There's a big celebration going on this weekend. And you know I'm never one to miss a good paaaar-tee.

So, yep, we're headed up to the northern reaches of New Hampster for a big gathering of hiking bigwigs and various and sundry supporters to celebrate one of New England's great long distance trails - the Cohos Trail - which just so happens to turn 10 years old this year.

The Cohos Trail is a 162-mile trail route that extends from the Bemis Bridge over the Saco River just shy of Crawford Notch all the way (and it is a long way I can tells you, having hiked it through over 15 days last August) north to the Canadian border at the town of Pittsburg.

You want big mountain backcountry, days and days of solitude, plenty o' wildlife for company, a primitive walking experience far from the crowds and with few amenities except those you carry along with on your back? Well then, you got it on the Cohos Trail.

Dry River Falls just off the Cohos Trail in the Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness of the White Mountain National Forest.
Carey Kish photo

Waiting out the weather in the snug comfort of Baldhead Lean-to on the Cohos Trail.
Carey Kish photo

Crossing Cohos Trail high country at Bulldozer Flats.
Carey Kish photo

Sunset on the Cohos Trail from the lonely Panorama Lean-to.
Carey Kish photo

The Cohos Trail traverses the length of the grand, the wild Nash Stream Forest.
Carey Kish photo

It's a trail, a place, a dream worth celebrating, for sure. From Kim Nilsen's original dream of such a trail extending the length of Coos County on down, there are countless people responsible for bringing the Cohos Trail to life, building it mile by mile, making sure it survives and prospers as corridor of opportunity for those folks like you and me who want to get away for a few hours or a few days and just walk and exist and maybe camp amid the quiet beauty of the mountains.

Kudos to you all! Congrats for all your hard work! A big Woo-Hoo to the members of The Cohos Trail Association! Cheers to the Cohos Trail at 10!

Cohos Trail founder Kim Nilsen of Spofford NH at the tiny source of the Connecticut River, near the end of the Cohos Trail on the US-Canada border.
Carey Kish photo

Anyway, this weekend... big gathering, lots of good people, fun outdoorsy and indoorsy stuff to do. Here's the poop, direct from the guy who started it all, Kim Nilsen:

The Cohos Trail Association - 10th Anniversary Summer Celebration

WHEN: June 20 - 21 - 22, 2008

WHERE:
Sportsman's Lodge & Cabins on Big Diamond Pond
1355 Diamond Pond Road
Stewartstown, New Hampshire 03576
603-237-5211

The Sportman's Lodge is a very comfy wayside on the Cohos Trail in Stewartstown NH.
Carey Kish photo

WHAT:
a. Guided Hikes
b. BBQ
c. Saturday Evening Entertainment by 'The Folk Tree'
d. Slideshow Presentation
e. 'Windows To The Wild' Presentation
f. Fishing
g. Horseshoes
h. Volleyball
i. Kayaking
j. Canoeing
k. Boating
l. Singalong with Kim Nilsen on guitar
m. Pancake Breakfast
n. Plus a whole lot more!...

WHO'S INVITED?
Hikers, moose and loon lovers, peak baggers, outdoors buffs, singles,
couples, families, and just about anyone who loves the wilds of Coos County,
New Hampshire's Great Unknown.

COST FOR THE EVENTS?
None.

WHERE TO STAY?
The Sportsman's Lodge & Cabins have been long-time supporters of The
Cohos Trail and have agreed to let us hold our annual meeting and
get-together at their awesome place on Big Diamond Pond. The lake boasts
some of the largest cusk and lake trout in the State of New Hampshire for
those who are dyed in the wool anglers.

The Sportsman's Lodge & Cabins is offering attendee's discounted rates
for this fun weekend:
* $35.00 per person - rooms with shared bath across the hall
* $45.00 per person - rooms with private baths
* $15.00 per campsite (Showers available. Bring your linens and towels)

Please call ahead for reservations at 603-237-5211. Sportsman's does offer beer and wine.

If you'd like to set up camp at Coleman State Park nearby, please call
early to make reservations by calling: 603-237-5382. Coleman State Park has
30 primitive tent sites, restrooms and a dump station that can accommodate
self-contained RV's (no hook-ups).

AGENDA FOR THE WEEKEND

FRIDAY - JUNE 20: - Arrival - Check-In & Set-up - Free Time

SATURDAY - JUNE 21:

* 9 a.m.: Guided Hikes with Kim Nilsen & Peter Castine
(Note: Bring a daypack, water, snack & bug dope!)

* 12.30 p.m.: Spaghetti feed. (no cost)

* 2 p.m.: Slideshow presentation with Kim Nilsen

* 5:30 p.m.: Barbeque on the lawn (no cost)

* 7 p.m.: Entertainment by the band 'The Folk Tree'

All Day: 'Windows On The Wild' television show presentation

Whenever the spirit moves him: a singalong with Kim Nilsen on guitar

Spectacular Table Rock, on the Cohos Trail high above Dixville Notch, is the site of one of Saturday's guided hikes.
Carey Kish photo

SUNDAY - JUNE 22:

* 7 a.m. Pancake Breakfast (small fee)

* Free time: Explore the many trails around Sportsman's Lodge. Go
kayaking. Play horseshoes and volleyball. Go fishing (rent a 12 ft. aluminum
boat with trolling motor, a 14 ft. aluminum boat with trolling motor, 2
kayaks & 2 canoes).

DIRECTIONS TO SPORTSMAN'S LODGE AND CABINS

FROM BOSTON, MA:
Take I-93 through Franconia Notch to Exit 35 onto Route 3 North to Twin
Mountain. Continue on Route 3 to Colebrook Center - Take a right onto
Route 26 East. Go 7 miles to Diamond Pond Rd (on left)... Follow for 7
miles (watch for Sportsman's Signs)...1 mile past Coleman State Park

FROM HARTFORD, CT:
Take I-91 North to St. Johnbury, VT. Take 2 East to Lancaster, NH. Turn
onto Route 3 North to Colebrook Center. Take a right onto Route 26
East...Go 7 miles to the Diamond Pond Road (on left) - Follow for 7
miles (watch for signs)...1 mile past Coleman State Park

FROM PORTLAND, ME:
Take I-95 North to Exit 11 at Gray, Me...Take Route 26 West through
Grafton Notch into Errol, NH...Stay on Route 26 through Dixville Notch
and 5 miles past the Balsams Grand Resort, turn right onto Diamond Pond
Road (on right)...Follow for 7 miles (watching for signs)...1 mile past
Coleman State Park.

If you can't make it up for some or all of this weekend, not to worry. The Cohos Trail and all its beauty isn't going anywhere. Same for all the great places to hike and stay along its length. Check out the great new Cohos Trail website for complete information on everything to plan a Cohos Trail visit!

Come on up to hike the Cohos Trail this summer or fall. It's a good bet you'll be back again and again. It's a wild and beautiful trail! And some of the friendliest people on the planet live along it and support it! Maybe you'll want to join TCTA and help out out too!

Last year's big international celebration at the terminus of the Cohos Trail on the US-Canada border.
Carey Kish photo

Have you hiked on the Cohos Trail yet? What was your experience like?