The Cohos Trail is New England's newest long-distance hiking route, extending 162 miles through the woods and mountains of northern New Hampshire. The path offers a high quality backcountry experience replete with natural beauty and precious solitude as it traverses the length of sprawling Coos County (Cohos is the traditional spelling) from just below Crawford Notch northward to Canada. Kim Nilsen of Spofford, N.H., first proposed the trail route more than 30 years ago, but it wasn't until 2000 that the trail system officially opened. Much is owed to Nilsen and the countless volunteers, landowners, public agencies and other advocates whose vision and dedication made it a reality on the ground. The CT is a work in progress, a primitive trail that passes through remote and lightly traveled country. Much of the path follows existing trails, woods roads, railbeds and snowmobile trails as well as newly cut trail, but there are some gaps remaining to be completed. Trail markers and signage can be scarce in places, so careful navigation is required. But woods-savvy hikers equipped with guidebook, maps and compass will get along just fine. This past summer I had the good fortune to hike the entire Cohos Trail during a 15-day period in late July and early August. It wasn't your ordinary long-distance hike, however. Earlier in the year word came from founder Nilsen that the CT dream might be short-lived owing to a shortage of money and volunteers. But CT supporters quickly mobilized and plans began to take shape to turn my hike into a fundraiser and public outreach campaign. The result was not only a fun couple of weeks on the trail for me, but a spirited celebration that helped renew enthusiasm and support for this tremendous regional recreation resource and raise critical funds to help maintain, improve and complete the CT. ONLY TWO TOWNS ON TRAIL The CT begins its long journey at the Bemis Bridge over the Saco River at Notchland on Route 302, where it enters the Dry River Wilderness. The trail rises up and crosses the Presidential Range at Mt. Eisenhower, the highest point on the CT at 4,760 feet. Descending the historic Edmands Path, the CT carries on to Bretton Woods and the world famous Mt. Washington Hotel. Beyond Mt. Martha and the Owl, the CT passes through the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge before reaching Jefferson, one of only two towns directly on the trail where supplies and accommodations may be obtained. The rugged Kilkenny Range is next; eight peaks over 3,500 feet with 5,000 feet of elevation gain. The effort is rewarded upon reaching Mt. Cabot, home to a cozy summit cabin and spectacular sunsets. The serene shores of Unknown Pond and fine granite of Rogers Ledge lead to a sandy beach at South Pond Recreation Area. Above the clear waters of Christine Lake the trail wends over the twin domes of the Percy Peaks. The vista atop North Percy may be the finest on the CT, revealing a nearly unbroken forested landscape. Pressing deeper into Nash Stream Forest, the CT ascends through Muise Bowl and climbs over Bulldozer Flats to the Baldhead lean-to perched on a high ridge. A FAMOUS VIEW Table Rock may be the most famous view, if you dare to edge out and look down 700 airy feet to the Balsams Resort below the jagged notch. North of the notch the Panorama lean-to sits in a lonely spot, perfect for an evening of quiet contemplation. Coleman State Park and Little Diamond Pond lie ahead, leading to miles of pleasant country road walking. Broad views of the Connecticut Lakes region open up at Weirs Tree Farm. Ben Young Hill is the final climb before reaching the civilized outpost of Pittsburg village. Around Lake Francis the CT emerges at Route 3 and Young's Store, the last stop for supplies. The route is incomplete from here and follows the road most of the way to Canada. At Deer Mountain Campground the mighty Connecticut River is just a stone's throw wide, and the U.S.-Canada boundary -- the end of the Cohos Trail -- is just four miles ahead. I'm pleased to report that the Cohos Trail Association recently received approval from state and local authorities to complete the final miles of the trail. So it appears that this exciting and imaginative trail project will endure after all. To lend a volunteer hand (trail work begins anew next spring) or to plan your own day, weekend or two-week hike, go to www.cohostrail.org online. Carey Kish of Portland wishes to thank the Cohos Trail Association for an unforgettable hiking trip. Kish can be reached at: MaineOutdoors@aol.com

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