The Kilkenny Ridge Trail traverses the Kilkenny region of the White Mountain National Forest, an area rich in wildlife and beautiful woodlands.

Ascending gently, the trail passes over the wooded summit of Mt. Waumbek (4006 ft) at 0.7 mile. The trail continues at a moderate grade over the mostly wooded summits of South and Middle Weeks. At 4.8 miles it reaches the summit of North Weeks. The trail then descends rapidly via switchbacks into Willard Notch. At 6.0 miles the Kilkenny Ridge Trail intersects the York Pond Trail. Turning west for 0.1 miles, the trail continues toward Mt. Cabot. Traversing at a moderate grade, there is a short spur trail (0.1 miles) at 7.1 miles to South Terrace, from which there are excellent views of the Presidential and Mahoosuc Ranges. The main trail ascends over a wooded knoll before continuing to North Terrace. Here the trail passes through an open area of small softwood trees. At 9.1 miles, the trail crosses the Bunnell Notch Trail. Turning west, the trail continues north and joins the Mt. Cabot Trail at 9.5 miles.

At 10.5 miles, the trail passes a small Forest Service cabin which is open to the public year-round. Just beyond this point there are great views from the site of a former Forest Service fire tower. Shortly after reentering the woods, water is available 1000 feet to the east (right). At 10.9 miles, the trail reaches the wooded summit of Mt. Cabot. Turning east (right) the trail descends fairly rapidly over the Bulge.

At 12.1 miles, a spur trail leads south (right) to the Horn. Descending gently at 13.6 miles, the trail intersects the Unknown Pond Trail. At Unknown Pond (a remote 10-acre pond) there is a small backcountry campsite.

Continuing at a gentle grade, the trail passes along a beautiful ridge of birches and softwoods. Reaching a height of land, it then descends moderately, passing by the site of a small pond, now grown over with alder, fir, and birches. There are occasional views towards Roger's Ledge. At 15.2 miles, the trail passes Kilback Pond, which provides habitat for moose and beaver. Passing the Mill Brook Trail at 15.8 miles, the trail ascends Roger's Ledge at a moderate grade. There are excellent views from the ledge (16.5 miles). At 19.9 miles, a side trail leads west (left) to Devil's Hopyard. The Kilkenny Ridge Trail ends at South Pond Recreation Area at 20.6 miles.

Trail Termini: The Kilkenny Ridge Trail begins at the end of the Starr King Trail on the summit of Mount Waumbek, 3.8 miles from Rte. 2 in Jefferson, New Hampshire.

Access is also available at South Pond Recreation Area off Rte. 110 in Stark, New Hampshire.

Parking: Parking for the Starr King and Kilkenny Ridge Trails is available at the end of Cottage Road in Jefferson. Parking is also available at South Pond Recreation Area from mid-June to mid-October. When the gate is closed (8 p.m.-9 a.m. and from mid-October to mid-June), hikers must park off the road and walk in 1.5 miles.