A WORD OF CAUTION

The Cohos Trail is not a walk in the park. The Cohos Trail is not a trail for those in T-shirts and sneakers or dress shoes. It is an isolated, remote trail system that winds in some places for dozens and dozens of miles without ever encountering a town.

Do not attempt to hike The Cohos Trail unless you have thought this out thoroughly, have taken steps to ship caches ahead (see Supply Caches), and have the physical ability to make the long trek.

If you are not carrying a fine pack with foul weather gear and warm clothing, you are courting trouble. If you get into a bad situation, rescue can be many many hours and even a full day away.

There is always the possiblity that you will have to self-rescue yourself, if you sustain a bone break or a bad sprain. Think! Are you prepared to do such a thing? If not, do not attempt The Cohos Trail.

A NEW TRAIL

The Cohos Trail is also a new trail. It is still a little rough around the edges. This summer we will work to improve the whole system to within normal standards.

When you are out on the CT, particularly early in the summer, be sure to watch carefully for blazing on the trees. Do not assume that the old logging road that looks like the way to go is always the right way to go. Watch for blazing. Sometimes the CT takes unexpected turns off pathways that seem like the logical avenue to go down.

Remember, too, that since the CT is a new trail, there are still a few places where the trail "on the ground" is not too well defined. When in doubt, blazing and flagging are very important to moving over the trail.

Be careful in areas where tall grass and weeds abound, particularly on old logging lanes, skidways and in logging cuts. Be sure of your footfalls, in particular just north of Nathan Pond. And watch for blackberry and raspberry cane that grows in several short stretches along the CT. Wear long pants when encountering these tough plants.

No matter what you do, you will need a set of the new full color maps. They are indispensible for moving over much of the terrain.

CAMPFIRES

Due to fire restrictions on most private and public lands, we at The Cohos Trail Association (TCTA) recommend that you utilize small gas or propane-fired stoves for your needs on The Cohos Trail.

Individuals who build campfires for heat, light, cooking or other purposes are subject to laws or use restrictions that prohibit or limit the building of fire except when one has written permission from the landowner and a written fire permit from the local fire warden or from a state or federal agency.

Fire danger is real. High elevation areas dry out long before lowlands. Fire danger multiples the higher in elevation you go.

If you are found guility of starting a fire that damages lands and structures, you are liable for all damages and fire suppression costs, including costs incurred to fight fire on adjacent lands.

Most experienced hikers carry a small gas or fuel stove with them for food preparation. These are acceptable. But open fires built of wood or trash are not permissable in all cases and cannot be condoned by the association.

WINTER HIKING

We do not recommend a through trek on the CT in winter at this time. In some areas, blazes will not be visible under the snow, as there are blazes painted on rock on the ground in some areas. These will be covered completely and will be impossible to spot.

This coming year, we hope to have all blazing up off the ground on rock cairns, posts, and in trees. That should make winter trekking in "normal" snow years possible. However, the winter of 2001 saw near record snows with snow piling up four, five and six feet in the woods. Under those conditions, the Cohos Trail would be virtually impassable.

FOR SERIOUS HIKERS

The CT is for those who are serious trekkers, for those with experience and plenty of gear and supplies.

These folks can stay out in the woods in all weather without the aid of shelters. At this time, there are few shelters to get in out of the elements anyway, with the exception of Resolution lean-to shelter, the Mt. Cabot Cabin, and the Baldhead and Panorama lean-to shelters. If you attempt the CT expecting to find lean-tos and the like every ten miles, you will be very disappointed.

Please heed these words. If you are not skilled and well supplied, there are thousands of miles of trails elsewhere which are suited to your needs. Of course, day hikes are possible along the system. But if you intend to stay out for a period of time, be sure you have the skills and equipment necessary for the trek.