By Heather Cote, 2021 Cohos Trail hiker
The Cohos Trail is a 170 mile point-to-point trail from the United States/Canadian border in New Hampshire south to Crawford Notch. Along the trail, hikers will find maintained shelters, White Mountain National Forest tent sites, and hiker-friendly campgrounds. It is routinely hiked SOBO or NOBO in 10-16 days.
Region: New England (New Hampshire)
Distance: 170 miles (10-16 days)
Physical Difficulty: Difficult
- Weather changes in the White Mountains must be monitored
- Rocky climbs in the southern third of the trail
- Cumulative elevation makes for near-continuous climbing and descending
Logistical Difficulty: Difficult
- Northern and southern termini are separated by a 2.5-hour car ride; shuttles are often utilized for a car drop
- Minimal resupply options. Mail or in-person drop-offs should be utilized to minimize pack weight
- No permit required; parking must be paid for if leaving a vehicle at the Davis Path Trailhead (southern terminus in Crawford Notch)
Season: Summer, Fall
Elevation (average): ~2,300 feet
Total Elevation Gain: ~33,000 feet
Hiking the Cohos Trail
The Cohos Trail was first envisioned in 1978 by founder Kim Robert Nilsen. The trail network was eventually realized with the help of private, state, and federal landowners and the hard work of countless volunteers. Its intention was to give access to the far northern reaches of New Hampshire. This trail has been a bucket list item of mine for some time, having been an avid White Mountains hiker for years.
I started my hike the second week of August with the intention of avoiding the worst of the bugs and the heat. I successfully dodged the insects, but the heat became another story as a heat wave built during my hike. Given the ever-changing weather of the north, I packed for a variety of conditions. I started my hike at the northern terminus, reveling in the sight of the international border markings along the trail as I looped the Fourth Connecticut Lake, the official start miles of the Cohos Trail.
As I worked my way south, I was pleasantly surprised to find yellow markers and signs lining much of the trail and intersections. The Cohos Trail Association works each year to make navigation a bit easier. I did refer to my SOBO Databook, the paper map and my Avenza app frequently throughout the trip as the trail shares terrain with snowmobile passages, ATV trails, local trails, and eventually White Mountain National Forest trails.
I spent 8 days reveling in the beauty of this trail, hiking into the White Mountain National Forest on day 7. At this point, I was paying close attention to the higher summit forecast as I would be hiking the southern, exposed flank of the Presidential Range in the days to come. The remnants of a tropical storm affected my decision to get off trail and come back in drier and safer conditions. The weather in the WMNF is volatile year round and hikers should be prepared and respect the forecast.
Nonetheless, this trail delivered in its remote nature, friendly town environment (the locals love hikers) and varied terrain. I will hike this trail again, most likely by section to see what I missed along the way. This trail requires hikers to be fit and comfortable carrying additional gear. This is not safe for “light and fast” under most conditions. Some nights on trail, I was sleeping under only the mesh portion of my tent, while other nights required the rain fly, long underwear, and my quilt. This is part of what makes this trail such an adventure.
How to Get to the Cohos Trail
Nearest City: Pittsburg at the northern terminus and Bartlett at the southern terminus
Northern Terminus: US Port of Entry/Fourth Connecticut Lake Trail
Southern Terminus: Davis Path Trailhead
Hikers who prefer to hike from the northern terminus at the US/Canadian border usually leave a car at the Davis Path Trailhead in Bartlett, then shuttle to the start. That way you have a car waiting at the end. This was my choice, so I paid a shuttle driver to take me from Bartlett to Pittsburg and drop me at the border patrol station. The Cohos Trail starts behind the station. I hired Maura from Maura at Your Service. Shuttles are pricey (around $220.00) as the ride is approximately 2 1/2 hours from terminus to terminus. That said, I didn’t have to bother a friend or family member to deal with the car drop situation.
Hikers wishing to start at the southern terminus and end at the border may leave cars at the border patrol station with permission and a note on the dash. Be prepared for no cell service at both termini. I recommend having your plans for a ride or shuttle well established before you start.
When to Hike the Cohos Trail
The best time to hike this trail is after black fly season. This tiny insect can ruin a hike in June and early July. Hike this trail in July and August if you only have warm weather backpacking gear. Hike it in September if you want to see the beginnings of an amazing foliage season in the far north. This trail can be hiked later in the season, however winter gear (warmer sleep system, microspikes, winter clothing) should be carried. The average temperature in Pittsburg in October at low elevation is 53 degrees.
Cohos Trail Terrain
The Cohos Trail is a mix of snowmobile trails (essentially wide grassy ways, some have been trimmed by caretakers), dirt trails shared with ATVs, jeep roads, forested single track, and rocky mountain trails. There really is a little something for everyone out here. The northern 100 miles have the easiest terrain (but still lots of ups and downs) while you will start experiencing more rocks and roots once you pass into the Nash Stream Forest and White Mountain National Forest. The highest point on the trail is Mt. Eisenhower (accessed by a .1 mile spur trail) and you will be in the true alpine zone here. There is a “high peaks” option for the Cohos, taking you along the Southern Presidential Range to Mt. Washington. Here you will experience breathtaking views of the Whites, but be prepared for being exposed to the elements all day.
Cohos Trail Resupply Strategy
Most hikers choose to send themselves at least one resupply box during this hike. The private campgrounds, Percy Lodge, and Stark Village Inn will accept resupply boxes as long as you contact them first, as does the Jefferson post office. There is only one “on trail” resupply option in the first 100 miles at Young’s General Store in Pittsburg. After that, it’s a long push to the Old Corner Store in Jefferson and the Bretton Woods Market & Deli where you can resupply. A hitch is hard to grab in the northern part of the state simply due to lack of traffic. Hitches to Colebrook are possible if you are patient. Here you will find a grocery store and restaurants. Expect to lose a half day on this option.
I started my hike with a five-day food carry. You can do a full resupply at Young’s, plus grab fresh fruit or a sub. I collected my resupply at the Percy Lodge and Campground in Stark, about 1.2 miles off trail. I had a room booked here and had mailed the owner, Kathleen, my box the week before. She was starting a hiker box too! Once you are done with the Kilkenny Ridge, you could completely resupply in Jefferson and Bretton Woods if you aren’t picky.
Logistics: Permits, Camping, Water, and Gear
Permits: The Cohos Trail is located on private, state, and federal forest land. Permits are not required, however there are certain camping rules that MUST be adhered to in order to keep this trail accessible to the public.
Camping: This trail is on WMNF federal land from the southern terminus through the Kilkenny Ridge (South Pond in Stark). You may use dispersed campsites on this section. Visit the PDF on Backcountry Camping Rules for full details on finding your own non-established campsite. The only exception in this area is the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson.
North of South Pond in Stark, you must camp in designated areas only. This includes the Cohos Trail Association Shelters, established campgrounds, and tent sites. A complete list can be found on the Cohos Trail Association Places to Stay Along the Trail page.
I utilized a combination of shelters and campgrounds for my hike. I stayed at Deer Mountain Campground, Lake Francis Campground, Rudy’s Campground, Panorama Shelter, Old Hermit Shelter, Percy Lodge, Unknown Pond tent site, and Israel River Campground. I have also stayed south of Mt. Martha by following the backcountry campsite rules. Most campgrounds have quarter showers and laundry. The tent site and shelters I stayed at all had well-maintained privies.
Water: Water can be found by using the Cohos Trail map. I found many of the water sources on the map were in fact running (albeit slowly) despite the drought being experienced in this area. My longest water carries (3Ls) were up to Panorama Shelter and from Unknown Pond tent site to Jefferson Village. The Kilkenny Ridge and Davis Path are notoriously dry so do not fail to fill up at Unknown Pond or Dry River. The SOBO and NOBO databooks, available as a PDF that I uploaded to my phone, were invaluable for knowing where my next reliable water source was located. I filtered water for my entire trip.
Know Before You Go
The Cohos Trail is a phenomenal adventure for those seeking to step away from the crowds. It is not unusual to be alone for days at a time. I spent one of 8 days with two other SOBO hikers. I did start to see day hikers as I came into Jefferson, but the region north of here is largely unexplored by backpackers and day hikers alike. Navigation is getting better, but I found the Avenza app and maps an invaluable tool many times at intersections. Ultimately, this trail is worth the logistical planning if you are seeking solitude.
Cohos Trail Resources
Cohos Trail Association – Visit their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information
White Mountain National Forest Camping
Hiker-friendly campgrounds:
Rudy’s Campground (hiker camp area and amazing sunsets)
Shuttle Service: Maura at Your Service
Avenza App – Cohos Trail map is available for use offline
Heather is a lifelong outdoors woman, exploring trails as a child and young adult on horseback. She transitioned to hiking, backpacking, and ultra running in the last 8 years and is eager to continue exploring. Her “playground” is the White Mountains of New Hampshire and trails throughout New England. When not exploring, she enjoys photography, writing, and spending time with her people and animals. Follow her on Instagram.
