When the originally planned 162 miles of trails and existing routes is complete, it will be the longest single foot-trail system created in the state's history. It will run from near the town of Harts Location, New Hampshire all the way to the Canadian border when the last blowdown is cleared away. About 150 miles of trail can be followed now, and the remaining miles should come on line in 2007 or 2008.

Most of it is easily followed now. By the end of the work season in 2002, the trail was well blazed and outfitted with the small dark brown and bright yellow lettered CT signs over two-thirds of its length. However, we do not have permission to put up the small CT signs in the Presidential Range region and some sections in Pittsburg. Nevertheless, with the new full color maps, it is easy to navigate the routes in those areas that are not marked. In 2004, we put up a host of new name signs, as well.

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The trail stretches through New Hampshire's most isolated and unpopulated terrain, never encountering a town larger than 900 souls. In fact, once you leave Jefferson, NH, you will not enter a population center again until you reach little Pittsburg village 90 trail miles later. And, if you decide not to detour off the trail into the village of Pittsburg, you can walk nearly 120 miles without encountering a town.

So, you should have one million acres to yourself. And you are likely to meet more moose on the trail than people. And that's not stretching the truth.

What Is On The Cohos Trail?

Here is a partial list of the physical features you will encounter:

• more than 30 mountain peaks, many with fine views
  
• four 4,000-footers along the route
  
• numerous mountain notches, including dramatic Dixville Notch
  
• many sheer cliffs and exposed ledges
  
• numerous waterfalls
  
• Dixville flume and gorge
  
• an ice gulch and ice caves
  
• arctic tundra above treeline
  
• a high elevation blueberry barren
  
• dark, remote and moody boreal forests
  
• pure white birch tree stands
  
• extensive bogs, marshes and wildlife reserves
  
• still wild sections of the Connecticut River
  
• many glacial kettle ponds and vast lakes (some larger than 2,000 acres)
  
• high elevation mountain meadows
  
• several state and federal campgrounds
  
• two new lean-tos that sleep six or more
  
• a WMNF summit cabin that sleeps up to 8 people
  
• an ecological rebound area (site of the 1969 Nash Bog flood)
  
• two five-star grand resort hotels from the 19th century
  
• plenty of moose, moose sign and moose wallows
  
• copious evidence of the work of glaciers
  
• a natural, bubbling jacuzzi
  
• black bear scratching trees and bear sign
  
• many icy cold, crystal clear streams
  
• unpredictable and sometimes dangerous weather
  
• very very few homo sapiens
  
• and the great and solemn silence of The Great North Woods