Cohos Trail (Killkenny Section)

Dogs Unknown

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

It's unclear if a day pass is required (at South Pond) for someone who is thru-hiking this trail. The South Pond Link portion of this trail is a snowmobile trail (during the winter); please be aware of snowmobilers.

This section starts at the Starr King Trailhead and follows it to Mount Waumbek. From here, the trail follows Kilkenny Ridge Trail. The Kilkenny Ridge Trail is a rough trail to follow; it looks like it got hit by a hurricane. At the end of the ridge, the trail turns left to traverse over the 3 peaks of Weeks Mountain. There's a small seep (on the right) as you ascend the 3rd peak of Weeks Mountain. The water sources along this section are scarce, so take advantage of any opportunity to refill.

The trail descends to York Pond Trail, follows it to the left, then stays straight on Kilkenny Ridge Trail. There is a good water source, here; this is, basically, the only water source between here and Unknown Pond. It passes Terrace Mountain Spur and Bunnell Notch Trail, before making its way up to Mount Cabot. Though the firetower was removed, Cabot Cabin still remains. If the cabin is full, the next camping area is at Unknown Pond. It crosses over The Bulge, then past the spur to The Horn. It descends from the Horn down to Unknown Pond, where there are some areas to camp.

It travels through a low swampy area, before climbing up to Mill Brook Trail and Roger's Ledge. Roger's Ledge has some fine views of the surrounding landscape. The trail travels through a brushy area as it makes its way to South Pond. As you exit the woods, the trail follows the edge of the forest to the parking area. From here, the trail follows South Pond Road until you reach South Pond Link (on the left). The Cohos Trail can either follow the rest of the road to Bell Hill Road or take South Pond Link to Route 110.

Flora: Spikenard, Beech, Birch, Striped Maple, Bracken Fern.
Fauna: Red Squirrel.