The trail begins by Christine Lake, from which the Percy Peaks, the southern peak being one of the destinations of this route, are visible. The trail travels through Kauffman Forest shortly before entering Nash Stream Forest. It follows old logging roads in this section, through the woods and often over even, grassy terrain.
The trail crosses Rowells Brook on an old snowmobile bridge and soon after there is a side spur to the Devil's Rest shelter, built by Cohos Trail volunteers. Uphill from the shelter, the trail crosses the grassy Jimmy Cole Brook Road (hikers should cross directly to stay on the trail). The Rowell Link heads east to the Bald Mountain Loop at this point. Continuing northwest on the Old Summer Club trail, the gentle path soon turns uphill to the right, climbing an increased grade through mixed hardwoods.
1.7 miles from the trailhead, there is a junction with the Victor Head trail on the right. From there, it is a steep 0.4 mile ascent, in part through a boulder field of impressive glacial erratics, to the top of this peak. There are ledges on Victor Head offering views of Christine Lake, Percy Peaks, and the Mahoosuc and Presidential mountain ranges in the distance.
Back on the main trail, 1.6 miles from Victor Head, there is a trail junction, with the Cohos Trail heading to the right. To the left, the trail leads 0.3 miles up to South Percy Peak. South Percy Peak manages to maintain some level growth of trees and moss due to its ledges, compared to the bare, steep rocky slabs of North Percy Peak; but above and around this sparse growth, South Percy's summit offers spectacular vistas in many directions, including an unimpeded view of the neighboring North Percy Peak.
The Cohos Trail is a system of pathways and spur trails from southern Crawford Notch in the White Mountain National Forest through the Great North Woods to the Canadian border at far-flung Pittsburg, NH. Within this geography it stretches for 170 miles of wilderness hiking. To learn more about the Cohos Trail, visit their website, purchase the Cohos Trail Guidebook and support the organization.
For additional information, visit the Cohos Trail Association website, or contact:
Coming from the east, head west on NH-110. 15 miles from Berlin, and 4 miles past the junction with NH-110A, take a right onto Bell Hill Road.
From the west, head east on NH-110, and take a left onto Bell Hill Road, 10 miles from Northumberland.
Go 0.2 miles on Bell Hill Road, then turn left onto Percy Road. Go 1.7 miles, and turn right on Christine Lake Road. Go 0.3 miles, and take a left to the recreation area and parking lot at the south end of Christine Lake.
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