the first to do this loop as a one day adventure. It is typically backpacked over three or four days. With our kids (ages 10 and 13), we did it in four days in July 2020. Our original trip report recounts the adventure we had with our friend Matt Schomburg back in August 2008. It was an awesome loop then and an awesome loop now. The Maine end of the White Mountains is far less traveled than the New Hampshire side. This trail is a true gem. Our plan all this time was to return to lay down a better time as the 2008 adventure was slow. I (Scott) blew up on the way up Old Speck. Debbie and Matt were super strong and were able to walk the same pace I was "running." Regardless of our time, we feel good about that effort and that it inspired others to go faster on that loop. We started at the northern end of the Notch at the state park lot, and went clockwise finishing with the ascent/descent of 4,170 foot Old Speck Mountain. Now that we have backpacked the identical route that Adam Wilcox and Ryan Welts chose (starting/finishing at the southern road Rt. 26 crossing and going counter clockwise), we think the logic of their approach makes more sense. With their approach, once you make it over Sunday River Whiteface Mountain, you have easier trail and a long consistent descent (with a few bumps) to the last section which goes from double track to dirt road to asphalt road to the finish. If we return, we plan to use their route.