[Tomcat]

The AT and Long Trails are the popular long distance paths in New England. Last year I hiked the 162 mile Cohos Trail. The trail has only been around for a little over 10 years. While much of the trail shares the way with already existing trails, much of the trail in the north country is new and a work in progress.

The trail starts at the Saco River at the Bemis Bridge on the Davis Path passing such landmarks as Giant Stairs, Mt. Davis, and 4000 ft Mt Isolation. The trail turns to Isolation Trail, Mt Eisenhower Trail, and briefly AT before heading down the Edmands Path. Be sure to hit 4761 Ft Mt Eisenhower, only .3 miles from the trail. When reaching the end of the Edmands Path the trail meanders along xc ski trails near the Ammonoosuc River and passes by Mt Washington Hotel. A brief pass through civilization near the village of Fabyan provides a possible early resupply.

The next section of trail may have changed due to WMNF trail closures so check ahead with the Cohos Trail Association. When I hiked the trail in Sept of 2009 the trail followed Cherry Mtn road before climbing the Cherry mtn trail to Mt Martha and Owls Head. A brief road walk led to the B&M railbed through Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge. Leaving the refuge, a brief road walk led through the town of Jefferson and an appropriate resupply point.

Leaving Jefferson, the trail followed the Star King Trail over the summits of Mt Starr King, Waumbek, and Weeks. Leaving the Starr King Trail the trail follows the Kilkenny Ridge Trail all the way to Rt 110 passing over Mt Cabot, the Bulge, The Horn, Unknown Pond, Rogers Ledge, and South Pond Recreation Area.

The trail enters the Nash Stream Forest following existing and new trails as well as sections of old logging paths and roads. Highlights include Victor Head, the Percy Peaks, Nash Stream, several high meadows with endless views, very few people, and Pond Brook Falls.

Following logging paths and XC trails, the trail passses over the Balsalms ski resort before reaching Table Rock and its impressive view over Dixville Notch. The trail drops to the notch and passes by Huntington Falls and the Dixville Flume. The Sanuinary ridge and summit trails take the hiker up the north side of Dixville Notch.

Old logging roads and snowmobile paths as well as a few very little traveled country roads lead to the town of Pittsburg, NH. The trail in this section is almost entirely on private lands so check frequently with the Cohos Trail Association for trail updates. North of Pittsburg The trail passes through the Connecticut Lakes region passing near or by the Connecticut Lakes and River. The trail is currently being moved to new footbed to eliminate any road travel in the far north as land owner permission is gained.

As of 2009 there was a 10 mile link of road walking but in 2010 many sections of that were permanently removed from RT 3. The last four miles of trail return to snowmobile trail and reach the US customs station on the US/Canadian Border. A short extention of the trail follows the International boundary clear cut and head to 4th Connecticut Lake and the source of the Connecticut River where the river can be stepped over in one step.

The trail sees very little company in the far north. Even sections in WMNF aren't overly busy with the exception of the Mt Eisenhower Area. For current up to date info of trail contact the Cohos Trail Association at cohostrail.org
The last few miles of trail are constantly being improved.

Camping along the trail is possible at Resolution Shelter and Mt Cabot Cabin in WMNF as well as two other lean tos in the north country. There are several designated campsites as well as a couple of pay to camp state parks. In WMNF follow there camping rules.

This trail is very isolated, especially further north so be prepared to be fully self sufficient. Conditions range from Alpine near Mt. Eisenhower to a few miles of road walking.

Cohostrail.org has much more in depth info. The Cohos Trail is a great new trail with even greater potential as the last few area on private land are finished.