Day Hikes on the Cohos Trail
There are dozens of potential day hikes along the 170-mile route of the Cohos Trail and some heady bushwhacking adventures too. Here are some of our favorites:
Mt. Crawford
The Cohos Trail system begins on the Davis Path at Notchland parking lot in southern Crawford Notch. Cross the Saco River on a new cable-stay bridge and begin a rigorous climb for two hours to the summit of a 3,000-footer with a world-class view: Mt. Crawford. The little peak is perfectly situated in the White Mountain National Forest to take in almost all the terrain that can be viewed in the Forest from such a low elevation.
Owls Head
The Owls Head trailhead is just off Route 115 in Jefferson, across the road from the kiosk for the Slide Brook Trail. Park at the lot and head down the footpath, maintained by the Randolph Mountain Club, as it meanders through the woods for a while before beginning a moderate climb. After a good hour’s uphill pull, the trail becomes quite steep until you reach the expansive summit ledges with their spectacular view eastward to the wall of the northern Presidential Range. Want more? Drop down Martha’s Mile and make the quick climb to the summit of Mt. Martha and its view of the Franconia Range from just below the former site of an old fire tower.
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge
The 6,000-acre Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge is a gem of a wetland reserve, the remains of a glacial lake bottom. Here, the trails thread their way through exceptional wildlife habitat and hikers can often spot numerous bird species among the ponds and great marshes, not to mention the majestic peaks and ranges surrounding the refuge. For the full Pondicherry experience, drop a car at the Col. Whipple trailhead off Whipple Road in Jefferson and make your way to the Owls Head trailhead (mentioned above). Head down the Slide Brook Trail to the Presidential Range Rail Trail, which runs west to the spectacular Cherry Pond. Meander around the pond with a stop at the wildlife viewing station before taking the out-and-back loop to Little Cherry Pond. Then, follow the Ice Ramparts Trail and Col. Whipple Trail a couple miles back to your car.
Mt. Cabot Loop
The Cohos Trail utilizes the Kilkenny Ridge Trail in the Kilkenny division of the White Mountain National Forest. Travel to the York Pond trailheads in the Kilkenny five miles south of Route 110 and locate the trailhead for the Bunnell Notch Trail and the Unknown Pond Trail. Depending on which direction you pick, take those trails, coupled with the Kilkenny Ridge Trail on the highest terrain, and make a day-long circuit of mountains in the lofty Pilot Range including 4,170-foot Mt. Cabot, and the sensational summit known as The Horn. The Horn offers one of the more stunning views in the entire northern region.
North Percy Peak Loop
The Cohos Trail Association built or restored a number of trails on the conspicuous and steep Percy Peaks in the Nash Stream Forest north of the White Mountains. You can make a half-day loop hike to North Percy Peak by following the Percy Loop Trail to the upper end of the Percy Peaks Trail. Ascend to the bald summit and blueberry barrens atop North Percy. On the way down, get back to the Percy Peaks Trail and descend into the valley to the Nash Stream Road. Turn north (right) and walk back to your car, a mile away at the Percy Loop trailhead.
Mt. Sugarloaf
There are a good number of mountains named Sugarloaf in New England, but this one is in the Nash Stream Forest at Mile 9 on the Nash Stream Road. Cross the big bridge over Nash Stream and locate the trailhead on the left 100 feet beyond the bridge. Walk uphill past a camp and pace through a little field. Reach a junction. Stay to the right and begin a moderately steep ascent of the 3,700-footer, pulling steadily uphill the entire way. Pass the old fire warden’s rotting camp and soon reach the summit ledges with their sweeping vistas in all directions.
Nash Bog Loop
Just before crossing the big bridge over Nash Stream at Mile 9, pull over and park. Walk toward the bridge, but keep right and follow the stream north into the woods. Meander through beautiful woodlands near Nash Stream Bog, eventually reaching the Nash Stream Road. Turn south on the little-used road, and walk three miles back to your car, passing small summer camps dotted along the way and views to the east over sprawling Nash Bog.
Gadwah Notch Trail
At Mile 11 on the Nash Stream Road, come to a parking spot at the Headwaters Gate next to the last camp in the valley. At the split in the road here, stay left and enter the Gadwah Notch Trail. Begin an easy to modestly steep trek uphill to beautiful Cathedral Meadow. Pass it and continue on to Moran Meadow. Turn uphill and wander into Muise Bowl. Cross the Bowl and meander uphill continuously on a soft old logging-lane-turned-foot-trail and reach ever higher narrow meadows until you reach Bulldozer Flat at nearly 3,000 feet of elevation with its beautiful views to the west. If you have more miles in you, continue through Gadwah Notch, descending into Sims Stream Valley, then climb 3,097-foot Baldhead Mt. to the Baldhead Shelter and its 40-mile viewpoint. Spend the night in the shelter, or return the way you came.
Dixville Notch Loop (Dixville Notch Heritage Trail)
Some of the most dramatic scenery that can be had in the Northeast resides in Dixville Notch. The mountains and high ridges carry a system of trails known as the Dixville Notch Heritage Trail that continuously reach cliff faces and can be strung together to form a magnificent 5.1-mile loop hike around the state park. The pathways include the famed Table Rock Trail, the Three Brothers Trail/Huntington Cascade Trail, Flume Brook Trail, and the Sanguinary Ridge Trail. There are several trailheads and parking areas to take advantage of. Hikers should stay off the private property around the closed Balsams Resort.
Falls in the River Trail
One of the most popular trails we have developed in the entire region is the Falls in the River Trail. Begin at Second Connecticut Lake Dam and walk south into the woods. This is an easy woods walk along the wild Connecticut River. It reaches quiet backwaters and chattering streams, but the real prize is a big granite shelf that juts out into the roaring falls in the river above a narrow gorge and turbulent flume of foaming water.
Deer Mountain Firetower Trail
The Cohos Trail Association has restored a number of trails in Coos County, NH, and this is one. It begins on a spur road off Sophie’s Lane west of Deer Mountain Campground about four miles from the Canadian border. Walk Sophie’s Lane half a mile until a spur lane rises on the left. Walk up it until it ends. The trailhead is on the left (west) in a small turnaround lot. Begin an easy to moderate climb in quiet woods, crossing three streams as you climb higher. In less than an hour reach a high elevation drained bog in boreal forest. Now begin to climb more steeply and reach a narrow waterfall. Crest the summit ridgeline and walk north on the ridge until the steel superstructure of an abandoned fire tower comes into view. This is the summit of Deer Mountain, a spot that seems far removed from anywhere.
Fourth Connecticut Lake Trail – Nature Conservancy Property – NO DOGS ALLOWED
The Cohos Trail system ends on the short but briefly steep Fourth Connecticut Lake Trail, protected by the Nature Conservancy. It reaches the little two-acre fen high on Prospect Hill that is the headwaters source of the mighty Connecticut River. The pathway reaches the little pond in less than half an hour, but the trail makes a complete circuit around the watery environment in true boreal forest.
Looking for even more day hikes on the Cohos Trail? Check out these suggestions:
| Trail or Destination | Where | Rank | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davis Path, Mt. Crawford | Notchland | Tough | Mt. Views |
| Davis Path to Resolution | Notchland | Tough | Mt. Views |
| Davis Path to Stairs Mt. | Notchland | Lengthy | Mt. Views |
| Edmands Path | Mt. Clinton Road | Tough | 4,000-footer |
| Bridle Path | Mt. Clinton Road | Easy | Woods Walk |
| Upper Falls | Off Mt. Wash. Access Rd. | Easy | Waterfall |
| Lower Falls | Off Route 302 | Easy | Waterfall |
| Cherry Mt. Trail | Cherry Mt., Jefferson | Lengthy | Summit views |
| Owls Head | Cherry Mt., Jefferson | Tough | Super views |
| Slide Brook Trail/Old RR bed | Cherry Pond, Jefferson | Easy | Wildlife Refuge |
| Cherry Pond Trail | Cherry Pond, Jefferson | Easy | Wildlife Refuge |
| Starr King Trail | Pliny Range, Jefferson | Lengthy | Summits |
| Kilkenny Ridge Trail | South Pond to Rogers Ledge | Lengthy | Cliffs, forest |
| Kilkenny Ridge Trail | South Pond to The Horn | Strenuous | Ponds, Mt. view |
| Kilkenny Ridge Trail | South Pond to Devil’s Hopyard | Easy | Ice Gulch |
| Bald Mt. Trail | North Road, Stark | Moderate | Notch, forest |
| Old Summer Club Trail | From Christine Lake, Stark | Lengthy | Summits |
| Victor Head Trail | Off Old Summer Club Trail | Tough | Cliffs |
| Percy Peaks Trail | Off Nash Stream Road | Tough | Summit, slabs |
| Percy Loop Trail | Off Nash Stream Road | Tough | Summit, forest |
| Pond Brook Falls Trail | Off Nash Stream Road | Easy | Waterfall |
| East Side Trail | Off Nash Stream Road | Easy | Bog, views |
- EASY Usually short in distance and level or moderate inclines. All ages can manage these day hikes. Carrying water is advised.
- MODERATE Several miles generally, with level or moderate terrain. May not be suitable for young children. Carrying water and food is advised.
- LENGTHY Trail is not terribly difficult but is many miles long, usually at least seven or eight miles in length. Not recommended for the elderly or young children. Water and food are essential.
- TOUGH Marked by moderately steep to steep terrain. Managed by most people in good physical condition but difficult for those who are out of shape. Water and food are essential.
- STRENUOUS Steep terrain usually over moderate to long distances. These routes are best for folks who are used to long hikes, are in good physical condition, and are well supplied with water and food.