A quiet riverside woodland in the foothills of the Comeraghs, where the River Mahon tumbles through native trees and conifer forest on the road up to Mahon Falls.
The main signposted route is a 5.4 km linear walk (allow 1.5 to 2 hours, moderate, 140 m ascent) following red arrows along the River Mahon through deciduous woodland, open pasture and conifer forest between Mahon Bridge and the road to Mahon Falls.
If you want something brief, the wood holds about 3 km of walkways and the main path from the entrance is only 0.68 km — an easy 20-minute leg into the trees from the car park.
A newer waymarked path runs from Mahon Bridge (entrance right of the crossroads) up to Crough Woods, giving spectacular views; the southern end is where the 5.4 km trail finishes.
The Mahon has carved a gorge through rock and cliffs, with small waterfalls pounding below the path — especially dramatic after heavy rain, and loud enough to set the mood for the whole walk.
The wood is important habitat for red squirrel, pine marten, otter and bats, and a good spot for birds such as ring ouzel, buzzard and dipper. Keep dogs on a lead so as not to disturb them.
The southern section opens up panoramic views of Coum Mahon and Knockaunapeebra to the north over the Comeragh foothills.
Continue up the valley road about 2.5 km to Mahon Falls and its easy waterfall path, and try the 'Magic Road' phenomenon just past the cattle grid.
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